What is the current water temperature in Hilton Head Island?

Q: What is the current water temperature in Hilton Head Island?

As of now, in Hilton Head Island, the water temperature is 11.38°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration.

United States > Hilton Head Island

Water temperature in Hilton Head Island

Detailed information about the current water temperature in Hilton Head Island. The trend over the last two weeks, daily averages, and precise forecast of the water temperature changes. Gain a deeper understanding of seasonal dynamics with monthly statistical analyses covering recent years.

52.5

°F

February 23, 01:16

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

52.1°F

Tomorrow:

53.0°F

Sunrise:

06:58

Sunset:

18:16

Day Length:

11 h. 18 min.

Hilton Head Island in February

Minimum:

50.6°F

Average:

56.8°F

Maximum:

66.7°F

Sea water temperature in Hilton Head Island today

As of now, in Hilton Head Island, the water temperature is 52.5°F. Swimming in water of this temperature is considered as extremely cold, and there's a substantial risk of hypothermia if exposed for more than a brief duration. Today's reading is 4.2°F lower than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. Since yesterday, there was a slight increase in temperature. This indicates a warming trend over the past day. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to rise a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is notably higher than the average recorded over the past two weeks, indicating a significant warming trend. It is also close to the historical minimum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 60.7°F on 2018, while the historical minimum was 53.4°F on 2025.

latest data

last year

Observations from the last two weeks indicate that the water temperature was in proximity to the lowest values recorded on those days in the past. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 54.8°F, with minimum temperature starting at 53.0°F, while the maximum might reach 57.0°F.

Daily water temperature in Hilton Head Island

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Feb 9	46.7°F	57.7°F	54.6°F
Feb 10	45.9°F	58.4°F	54.4°F
Feb 11	46.3°F	58.0°F	54.4°F
Feb 12	47.0°F	58.4°F	55.0°F
Feb 13	49.5°F	57.4°F	54.9°F
Feb 14	49.9°F	57.4°F	54.8°F
Feb 15	49.8°F	56.2°F	55.1°F
Feb 16	49.5°F	54.4°F	55.3°F
Feb 17	51.5°F	55.4°F	55.4°F
Feb 18	51.1°F	55.6°F	55.8°F
Feb 19	51.8°F	55.3°F	56.0°F
Feb 20	52.1°F	55.1°F	56.0°F
Feb 21	52.0°F	53.9°F	56.0°F
Feb 22	52.1°F	53.2°F	56.2°F
Feb 23	52.5°F	53.4°F	56.7°F
Feb 24	53.0°F	52.7°F	57.1°F
Feb 25	53.4°F	53.2°F	57.6°F
Feb 26	54.0°F	53.5°F	58.2°F
Feb 27	54.5°F	54.3°F	58.7°F
Feb 28	54.7°F	54.7°F	58.9°F
Mar 1	57.0°F	56.5°F	59.5°F
Mar 2	56.8°F	55.9°F	59.3°F

* actual - actual temperature values

** forecast - projected values for the next week

Real-time coastal temperatures could deviate by several degrees from the provided readings. These deviations often become evident following intense rainfall or strong winds.

Our forecasting methodology leverages a mathematical model, that uses current water and weather conditions, historical records, wind intensity and direction.

Sea water temperature in Hilton Head Island by month

In Hilton Head Island, the months May through October offer comfortable swimming conditions, which amounts to 166 swimming days.

The warmest water in Hilton Head Island was recorded on August 1, 2025, reaching a 88.8°F. While the coldest temperature occurred on January 24, 2025, dipping to 44.6°F. The average readings by season are 55.9°F in Winter, 67.9°F in Spring, 83.7°F in Summer, and 74.2°F in Autumn.