What should you know about Hilton Head's weather?
- NWS office
- Charleston (CHS)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 10 ft
- Coordinates
- 32.16° N, 80.75° W
- Nearest radar
- KCLX · Charleston,SC NEXRAD · 38 mi
- County
- Beaufort County, SC
- Yearly rain
- 45 in
- Warmest month
- July · 83.2°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 50.2°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Jun to Aug
How much rain does Hilton Head get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60.3 | 63.7 | 69.9 | 77.0 | 84.0 | 88.9 | 91.8 | 90.3 | 85.7 | 78.1 | 69.3 | 62.7 |
| Low °F | 40.1 | 42.8 | 48.7 | 56.0 | 64.3 | 71.3 | 74.5 | 74.1 | 69.5 | 59.0 | 48.4 | 42.9 |
| Rain (in) | 2.90 | 2.91 | 3.11 | 3.06 | 2.50 | 4.99 | 5.57 | 6.50 | 4.03 | 3.77 | 2.51 | 3.17 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60.3 | 40.1 | 2.90 |
| Feb | 63.7 | 42.8 | 2.91 |
| Mar | 69.9 | 48.7 | 3.11 |
| Apr | 77.0 | 56.0 | 3.06 |
| May | 84.0 | 64.3 | 2.50 |
| Jun | 88.9 | 71.3 | 4.99 |
| Jul | 91.8 | 74.5 | 5.57 |
| Aug | 90.3 | 74.1 | 6.50 |
| Sep | 85.7 | 69.5 | 4.03 |
| Oct | 78.1 | 59.0 | 3.77 |
| Nov | 69.3 | 48.4 | 2.51 |
| Dec | 62.7 | 42.9 | 3.17 |
BEAUFORT MCAS, SC US · 22 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What can Hilton Head weather radar show during a hurricane?
It can show rain bands crossing the island, but rainfall totals still need ground measurements. During Hurricane Matthew in October 2016, the Hilton Head Island station 4.0 miles north reported 16.58 inches, while the station 2.7 miles east reported 13.66 inches. Those are separate observation sites, not a uniform island total. Follow successive bands across your location instead of using a break in the rain to judge the whole storm.
Can storm surge reach places away from the beach?
Yes, surge can push inland through the island's waterfront areas even where the rain map offers no clue. After Matthew in 2016, a National Weather Service survey found inundation at Harbour Town Golf Course, more than 500 feet inland from the small harbor and more than 1000 feet from the coast. The final hurricane report also documents marina damage from surge and wave action. Use coastal flood information alongside the radar when water levels are the concern.
Can a June rain spell rival tropical rainfall on the island?
A prolonged June rain spell can deliver substantial totals without a hurricane passing the island. For June 10 to 13, 2019, NWS Charleston listed 8.80 inches at a site 3 miles north-northeast of Hilton Head Island and 5.01 inches at a site 2 miles east-northeast. Both were multi-day totals, so they describe accumulated rainfall rather than the intensity of a single cell. On the loop, pay attention to showers repeatedly crossing the same area and to rain that returns after a lull.
Does a modest rain total mean hurricane winds were modest too?
No, the rain total and the strongest wind are different measurements. During Dorian in 2019, the final hurricane report lists sustained winds of 46 knots and a gust of 58 knots at the Hilton Head observing site KHXD. The 48-hour rainfall summary from NWS Charleston ending September 6 included 2.48 inches at Hilton Head Island 4.0 miles north. Read the wind forecast independently of the rainfall colors, especially when deciding whether outdoor conditions have improved.
When should you check the Hilton Head radar?
Summer downpours
June to AugustFor plans around Folly Field, watch for cells that rebuild behind the first shower. Leave room to delay outdoor time when the same patch keeps filling with rain.
Atlantic hurricane season
June 1 to November 30For travel involving nearby Daufuskie Island, use approaching rain bands to follow the storm's progress while checking marine forecasts separately. A gap between bands is not a measure of safe conditions on the water.
What else do people ask about the Hilton Head radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Hilton Head?
NWS Charleston (CHS) issues forecasts and warnings for Hilton Head. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KCLX, about 38 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Charleston and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KCLX (Charleston,SC NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Charleston (CHS)
- Severe storms peak from June to August (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KCLX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Charleston (CHS)
- Severe storms: June to August
- Local time: EST/EDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Charleston office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: BEAUFORT MCAS, SC US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- National Hurricane Center: final Matthew report
- National Hurricane Center: final Dorian report
- NWS Charleston: June 2019 heavy rainfall
- NWS Charleston: Dorian rainfall observations
- National Hurricane Center: Atlantic season climatology