Hilton Head Island is the second largest barrier island on the east coast and is protected by an offshore sandbar. This protection makes for a small gently rolling surf. Additionally, there is a tidal difference of eight feet which at low tide gives the more than 12 miles of Hilton Head Island beach a width greater than 600 feet. With such a broad beach there is plenty of room for sunning, sculpturing, shelling, strolling, running, fishing, biking, and swimming. From mid April through October the Ocean temperature is above 70 degrees and is ideal for many water activities.

Temperature

Average Mid-Day Temperature
January 59°
February 61°
March 67°
April 76°
May 82°
June 86°
July 89°
August 89°
September 84°
October 77°
November 69°
December 61°
Average: 75°
Average Evening Temperature
January 38°
February 42°
March 46°
April 55°
May 62°
June 68°
July 71°
August 71°
September 67°
October 57°
November 47°
December 39°
Average: 55°
Average Rainfall in Inches
January 3.1°
February 3.5°
March 4.2°
April 2.7°
May 4.2°
June 5.3°
July 7.0°
August 6.9°
September 5.3°
October 2.8°
November 2.0°
December 2.4°
Average: 4.12°
Average Ocean Temperature
January 52°
February 54°
March 59°
April 67°
May 75°
June 82°
July 84°
August 84°
September 80°
October 73°
November 63°
December 54°
Average: 69°

 

Access

All of Hilton Head's beaches are public, and getting there is easy. There are numerous access points found within all the ocean side plantations and along North and South Forest Beach. Also, the Town of Hilton Head maintains four primary public beach access points, Alder Lane on South Forest Beach Drive, beach front at Coligny Circle, Driessen Park at the end of Bradley Beach Road, and the Folly Field Beach Park. Additionally, at the end of Folly Field road is the newly opened Islander Beach Park which is reserved for those island residents who purchase (from Town Hall) a $15 beach pass. All Hilton Head beach parks have parking, restrooms, showers and vending machines which simplify going to the beach. For safety reasons, the areas around the beach parks are classified as designated swimming areas.



Hilton Head has seen explosive growth in the past 25 years, and with this growth rules and regulations have been initiated. No longer can one ride his horse, build a bonfire, fish for sharks, or sleep overnight on the beach. Of course alcohol and glassware is prohibited as is the landing or launching of a motorized watercraft. Hilton Heads beach is a sensitive eco-system that locals are very mindful of, as such, we ask that you do not run through the dunes, nor pick the sea oats, pick only discarded shells not live sand dollars, and please be careful of the turtle nests.

Hilton Head Island Beach Rules and Regulations



Beach Rules - We need to keep this extremely beautiful island beautiful, and both safety and security on the beach is extremely important to all of us.

Animal Regulations for all Hilton Head Beach
October 1st - April 1st - No leashes required at any time. The animal is required to be under positive voice control.
April 1st - May 22nd - Animals must be on a leash between 10AM and 5PM.
May 23rd until Monday of Labor Day weekend - NO animals allowed on the beach between 10AM-5PM.
Tuesday after Labor Day - September 30th - Animals must be on a leash from 10AM-5PM.
On the beach or not, local law requires owners to clean up after their pets.

Seasonal Rules from April 1st - September 30th
No Stunt Kites between 10AM-6PM. No sand sailing between 10AM-6PM. No fishing or surf casting in designated swimming areas. No surfboards or other articles to ride the surf in designated swimming areas. No frisbees or other team sports involving a ball in designated swimming areas. No games with metal components (such as metal horseshoes) in designated swimming areas.

Prohibited on Hilton Head Island  Beach All Year Long
Liquor, beer, or wine. All forms of glassware. Shark fishing. Horses. Sleeping on the beach after midnight. The operation, launching or landing of motorized watercraft (except in emergencies).

There are many adjectives which people use when describing Hilton Head's beach. And, when viewing dozens will pop into mind. Truly, the beach is one of the islands most treasured and beautiful natural resources.

 

   

                                                                                                                                                                                       

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