Weather in Hilton Head Island

Planning your visit or holiday in Hilton Head Island? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions and detailed forecasts to help you plan every day of your stay perfectly.

Hilton Head Island welcomes its guests with a pleasant humid subtropical climate. This means you can expect a warm or hot summer and a very mild winter, making the island attractive to visit almost all year round. There are enough sunny days here to enjoy the beaches and active outdoor recreation.

The summer months, from June to August, are characterised as the hottest and most humid, with average temperatures reaching 28°C (July). This period also sees the highest number of rainy days – up to 23 days in August, which often manifests as short afternoon showers bringing refreshing coolness. Winters here are short and mild: the average temperature in January holds around 11.4°C, and frosts are a rarity. Spring and autumn are comfortable shoulder seasons with pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the island.

Hilton Head Island offers its visitors comfortable weather throughout most of the year, with distinct yet mild seasons. The hottest months are traditionally July and August. In July, the average temperature reaches 28.2°C, and maximum daytime values can rise to 31.5°C. August follows with very similar figures. The coolest month is considered to be January, when the average temperature is around 11.4°C, and minimum night-time temperatures drop on average to 7.2°C. December also brings coolness, with an average temperature of 13.0°C, but remains mild enough for the winter period.

The summer months in Hilton Head Island, especially from June to August, are characterised as hot and humid. Daytime temperatures steadily hold in the range from 27°C (in May) to peak 31.5°C (in July), and nights remain very warm, with minimum figures rarely falling below 23-24°C at the height of summer. This creates ideal conditions for a beach holiday, although high humidity, especially in July and August, can intensify the sensation of heat.

Winter on the island, spanning December, January, and February, is distinguished by its mildness and absence of severe frosts. Average daily highs in January fluctuate around 15.7°C, and night-time lows – around 7.2°C. February brings some warming with an average high of up to 18.8°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night are most noticeable in the transitional seasons and winter, averaging 7-9°C. In summer, due to warm nights, this difference is somewhat smaller, usually within 6-7°C.

In Hilton Head Island, precipitation falls throughout the year; however, its intensity and frequency vary noticeably depending on the season. There is no clearly defined absolutely dry period here, but months with more or fewer rainy days can be distinguished. In general, the climate suggests that an umbrella might come in handy at any time of year, but especially during the summer months when the probability of rainfall is higher.

The wettest period in Hilton Head Island is summer. From June to August, a peak is observed both in rainfall amount and the number of rainy days. August stands out as the rainiest month: on average, 6 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of days with rain reaches 23. July is also characterised by high humidity, bringing about 5 mm of precipitation and approximately 21 rainy days. In June, these figures are about 4 mm of precipitation and 17 rainy days. Summer rains are often intense but can be short-lived, bringing refreshment in the hot weather.

Relatively less precipitation falls in January, October, and November — on average 2 mm in each of these months. However, this does not mean a complete absence of rain: in January and October, there are about 8 rainy days, and in November — about 10. Spring months, such as March and April, also demonstrate a moderate amount of precipitation (3 mm) and approximately 8 rainy days. December stands out slightly with 4 mm of precipitation and 9 rainy days, making it slightly wetter compared to some autumn and winter months.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Hilton Head Island, it is important to consider its humid subtropical climate. All year round, you will find comfortable shoes useful for walking along scenic trails and beaches, as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection against the southern sun. In summer, from June to August, when daytime temperatures often rise above 30°C and the highest number of rainy days is observed (up to 23 in August), pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, swimwear, and definitely a light raincoat or umbrella. Summer downpours can be frequent, but they are usually short and bring refreshing coolness.

For visits during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) and winter, when the weather is milder but changeable, with temperatures ranging from 11°C in winter to 25°C on warm autumn or spring days, the best strategy is layering. Bring t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters or fleece jackets, as well as a windbreaker or mid-season jacket, especially for evening walks or cooler days. In winter (December-February), although average temperatures hover around 11-14°C, a light jacket or coat will be very appropriate. Do not forget that precipitation is possible at any time of year, so a compact umbrella may come in handy even in the cooler months.