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 12.37°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.

54.3

°F

December 25, 11:52

Trend:

stable

Yesterday:

52.3°F

Tomorrow:

53.8°F

Sunrise:

07:22

Sunset:

17:24

Day Length:

10 h. 2 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 54.3°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 2.5°F lower than the average recorded on this particular day in recent years. Since yesterday, there was a noticeable increase in temperature. This indicates a warming trend over the past day. According to the forecast, we expect the temperature to fall 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 is also close to the historical minimum temperature for this date. The maximum temperature recorded for this date was 64.5°F on 2015, while the historical minimum was 53.7°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. The forecast for the upcoming week shows a gradual cooling trend. The average temperature is expected to be 53.9°F, the minimum temperature may reach 53.5°F, and the maximum might stay at 54.9°F.

Daily water temperature in Hilton Head Island

Date	Current Year actual* / forecast**	last year	10 years average
Jan 1	54.9°F	54.9°F	57.4°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	59.2°F
Dec 14	54.7°F	56.5°F	59.0°F
Dec 15	54.9°F	55.7°F	58.0°F
Dec 16	53.5°F	55.7°F	58.3°F
Dec 17	52.7°F	55.2°F	57.4°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	56.8°F
Dec 26	53.8°F	53.4°F	56.4°F
Dec 27	53.5°F	55.0°F	56.0°F
Dec 28	53.8°F	55.5°F	56.3°F
Dec 29	53.7°F	53.5°F	56.2°F
Dec 30	53.9°F	53.0°F	56.4°F
Dec 31	53.6°F	53.5°F	56.2°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.