Hilton Head Island Weather in July
The hottest month: highs near 90, the warmest water of the year and the busiest beaches.
- Avg. high
- 90°F
- Avg. low
- 73°F
- Rain
- 5.8 in.
- Ocean
- 85°F
- Sunrise
- 6:27 a.m.
- Sunset
- 8:31 p.m.
Average temps and rain for Hilton Head Island, SC; ocean temperature from NOAA’s Fort Pulaski gauge; sunrise and sunset on July 15.
What July feels like on Hilton Head
The average temperature in July is 90°F for highs and 73°F for lows, with about 5.8 inches of rain, and the ocean averages 85°F.
July is the hottest month, with highs around 90, lows in the low 70s and ocean water in the mid-80s. Afternoon sea breezes take some of the edge off, and the ocean is as warm as it gets. Expect humidity and the chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly, bring lightning and heavy rain, and usually clear within the hour, so keep an eye on the sky after lunch.
Nights stay warm, with lows in the low 70s, so evenings outside are comfortable long after dark.
Sunrise and sunset in July
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1 | 6:20 a.m. | 8:34 p.m. | 14 hr 13 min |
| Jul 15 | 6:27 a.m. | 8:31 p.m. | 14 hr 3 min |
| Jul 31 | 6:38 a.m. | 8:21 p.m. | 13 hr 44 min |
Eastern time, calculated for the island with NOAA’s solar equations. Daylight runs from 14 hr 13 min on Jul 1 to 13 hr 44 min on Jul 31. For today’s times and the next two weeks, see the live weather page.
What’s on in Hilton Head in July
The Fourth of July is the island’s biggest summer night, and HarbourFest keeps going at Shelter Cove with Tuesday fireworks and family shows. Gregg Russell plays under the Liberty Oak on weeknights.
Read the guideHarbourFest’s weekly fireworks over the water at Shelter Cove Harbour, plus the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve shows.
Read the guideThe summer series at Shelter Cove Harbour: family shows on the harbour stage and fireworks over the water on Tuesday nights.
Read the guideFree family concerts under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, Monday to Thursday evenings through the summer, as they have been for more than 40 seasons.
Read the guideFireworks over the water (Shelter Cove, Harbour Town and Coligny have all hosted a show) and the Salute from the Shore flyover along the coast.
Dates move a little each year. For this year’s dates and everything else on, see the Hilton Head events calendar, which lists every event month by month.
Things to do on Hilton Head in July
Plan the beach for the morning and late afternoon, and save the middle of the day for the pool, a long lunch or something indoors. Book dolphin tours and water sports ahead; July is peak season.
Sea turtle nests are hatching from mid-July, so lights-out and a flat, clean beach at night matter more than ever.
What to pack for Hilton Head in July
The lightest clothes you own, swimsuits, sandals, plenty of sunscreen, a wide hat, sunglasses, a water bottle and bug spray. Pack a rain jacket for the storms.
Hilton Head in July: questions
What is the weather like in Hilton Head in July?
The average high is 90°F and the average low 73°F, with about 5.8 inches of rain. The ocean averages 85°F (NOAA, Fort Pulaski gauge).
Is July too hot to visit Hilton Head?
It is hot, with highs around 90 and high humidity, but the beach, sea breezes and warm water make it the island’s busiest month. Plan outdoor time for the morning and evening.
Are there fireworks on Hilton Head in July?
Yes: the Fourth of July, and HarbourFest’s fireworks over Shelter Cove Harbour on Tuesday nights through the summer.
Hilton Head weather in other months
To compare all 12 months in one table, with the live forecast, radar and water temperature, see Hilton Head weather by month, and for help choosing dates, the best time to visit Hilton Head.
Keep exploring
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Hilton Head weather in August: highs in the upper 80s, ocean in the mid-80s, the rainiest month, hurricane season, sunrise and sunset and what to pack.
Hilton Head weather in September: highs in the mid-80s, ocean near 81, hurricane season, sunrise and sunset, the Island Jam and what to pack.
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