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 12.8°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.

55.0

°F

January 15, 21:39

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

55.2°F

Tomorrow:

55.1°F

Sunrise:

07:24

Sunset:

17:41

Day Length:

10 h. 17 min.

Hilton Head Island in January

Minimum:

48.7°F

Average:

56.7°F

Maximum:

66.9°F

Sea water temperature in Hilton Head Island today

As of now, in Hilton Head Island, the water temperature is 55.0°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 0.4°F higher than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. The sea temperature remains approximately unchanged from yesterday. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to stay about the same.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's reading indicates a minor change compared to the average water temperature of the last two weeks, but the overall trend remains steady. It also falls within the range of the average temperature recorded for this date, suggesting a consistent weather trend. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 61.1°F on 2016, while the historical minimum was 47.9°F on 2018.

latest data

last year

Over the past two weeks, the water temperature has closely aligned with historical averages for those days. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 54.9°F. Both minimum and maximum temperatures expected to be close to the average, offering a week of stable water conditions.

Daily water temperature in Hilton Head Island

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Jan 1	55.5°F	54.9°F	56.7°F
Jan 2	54.7°F	55.6°F	56.8°F
Jan 3	54.1°F	55.4°F	56.8°F
Jan 4	53.5°F	54.9°F	56.5°F
Jan 5	54.4°F	53.9°F	56.2°F
Jan 6	54.7°F	52.8°F	56.0°F
Jan 7	54.7°F	52.4°F	55.7°F
Jan 8	55.7°F	52.8°F	55.7°F
Jan 9	54.6°F	51.7°F	55.3°F
Jan 10	53.5°F	50.0°F	55.3°F
Jan 11	55.3°F	49.6°F	55.0°F
Jan 12	56.4°F	49.2°F	54.9°F
Jan 13	56.7°F	48.5°F	54.7°F
Jan 14	55.2°F	49.6°F	55.0°F
Jan 15	55.0°F	48.2°F	54.6°F
Jan 16	55.1°F	49.1°F	54.7°F
Jan 17	55.4°F	48.6°F	55.0°F
Jan 18	55.0°F	48.8°F	54.6°F
Jan 19	54.9°F	49.0°F	54.5°F
Jan 20	54.8°F	49.8°F	54.4°F
Jan 21	54.4°F	49.5°F	54.0°F
Jan 22	54.7°F	50.5°F	54.3°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 56.1°F in Winter, 67.9°F in Spring, 83.7°F in Summer, and 74.2°F in Autumn.