Kiawah Island Beach Conditions Today
Live water temperature, tides, waves, and UV for Kiawah Island Beach, South Carolina
Updated 7:03 AM EDT
Current conditions
Best time to go today
Morning now
6 AM – 11 AM
96/100
- 77°F, wind 6 mph
- Low UV (2)
- Clear skies
Midday
11 AM – 3 PM
94/100
- 83°F, wind 9 mph
- ⚠ UV reaches 8 — high
Afternoon
3 PM – 7 PM
93/100
- 83°F, wind 10 mph
- 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 | 2:43 AM | 0.5 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 8:47 AM | 5.8 ft |
| ⬇️ Low | 2:49 PM | 0.4 ft |
| ⬆️ High | 9:13 PM | 6.4 ft |
Predictions from NOAA station Kiawah River Bridge · 4.6 km away. This station sits in a river or creek, so times and heights differ from the open beach.
About Kiawah Island Beach
Kiawah Island Beach sits on the South Carolina coast, where the water runs from about 53°F in January to 86°F in July.
The water averages above 70°F in May, June, July, August, September and October — 6 months of the year — peaking around 86°F in July and dropping to about 53°F in January.
Today it is 84°F. That is 1° below the August average of 85°F here.
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Kiawah River Bridge about 4.6 km away on a river.
Frequently asked questions
Is today a good beach day at Kiawah Island Beach?
We score today 96 out of 100 — great. The best window is morning (6 AM – 11 AM).
How warm is the water at Kiawah Island Beach?
About 84°F. That is 1° below the August average of 85°F here.
Are there rip currents at Kiawah Island Beach today?
The National Weather Service rates the rip current risk at Kiawah Island 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 Kiawah River Bridge about 4.6 km away on a river.