Tucked into the South Carolina coast, Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination that welcomes visitors to its shores all year long. With sprawling beaches, gorgeous water, and a unique culture that perfectly blends Lowcountry traditions with rich regional nuance, it’s easy to see why!
If you’re planning to visit Hilton Head, you may be wondering what the best time of the year is for your trip. That’s why we’ve created your seasonal guide to Hilton Head weather. Full of information on the top things to do each season, annual events and festivals, and the average temperatures you can expect, we hope it helps you as you plan your coastal getaway.
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Spring (March-May)
Spring on Hilton Head Island is a phenomenal time to visit. Whether you’re looking to get out and explore or just enjoy the last remnants of the off-season, your days will be filled with sunshine and opportunities to enjoy quality family time.
Average spring weather in Hilton Head is incredibly mild. Days typically range from the high 60s to low 80s (all temps in Fahrenheit), and nights are cool in the high 40s to low 60s. When it comes to packing for spring, light layers are key. And while the water will be too chilly for swimming until Memorial Day, a wetsuit can help you catch some waves if you’re itching to take a dip.
Thanks to the gentle temps, outdoor activities are incredibly popular during spring in Hilton Head. You can look forward to enjoying pleasant bike rides, walks through local nature trails, or even just along the beach. Late May is also a great time to catch a glimpse of Sea Turtles as they arrive for their nesting season.
As for top events or festivals, the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament is definitely the highlight of spring in Hilton Head. This popular PGA Tour event sees crowds flood the famous Harbour Town Golf Links each April for a week of incredible play. Whether you’re visiting for a spring break trip, the golf tournament, or you just want a quiet escape post-holiday season, Hilton Head in spring won’t disappoint.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is when Hilton Head Island truly shines. With crystal blue water and golden sand, the beach becomes the highlight of everyone’s day, from visitors to locals alike. Temperatures range from the 70s at night to the 90s during the day, so staying cool is a top priority. That’s why water activities are, hands down, the most popular summer pastime in Hilton Head.
Local companies have you covered no matter how you choose to spend time on the water. You can take guided kayaking trips, rent jet skis, try stand-up paddleboarding, go on a sunset cruise, or skip the rentals and just enjoy a day playing in the waves. With some of the cleanest water on the East Coast, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible at the beach.
For packing essentials, your summer must-haves in Hilton Head are simple: sunscreen, swimwear, protective garments, and breathable fabric. Think cotton shirts and lightweight items. And for can’t-miss summer fun, the annual Harbourfest at Shelter Cove Harbour brings months of entertainment. Catch fireworks shows, live music, children’s activities, and more June through August.
Fall (September-November)
After Labor Day, things calm down a bit as life returns to a slower pace. The fall weather in Hilton Head gradually creeps toward the cooler side, sliding from the 80s to the 70s for daytime highs and getting as chilly as the low 50s at night by Thanksgiving. These cooler temps make outdoor activities a pleasant experience once again.
One of the top things to do in Hilton Head in the fall is play golf at one of the area’s 23 public golf courses. With fewer crowds, getting your ideal tee time is a breeze, and afternoons at the club are even more enjoyable. Another activity made better by the lack of crowds is fishing. With fewer people and boats in the water, you’re more likely to hook a prized catch! Cast a line for redfish, trout, flounder, grouper, and more when you visit this fall!
Depending on your arrival, you may find you need to adjust your packing list. September and October cling closer to late summer temperatures, while Halloween ushers in the need for warmer items like long-sleeved shirts, light jackets, and long pants.
Fall activities in Hilton Head offer a great opportunity to enjoy some top annual events. From October’s Burgers and Brews Festival and the Pumpkin Patch to November’s Oyster Festival, there are lots of chances to mingle and add a layer of local experience to your vacation. Take advantage of the off-season when you book a fall vacation to Hilton Head.
Winter (December-February)
Whether you’re a snowbird or just someone looking for a change of scenery, spending the winter in Hilton Head introduces you to a whole new side of the island. Hilton Head’s winter weather is cool, but nothing compared to northern coastal towns. The daily highs are in the 60s, and the lows are in the 40s, but you’ll rarely ever see anything close to freezing.
As your beach activities will likely be confined to the shore, there’s no need to bring your swimsuit—unless, of course, you’ve booked a vacation rental with a heated pool! Other packing must-haves will be cozy, lightweight sweaters, warmer clothes, and holiday items if you’ll be snapping a photo with Santa during your stay.
Speaking of Santa, the top winter activities in Hilton Head revolve around holiday to-dos like the Christmas Parade, pop-up markets, and the Shelter Cove Winter Wonder Festival. As we’re still early in the year at the time of writing, dates for many of these have yet to be announced, but you can keep up with Hilton Head Island events right here on our site and use it as a tool when planning your vacation. You can also find the best rates on Hilton Head Island vacation rentals when you book your stay directly with Island Getaway Rentals, especially if you’re visiting in the winter.
Book Your Hilton Head Vacation Today
When you book a vacation with an online travel agency like Airbnb or VRBO, you’re losing thousands of dollars that could be going toward fun activities with your family. That’s because these companies tack on things like excess cleaning fees, additional taxes, booking fees, and more.
If you book directly with the property manager, though, you can bypass all those overhead items, allowing you to book the exact same vacation rental for less. At Island Getaway Rentals, we have a huge selection of impeccable Hilton Head Island vacation properties perfect for families of all sizes. Plus, our team of local professionals is on-island and ready to assist you every step of the way, from booking to checkout.
Our quality service and unbeatable rates are why so many families return to us year after year. We hope this seasonal guide to Hilton Head weather helps you choose the time best for your next visit. When you're ready, browse our available properties and book your stay directly with Island Getaway Rentals!
