Hilton Head Island Weather in September
Summer warmth and warm water with fewer people, at the height of hurricane season.
- Avg. high
- 85°F
- Avg. low
- 68°F
- Rain
- 6.2 in.
- Ocean
- 81°F
- Sunrise
- 7:07 a.m.
- Sunset
- 7:29 p.m.
Average temps and rain for Hilton Head Island, SC; ocean temperature from NOAA’s Fort Pulaski gauge; sunrise and sunset on September 15.
What September feels like on Hilton Head
The average temperature in September is 85°F for highs and 68°F for lows, with about 6.2 inches of rain, and the ocean averages 81°F.
September keeps the summer warmth, with highs in the mid-80s and ocean water still around 81, but with fewer crowds after Labor Day. Rain is still heavy at about 6.2 inches, and this is close to the peak of hurricane season, so keep an eye on the tropics and travel with flexible plans.
Early September still feels like summer, with warm, humid nights. By the end of the month the mornings start to feel lighter, though the real change usually waits for October.
Sunrise and sunset in September
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1 | 6:58 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. | 12 hr 49 min |
| Sep 15 | 7:07 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. | 12 hr 22 min |
| Sep 30 | 7:17 a.m. | 7:09 p.m. | 11 hr 53 min |
Eastern time, calculated for the island with NOAA’s solar equations. Daylight runs from 12 hr 49 min on Sep 1 to 11 hr 53 min on Sep 30. For today’s times and the next two weeks, see the live weather page.
Hilton Head events in September
Hilton Head events in September include the Hilton Head Island Jam, four days of free songwriter shows around the island, and the Sea Pines Shrimp Festival on the lawn by the Liberty Oak.
Read the guideFour days of free shows by songwriters at venues around the island, including the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town.
Read the guideA Saturday afternoon each September on the lawn beside the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town: all-you-can-eat shrimp from local chefs, and local beer.
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 September
After Labor Day the beaches empty out, and the water is still warm enough for long swims. Dogs are allowed on the beach again during the day, on a leash from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sea turtle nests are still hatching, and the lights-out rule runs to October 31.
What to pack for Hilton Head in September
Summer clothes, swimsuits and sunscreen, a rain jacket, and one light layer for an evening on the water. Travel insurance or flexible bookings are worth having this month.
Hilton Head in September: questions
What is the weather like in Hilton Head in September?
The average high is 85°F and the average low 68°F, with about 6.2 inches of rain. The ocean averages 81°F (NOAA, Fort Pulaski gauge).
Is September a good time to visit Hilton Head?
For warm water and fewer people, yes. The trade-off is hurricane season, which is near its peak, so keep plans flexible.
What is the temperature in Hilton Head in September?
Highs average about 85°F and lows about 68°F, warmer at the start of the month than at the end.
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.
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