One of the things we love most about the Lowcountry is that it’s a year-round getaway destination! Our seaside location, paired with mild temperatures and first-class hospitality, make Hilton Head an ideal destination summer vacations and holiday getaways alike. Below, find out the best time to visit Hilton Head Island based on the type of getaway you want to have! Do you want to soak up the sun on our pristine beaches? Or, would you rather attend an oyster festival? Let us help you craft your perfect itinerary with the help of our 7 Day Insider’s Guide to Hilton Head! This week-long itinerary outlines a variety of the best ways to explore Hilton Head. From outdoor recreation to dining, this guide has it all!
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Your Year-Round Guide to the Best Time to Visit Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head in the Winter
Hilton Head in the Winter is an unassuming time to visit! Our beachside resort town is known for being a sunny, summertime destination. However, you can still enjoy our area’s pristine beaches thanks to the mild winter temperatures. From December to February, highs stay in the low to mid-60s while lows rarely ever dip below 40º. This range of temperatures allows for sunset or sunrise strolls along the beaches of Hilton Head Island. No need to pack your heaviest winter coat! Or, spend your time outside on the green. This time of year in Hilton Head is popular for golfing. The best Hilton Head golf courses offer year-round views of our area’s water and marshland. Winter is the pinnacle of Hilton Head Island festivals and events! These events are split between the holidays and our area’s seafood scene. December in Hilton Head boasts various holiday celebrations like the annual Winter Wonderland Festival and the Harbourtown Lighthouse New Year’s Ball Drop—just to name a couple! Hilton Head Island is the perfect destination for a holiday getaway on the coast. Can’t get out of town for the holidays? There’s still plenty of winter fun to be had here at the end of the season. Visit in February to attend the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival!
Hilton Head in the Spring
Warmer temperatures and beautiful flora make their grand entrance during the spring in Hilton Head! From March to May, high temperatures linger in the 70s and low-80s, while lows stay near the 50s and 60s. Lowcountry locals and visitors alike head to the Atlantic oceanside for their first day-long beach excursions during this season. Spring is also the perfect time to discover Hilton Head’s hidden gems before the flood of summer tourists arrive! Experience the best things about summer in Hilton Head without the crowds when you visit in the spring. Some of our best springtime recommendations include golfing, kayaking, and dining at some Hilton Head’s best restaurants (without a lengthy wait!).
Hilton Head in the Summer
As with most coastal resort towns, summertime is the most popular tourist season in Hilton Head. High temperatures linger in the high 80s and lows 90s with plenty of sunshine! Beach days along Hilton Head’s 12 miles of coastline are the most popular way to spend a summer day here. We recommend setting up your beach day camp at Coligny Beach Park! This popular beach access spot gives access to chair and umbrella rentals as well as outdoor showers and changing amenities. Across the street from the beach access, Coligny Plaza features a variety of casual, family-friendly restaurants and shops. Be sure to make room in your summer itinerary for some amazing Hilton Head summer events and activities! Here, fireworks aren’t reserved solely for the Fourth of July. Enjoy weekly fireworks shows each Tuesday at dusk at Shelter Cove Harbour Fest from mid-June to August. Or, enjoy live entertainment when you attend one of our area’s summertime music festivals or concert series. Even those visiting for long weekends like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July can take part in thematic events and festivals like the Hilton Head Firecracker 5K Run & Family Walk. This iconic Independence Day celebration features a 5K run for adults and children, followed by live entertainment and a block party at the finish line.
Hilton Head in the Fall
Fall in Hilton Head is a great time to visit with low tourist traffic. Temperatures slowly cool from the mid to high-80s in September down to the 60s and 70s in November. The weather during this time can be a bit unpredictable, so be sure to add shorts and a comfy sweater to your Hilton Head packing list! Aside from the phenomenal weather, autumn in Hilton Head also features a wide variety of events and festivals focused on everyone’s favorite thing—food! During October alone there’s the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, Gullah Food Festival, Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival, and the Bluffton Beer Festival. Most notable, though, is the Hilton Head Oyster Festival in November! This festival celebrates the Lowcountry’s bounty of fresh oysters during prime harvest time. This festival includes oysters prepared a variety of ways for tasting as well as an oyster shucking contest. You can also listen to live music and try local brews and libations from drink vendors.
Stay With Beach Properties of Hilton Head Year-Round
When do you believe the best time to visit Hilton Head Island is? No matter which season strikes you as best, Beach Properties of Hilton Head is your go-to vacation rental resource for your stay. We have a diverse selection of family and pet-friendly rental homes all across Hilton Head. We also know that the only thing better than taking a vacation is saving time, money, and hassle while doing so! That’s why we offer a variety of discounts and seasonal specials. For example, our Fall Festivities Special offers 25 percent off of select properties booked for weekly stays. That’s one-quarter of your lodging expenses gone!
Check out our Hilton Head Island Luxury Vacation Rentals to start planning your trip!