Hilton Head Beach Conditions Today
Live water temperature, tides, waves, and UV for Hilton Head Beach, South Carolina
Updated 7:03 AM EDT
Current conditions
Best time to go today
Morning now
6 AM – 11 AM
97/100
- 78°F, wind 7 mph
- Low UV (3)
Midday
11 AM – 3 PM
93/100
- 84°F, wind 6 mph
- ⚠ UV reaches 7 — high
Afternoon
3 PM – 7 PM
90/100
- 82°F, wind 11 mph
- Low UV (3)
- Golden hour before sunset
Best for
Rip current risk
NWS CHS Surf Zone Forecast, issued 2026-08-28. Always follow lifeguard instructions and posted flags.
Today's tide schedule
| Tide | Time EDT | Height |
|---|---|---|
| ⬇️ Low | 3:03 AM | 0.5 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 9:03 AM | 7.5 ft |
| ⬇️ Low | 3:11 PM | 0.5 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 9:28 PM | 8.0 ft |
Predictions from NOAA station Calibogue Cay, Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island · 3.9 km away. This station sits in a river or creek, so times and heights differ from the open beach.
About Hilton Head Beach
Hilton Head Beach sits on the South Carolina coast, where the water runs from about 53°F in January to 87°F in July.
The water averages above 70°F in April, May, June, July, August, September and October — 7 months of the year — peaking around 87°F in July and dropping to about 53°F in January.
Today it is 86°F. That is right on the August average of 86°F for this beach.
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Calibogue Cay, Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island about 3.9 km away on a river.
Frequently asked questions
Is today a good beach day at Hilton Head Beach?
We score today 97 out of 100 — great. The best window is morning (6 AM – 11 AM).
How warm is the water at Hilton Head Beach?
About 86°F. That is right on the August average of 86°F for this beach.
Are there rip currents at Hilton Head Beach today?
The National Weather Service rates the rip current risk at Hilton Head Beach as low for today. Low risk is not no risk: rip currents still form near groins, jetties and piers.
Where do the tide times on this page come from?
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Calibogue Cay, Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island about 3.9 km away on a river.