Hilton Head Island beach conditions

A resort island beach backed by bike paths and Lowcountry charm.

Hilton Head Island is in Beaufort County, South Carolina, on the Atlantic coast.

Coligny Beach Park anchors the main public access on Hilton Head Island, with paid parking and concessions on site. Beaufort County allows leashed dogs on the sand, though midday hours are off limits during summer. Tybee Island is close by, about eleven miles south, while Jacksonville Beach is the next beach Coasti covers after that, well over a hundred miles down the coast.

Today's flag, water temperature, surf, wind, UV and tide times for Hilton Head Island load on this page automatically. Conditions change through the day, so nothing on this page is a substitute for the flag flying when you arrive.

Know before you go

Amenity details are Coasti's own notes and can go out of date. Fees, lifeguard seasons and dog rules are set locally.

Beach flag colors

Flags run from green for low hazard to double red for water closed — see what each flag color means.

Where these readings come from

Tide predictions come from NOAA station Bloody Point, Daufuskie Island (8669801).

Weather and marine forecasts come from the National Weather Service at Hilton Head Airport (KHXD).

Common questions

Is Hilton Head Island safe for swimming today?

That depends on the flag and the surf, and both change through the day. Coasti shows the posted lifeguard flag when a current one exists, and estimates from surf, wind and rip-current risk when it does not. Today's answer for Hilton Head Island loads at the top of this page.

Does Hilton Head Island have lifeguards?

Hilton Head Island has lifeguards in season. Outside those months no flag is posted, and no flag flying does not mean the water is safe.

Is there parking at Hilton Head Island?

Parking at Hilton Head Island is paid. Paid lot at Coligny Beach Park. Fees and lot hours change, so check locally before you go.

Are dogs allowed at Hilton Head Island?

Dogs are allowed at Hilton Head Island. Leashed dogs restricted from the beach during midday hours in summer; check current town rules. Leash and off-leash rules change, so check locally before you go.

Nearby

All beaches Coasti covers · What the flags mean