Hilton Head Beach Water Temperature & Swim Forecast
12-mile shallow-grade resort beach.
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Location
Hilton Head Beach on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Check live temperature
Live water temperature is loading — refresh in a moment for a precise recommendation.
Recommendation tuned for Hilton Head Beach's current water temperature. Individual tolerance, wind chill, and session length all matter — when in doubt, size up.
Hilton Head Beach swimming conditions summary
- Water temperature
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- Water feels
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- Swimmable today
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- Swim conditions score
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- Wetsuit needed
- Check live temperature
- Air temperature
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- Waves
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- Wind
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- UV index
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- Warmest months to swim
- June, July, August
Live water temperature is loading — refresh in a moment for a precise recommendation. Live marine data updated hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim at Hilton Head Beach right now?
Live data is loading. Use the 7-day forecast above to plan your swim — conditions above 22°C are comfortable for most swimmers.
What will the sea temperature be at Hilton Head Beach next week?
Based on long-term August averages and the latest marine model, expect the sea around Hilton Head Beach to sit close to 29.0°C over the next 7 days. Check the live 7-day chart above for the exact daily outlook.
When is the best month to swim at Hilton Head Beach?
June – July – August are typically the warmest months to swim at Hilton Head Beach, with sea temperatures at their seasonal peak.
Can I swim at Hilton Head Beach today?
Live data is loading. In summer, this beach typically offers comfortable swimming conditions.
- • Located in South Carolina, United States (Atlantic Ocean).
- • Family friendly with calm, accessible water.
- • Live data refreshed hourly from Open-Meteo Marine.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Tap any month to see what to expect — based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Hilton Head Beach
The sea in Hilton Head Beach peaks in July, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from May – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 6 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like April and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 18°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically January at around 14°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Hilton Head Beach sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Hilton Head Beach shows an annual mean sea temperature of 21°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 15°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Hilton Head Beach, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Hilton Head Beach sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Hilton Head Beach?
July is the warmest month in Hilton Head Beach, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Hilton Head Beach?
The coldest month in Hilton Head Beach is typically January, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Hilton Head Beach without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Hilton Head Beach runs from May – October — about 6 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Hilton Head Beach?
Outside peak summer the water in Hilton Head Beach drops toward 18°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Hilton Head Beach?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Hilton Head Beach is about 21°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Hilton Head Beach?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Hilton Head Beach, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | Bracing |
| Feb | 14°C | Bracing |
| Mar | 16°C | Bracing |
| Apr | 19°C | Pleasant |
| May | 23°C | Warm |
| Jun | 27°C | Hot |
| Jul ⭐ | 29°C | Hot |
| Aug | 29°C | Hot |
| Sep | 27°C | Hot |
| Oct | 23°C | Warm |
| Nov | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Dec | 16°C | Bracing |
Nearby beaches
The closest coastline, with live water temperatures.