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

54.4

°F

December 13, 09:01

Trend:

decreasing

Yesterday:

55.2°F

Tomorrow:

54.2°F

Sunrise:

07:15

Sunset:

17:19

Day Length:

10 h. 4 min.

Hilton Head Island in December

Minimum:

49.1°F

Average:

55.3°F

Maximum:

61.6°F

Sea water temperature in Hilton Head Island today

As of now, in Hilton Head Island, the water temperature is 54.4°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 5.3°F lower 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 fall a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

Today's water temperature is considerably lower than the average registered over the last two weeks, indicating a slight cooling trend. It is also close to the historical minimum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 65.3°F on 2015, while the historical minimum was 55.3°F on 2018.

Over the past two weeks, the water temperature has closely aligned with historical averages for those days. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 53.3°F, the minimum temperature may reach 52.6°F, and the maximum might stay at 54.2°F.

Daily water temperature in Hilton Head Island

Date Current Year

actual* / forecast**

last year 10 years average
Nov 29 62.7°F 65.3°F 62.1°F
Nov 30 62.1°F 64.8°F 61.9°F
Dec 1 60.5°F 63.3°F 61.4°F
Dec 2 60.6°F 62.4°F 61.3°F
Dec 3 60.9°F 61.1°F 61.0°F
Dec 4 59.4°F 60.3°F 60.6°F
Dec 5 59.3°F 58.2°F 60.2°F
Dec 6 59.5°F 58.2°F 60.1°F
Dec 7 59.4°F 57.7°F 59.8°F
Dec 8 59.6°F 55.8°F 59.7°F
Dec 9 59.7°F 55.8°F 59.4°F
Dec 10 56.8°F 56.3°F 59.3°F
Dec 11 55.3°F 56.1°F 59.0°F
Dec 12 55.2°F 56.6°F 58.7°F
Dec 13 54.4°F 57.1°F 59.7°F
Dec 14 54.2°F 56.5°F 59.4°F
Dec 15 53.0°F 55.7°F 58.3°F
Dec 16 53.5°F 55.7°F 58.8°F
Dec 17 52.6°F 55.2°F 57.9°F
Dec 18 53.1°F 56.9°F 58.4°F
Dec 19 53.1°F 58.6°F 58.4°F
Dec 20 53.3°F 58.2°F 58.6°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 162 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 56.6°F in Winter, 67.8°F in Spring, 83.6°F in Summer, and 74.2°F in Autumn.