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Is it too cold to swim in Hilton Head Island?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 67°F (19.5°C) at the nearest water pixel. That is cold water.
Between 60°F and 70°F, which the National Center for Cold Water Safety rates as dangerous. It recommends a wetsuit or drysuit below 70°F. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards.
How cold is too cold to swim?Water temperature through the year
Average water temperature by month, satellite 2016–2025. Warmest in July.
Average ocean temperature by month
| Month | Average | Coldest year | Warmest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 50°F | 57°F |
| February | 55°F | 53°F | 59°F |
| March | 60°F | 59°F | 64°F |
| April | 67°F | 64°F | 69°F |
| May | 75°F | 73°F | 77°F |
| June | 82°F | 79°F | 83°F |
| July | 85°F | 83°F | 87°F |
| August | 85°F | 84°F | 87°F |
| September | 81°F | 80°F | 84°F |
| October | 74°F | 71°F | 78°F |
| November | 65°F | 62°F | 69°F |
| December | 57°F | 56°F | 59°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Pulaski tide station | 70°F | 16 mi | 2 h ago |
| FRP2WAVE buoy | 70°F | 18 mi | 2 h ago |
| Fripp Nearshore, SC (FRP2) buoy | 69°F | 18 mi | 2 h ago |
| Little Back River at Fw Dock, near Limehouse, SC bay gauge | 71°F | 25 mi | 76 min ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Hilton Head Island?
The latest NASA JPL satellite analysis, dated November 3, 2026, gives 67°F (19.5°C) at the nearest water pixel. That is cold water. Between 60°F and 70°F, which the National Center for Cold Water Safety rates as dangerous. It recommends a wetsuit or drysuit below 70°F. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards. How cold is too cold?
When is the water warmest at Hilton Head Island?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in July (average 85°F) and coldest in January (average 54°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
We show NASA JPL’s daily MUR satellite analysis for the nearest water, about 0.4 mi away, when no suitable current in-water sensor is available. Satellite values are typically a degree or two cooler than afternoon readings at the shore. Satellite vs. buoy temperatures.
Sources: NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; NOAA National Data Buoy Center; U.S. Geological Survey; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All South Carolina water temperatures · Methodology