Hilton Head weather, month by month.
Pick the right window for the trip you actually want. Each month has its own page with averages, water temps, what's open, and the booking lead time you'll need.
Pick a month, open the page.
January
58°F / 41°FThe cheapest, quietest month on Hilton Head.
Water 55°FVery low42% of JulyFebruary
61°F / 43°FSlightly warmer than January, slightly more open. Still the deal of the year.
Water 55°FVery low (Valentine’s week lifts)44% of JulyMarch
67°F / 49°FThe turn. Course conditioning peaks, weather warms fast, and spring break arrives in week 3.
Water 60°FLow through week 2, surge week 3-4 (spring break)60% of JulyApril
74°F / 55°FThe shoulder-season sweet spot. Heritage week is the asterisk.
Water 67°FHeavy week 2 (Heritage), moderate otherwise75% of JulyMay
81°F / 63°FLast quiet month before summer. Bath-warm water by Mother’s Day.
Water 74°FModerate (Memorial Day surge end of month)80% of JulyJune
87°F / 71°FSummer arrives. Bath-warm water, long daylight, full island energy.
Water 80°FPeak begins90% of JulyJuly
90°F / 74°FThe hottest month, the warmest water, the highest rates.
Water 84°FPeak (highest of year)100% of JulyAugust
89°F / 73°FStill peak. Hottest water of the year, soggy afternoons, and the front edge of hurricane season.
Water 84°FPeak through mid-August, dropping late month95% of JulySeptember
85°F / 69°FAfter Labor Day, the island empties. Water is still 80°F.
Water 80°FPeak through Labor Day; quiet week 2 onward70% of JulyOctober
77°F / 59°FThe single best month to visit Hilton Head Island.
Water 73°FLow65% of JulyNovember
70°F / 50°FFirst two weeks are excellent value. <a href="/hilton-head-thanksgiving">Thanksgiving week</a> is quietly busy.
Water 65°FLow (Thanksgiving-week surge)55% of JulyDecember
62°F / 43°FHoliday lights, mild days, and one of the cheapest weeks of the year tucked between Christmas and NYE.
Water 58°FVery low (Christmas week and NYE lift)45% of July
For the full year-round narrative with hurricane-season specifics, water-temperature deep dive, and packing-by-season notes, see the long-form Hilton Head weather and best time to visit guide.
