Hilton Head Island in May

The sweet spot — summer-warm water, long days, and sea turtles returning to nest on your beach.

Average High Temp

81° F

Average Low Temp

67° F

Average Water Temp

74° F

Pace of the Island

Warming Up

May is widely considered the best-kept secret month on Hilton Head Island. The water reaches 74 degrees — warm enough for comfortable swimming. The days are long and warm without August’s humidity. Schools are still in session for most of the month, keeping summer crowds at bay. And starting in May, loggerhead sea turtles begin arriving on the beach at night to lay their eggs, making every morning walk a potential discovery.

The sea turtle nesting season officially begins in May and runs through October, with nesting females most active in the early weeks. The Sea Turtle Patrol, an all-volunteer group of locals, walks the beaches at dawn to locate and mark fresh nests. Orange stakes and tape appear along the shoreline as the month progresses. Early morning walks are genuinely magical — the beach belongs to you and the turtles.

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer on the island. Crowds arrive, rental rates shift, and the energy picks up noticeably. But in the weeks before Memorial Day, May offers an extraordinary combination: summer-quality weather, spring-level crowds, and one of the island’s most special natural events happening right at the water’s edge.

Events & Festivals

These events recur annually. Exact dates shift year to year — check local event listings before your visit for current schedules.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins (May through October) — loggerhead sea turtles nest along the beach; Sea Turtle Patrol marks nests at dawn
Memorial Day weekend — official start of summer; fireworks, beach events, and full island activation
Pedal Hilton Head Island — annual community cycling event supporting local nonprofits; routes for all skill levels

Best Activities This Month

Swimming — water reaches 74°F; comfortable for all but the most cold-sensitive swimmers
Sea turtle patrol walks — join a guided dawn walk along the beach during nesting season
Biking — arguably the best month for biking; warm but not hot, paths are lush
Kayaking and paddleboarding — ideal conditions throughout the month
Dolphin cruises — exceptional in May; large pods are highly active as water warms
Fishing charters — inshore and nearshore fishing is excellent; flounder runs are strong
Golf — still excellent weather; slightly less crowded than April
Stand-up paddleboard yoga — offered by several local outfitters on the calmer lagoon waters
Harbour Town and marina exploration — the whole complex is open and active without peak crowds
Parasailing — operators are fully running by May with ideal conditions over the sound