Hilton Head Island Water Temperature
(Today) 2023
The water will feel cool (fresh). Probably too cold for all but seasoned swimmers. We'd recommend a 4mm or 5mm wetsuit if you want to stay in the water.
Current weather
(light intensity drizzle)

The measurements for the water temperature in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina are provided by the daily satellite readings provided by the NOAA. The temperatures given are the sea surface temperature (SST) which is most relevant to recreational users.
Water temp by month
Monthly average max / min water temperatures
The graph below shows the range of monthly Hilton Head Island water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data.

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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Min °C | 12.2 | 12 | 12 | 14.4 | 18.1 | 23.6 | 26.7 | 27 | 26 | 21.8 | 17.6 | 13.6 |
Max °C | 15.4 | 15 | 15.8 | 21.2 | 25.3 | 27.9 | 29.1 | 29.6 | 28.5 | 27.5 | 22.8 | 18.4 |
Min °F | 55.2 | 54.8 | 55.1 | 60.6 | 67.5 | 76.2 | 81 | 81.6 | 79.8 | 73.5 | 65.8 | 58.4 |
Max °F | 58.4 | 57.8 | 58.9 | 67.4 | 74.7 | 80.5 | 83.4 | 84.2 | 82.3 | 79.2 | 71 | 63.2 |
The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 82.9°F / 28.3°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 56.3°F / 13.5°C.
7 day tide forecast for Hilton Head Island
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*These tide times are estimates based on the nearest accurate location (Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and may differ by up to half an hour depending on distance. Please note, the tide times given are not suitable for navigational purposes.