All data are in degrees Fahrenheit

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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.
Sea temperature in Hilton Head Island now

78.7

°F

May 24, 02:52

Trend:

increasing

Yesterday:

78.1°F

Tomorrow:

79.0°F

Sunrise:

06:20

Sunset:

20:20

Day Length:

14 h. 0 min.

Hilton Head Island in May

Minimum:

50.3°F

Average:

56.2°F

Maximum:

64.3°F

Sea water temperature in Hilton Head Island today

As of now, in Hilton Head Island, the water temperature is 78.7°F. It's safe to say that the water is comfortably warm for various water-related activities. Today's reading is 1.3°F higher 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 maximum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 79.6°F on 2019, while the historical minimum was 75.3°F on 2016.

Over the last two weeks, the water temperature has stayed slightly lower than historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests a gradual increase. The average temperature is expected to rise up to 79.5°F, with minimum temperature starting at 79.0°F, while the maximum might reach 79.9°F.

Daily water temperature in Hilton Head Island

Date Current Year

actual* / forecast**

last year 10 years average
May 10 72.0°F 75.6°F 72.9°F
May 11 73.3°F 75.7°F 73.0°F
May 12 72.0°F 75.9°F 73.2°F
May 13 72.1°F 75.6°F 73.7°F
May 14 72.2°F 75.6°F 73.8°F
May 15 72.6°F 75.9°F 74.2°F
May 16 72.8°F 76.0°F 74.4°F
May 17 72.0°F 76.9°F 74.8°F
May 18 74.3°F 76.6°F 75.3°F
May 19 75.8°F 77.1°F 75.8°F
May 20 75.3°F 77.5°F 76.1°F
May 21 77.4°F 77.3°F 76.4°F
May 22 77.2°F 78.0°F 76.8°F
May 23 78.1°F 78.7°F 76.8°F
May 24 78.7°F 78.9°F 77.4°F
May 25 79.0°F 78.9°F 77.7°F
May 26 79.3°F 78.9°F 78.0°F
May 27 79.4°F 77.5°F 78.1°F
May 28 79.7°F 78.4°F 78.4°F
May 29 79.9°F 78.7°F 78.6°F
May 30 79.5°F 76.6°F 78.2°F
May 31 79.9°F 79.9°F 78.6°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 164 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.