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 13.04°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.

55.5

°F

January 1, 20:04

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

55.7°F

Tomorrow:

55.6°F

Sunrise:

07:24

Sunset:

17:29

Day Length:

10 h. 5 min.

Hilton Head Island in January

Minimum:

48.7°F

Average:

57.4°F

Maximum:

66.9°F

Sea water temperature in Hilton Head Island today

As of now, in Hilton Head Island, the water temperature is 55.5°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 1.9°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 rise a bit.

Recent sea temperature and forecast

The water temperature today is above average for the last two weeks, showing a small increase in temperature. 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 66.9°F on 2016, while the historical minimum was 48.7°F on 2023.

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. Over the next week, the forecast shows a steady trend, with temperatures staying close to the average of 55.1°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	57.4°F
Jan 2	55.6°F	55.6°F	57.6°F
Jan 3	55.7°F	55.4°F	57.7°F
Jan 4	55.6°F	54.9°F	57.5°F
Jan 5	55.2°F	53.9°F	57.1°F
Jan 6	54.8°F	52.8°F	56.8°F
Jan 7	54.6°F	52.4°F	56.5°F
Jan 8	54.4°F	52.8°F	56.4°F
Dec 18	52.4°F	56.9°F	57.8°F
Dec 19	53.3°F	58.6°F	57.9°F
Dec 20	53.4°F	58.2°F	58.1°F
Dec 21	53.7°F	58.6°F	57.7°F
Dec 22	52.3°F	57.5°F	57.3°F
Dec 23	54.0°F	56.4°F	56.8°F
Dec 24	52.3°F	55.2°F	56.3°F
Dec 25	54.3°F	54.1°F	56.6°F
Dec 26	56.0°F	53.4°F	56.3°F
Dec 27	56.4°F	55.0°F	56.0°F
Dec 28	56.6°F	55.5°F	56.3°F
Dec 29	57.3°F	53.5°F	56.3°F
Dec 30	57.1°F	53.0°F	56.4°F
Dec 31	55.7°F	53.5°F	56.1°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 56.5°F in Winter, 67.8°F in Spring, 83.6°F in Summer, and 74.2°F in Autumn.