Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a barrier island in South Carolina known for wide beaches, flat bike paths and golf. It suits families and slow beach stays.
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Hilton Head Island is a barrier island on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, in Beaufort County, near the Georgia border and Savannah. Visitors come for long sandy beaches, paved bike paths that run through wooded neighborhoods, and golf courses, including Harbour Town, which hosts a professional tournament. Gullah Geechee communities are part of the island's history and culture. Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) is about an hour's drive away.
A three- to five-day trip covers the beaches, a few rounds of golf and one or two long bike rides. Spring and fall bring mild weather. Summer is the warmest and busiest season, and winter is quieter and cooler. The island is spread across many neighborhoods and resorts, so a rental car or bicycle makes getting around easier. Pick a stay near the part of the island you plan to use most.
Hilton Head Island in five
- Fly into Savannah to compare faresHilton Head Island Airport (HHH) has fewer flights, so check Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) too. It is about an hour's drive to the island.Getting around
- Rent a bike for short tripsThe island has miles of paved bike paths that reach the beach and shops. Rent a bike at your resort or a local shop when you arrive.
- Carry insect repellent for dusk and the marshMosquitoes and biting gnats are active near the marsh, especially at dusk. In summer, heat and humidity make sunscreen a daily need on the beach.
- Check tide tables before a beach or marsh walkTides here rise and fall about six to seven feet, so low tide exposes wide flats and high tide can cover parts of the beach. Check a tide chart for the day before you walk.
- Dim lights that face the beach at nightSea turtles nest on the island's beaches, and bright lights facing the sand can draw hatchlings away from the ocean. Close blinds and turn off outdoor lights after dark.
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver nationals, US visa for most others Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary: 15 to 20 percent at restaurants and bars
- Time
- UTC-5 (Eastern Time), UTC-4 in daylight saving, March to November
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCool, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchMild, spring
- AprilWarm, spring
- MayWarm, busy
- JuneHot, storms
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, hurricane risk
- SeptemberHurricane season
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberCooler, quieter
- DecemberCool, holidays
Right now in Hilton Head Island
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 20°
- Humidity
- 73%
- Wind
- 29 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 6%
Hilton Head Island
06:29 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today24°16°6%Monday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Tue26°18°9%Tuesday: Clear. High 26°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Wed27°19°9%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Thu28°19°9%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Fri26°16°11%Friday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 11%.
- Sat25°13°10%Saturday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sun24°13°9%Sunday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 9%.
Updated 02:55 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Savannahabout 45 min to 1 hour by carHistoric squares, riverfront walks and Southern food, a full day from the island.
- Beaufortabout 30 to 40 min by carA small historic town with antebellum houses and a waterfront, an easy half-day trip.
- Charlestonabout 2 hours by carAn old city with a waterfront park and historic streets, a longer day trip.
Before you go to Hilton Head Island
Rules for Hilton Head Island, checked
- Many nationalities need a US visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers apply for ESTA approval before flying. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- Turn off or shield lights that face the beach at night during sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May to October.
- Do not feed alligators. Feeding them is against South Carolina law, and they live in lagoons and ponds across the island.
- The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops often check photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
Plan around Hilton Head Island
The state, its coast and the wider region around Hilton Head
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights into Savannah, car hire and getting to the island
Read the guideMoney and costsTypical prices, tipping and cards for a Hilton Head trip
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a US visa or ESTA, and how to apply
Read the guideWhere to stayResort areas, rental homes and hotels compared
Read the guideAll of the USAParks, cities and national rules for visitors
Read the guideHilton Head Island FAQ
Is Hilton Head Island worth visiting?
Yes if you want beaches, bike paths, golf and a quiet resort stay. It is less suited to a nightlife trip or a city itinerary, since most activities are outdoors or at the resorts.
When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island?
March to May and October are the most comfortable months, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than midsummer. June to November is hurricane season, so check forecasts if you travel late in the year.
How do you get to Hilton Head Island from Savannah?
Drive about an hour from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) using US Route 278 and the island road network. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach the island from the airport.
Is Hilton Head Island good for families?
Yes. The beaches are wide, the bike paths are flat, and many resorts have pools and kids' activities. Coligny and Palmetto Dunes are practical options for easy beach access.
How many days do you need on Hilton Head Island?
Three to four days cover the beaches, bike paths and one day trip to Savannah or Beaufort. A week suits a slower trip with golf, boat tours or time at the marina.
Is Hilton Head Island safe for tourists?
Many stays are in resort and beach areas. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight, as you would on any trip.