Hilton Head Water Temperature
Live: the beach at the Sea Pines Beach Club
The ocean off Hilton Head runs from the low 50s in January to the mid-80s in July and August. Here is the reading now, the average for every month, and when it is warm enough to swim.
Hilton Head Water Temperature Right Now
Latest reading: NOAA Fort Pulaski gauge
The tile shows the latest reading from NOAA’s Fort Pulaski gauge, at the mouth of the Savannah River about 16 miles south of the island. It is the nearest gauge that reports water temperature, so the open water at Coligny or Sea Pines can run a degree or two different. It refreshes every few minutes while this page is open.
For the air, the tides and the 16-day forecast, see Hilton Head weather and the tide charts.
Hilton Head Water Temperature by Month
These are NOAA readings from the Fort Pulaski gauge, averaged over 2022 to 2025. Each month links to its page, with the air temperatures, sunrise and sunset, and what is on.
| Month | Ocean (°F) | Avg. air high (°F) | Swimming |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53 | 60 | Cold: a beach for walking |
| February | 56 | 63 | Cold: a beach for walking |
| March | 62 | 69 | Cool: wading and quick dips |
| April | 69 | 76 | Cool: wading and quick dips |
| May | 76 | 82 | Comfortable |
| June | 81 | 87 | Warm |
| July | 85 | 90 | Warm |
| August | 85 | 89 | Warm |
| September | 81 | 85 | Warm |
| October | 72 | 78 | Cool but swimmable |
| November | 66 | 70 | Cool: wading and quick dips |
| December | 58 | 63 | Cold: a beach for walking |
The swimming column is our rule of thumb, not an official scale.
When Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim?
Most swimmers are comfortable from about the mid-70s up, which on average means May through October. May starts at 76, and from June through September the ocean sits between 81 and 85, the warmest stretch of the year.
The water lags the air. September’s ocean (81) is five degrees warmer than May’s (76), though the average air high is only three degrees warmer, which is why October (72) still swims for many people while April (69) is mostly for wading.
From December through March the ocean is between 53 and 62, a beach for walking and shelling rather than swimming. The beaches guide has the parks and access points for every season.
Jellyfish and Rip Currents
Jellyfish
The two kinds visitors meet are cannonball jellyfish, round and white with a brown band, which wash up at low tide and are not known to sting, and sea nettles, which do, with the most stings from June through August. If you are stung, rinse with vinegar or seawater, not fresh water. A purple flag on the beach means dangerous marine life. The full guide is jellyfish on Hilton Head.
Rip currents
A rip current is a narrow channel of fast-moving water pulling away from shore, at up to eight feet per second according to NOAA. It can form on a calm, sunny day, and swell from a distant hurricane can raise the risk when the weather looks fine. Shore Beach Service, which patrols the island’s beaches, flies the flags: red is a high hazard, so stay out of the water, yellow is a medium hazard, and purple is marine life.
If one catches you, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to land at an angle. Swim where lifeguards are posted. NOAA’s rip current safety pages have more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature in Hilton Head right now?
The live reading is at the top of this page, from NOAA’s Fort Pulaski gauge about 16 miles south of the island. At the beach it can run a degree or two different.
What is the warmest month for the ocean in Hilton Head?
July and August, when the water averages about 85°F. January is the coolest, at about 53°F.
When is the water warm enough to swim in Hilton Head?
Most swimmers are comfortable from the mid-70s up, which on average means May through October. June through September is the warmest stretch, 81 to 85°F.
Is the ocean warm enough to swim in March or April?
Not for most people. The water averages about 62°F in March and 69°F in April. April is fine for wading and a quick dip, but the beach is for walking until May.
Are there jellyfish in the water off Hilton Head?
Yes, mostly in summer. Cannonball jellyfish are common and are not known to sting. Sea nettles do sting, with a peak from June to August. A purple flag means dangerous marine life.
How do I get out of a rip current?
Don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to land at an angle. Swim where lifeguards are on duty and obey the flags.
Keep exploring
The Sea Pines webcam at the Beach Club, plus live streams of the Harbour Town Lighthouse, three golf cams, the eagle nest and Sea Pines Circle.
Hilton Head tide chart: today's and tomorrow's high and low tides for Coligny Beach and the ocean beaches, Calibogue Sound and creeks, plus a 30-day calendar.
Nine live Beaufort County traffic cameras on the drive onto Hilton Head Island: the bridges, Hwy 278, the Cross Island Parkway and Sea Pines Circle.
Where to rent a car for Hilton Head: eight island airport desks, Savannah, Turo, exotics and Jeeps, plus gate passes, parking and whether you need one.
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