May weather forecast
Hilton Head Island, SC

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Tall iconic lighthouse seen in a great night view over downtown Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Tall iconic lighthouse seen in a great night view over downtown Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Weather in May

As the Hilton Head Island approaches summers, May unveils the marvels of increased warmth and refreshing sea breezes. April's mild spring weather transitions into a balmier May, thus, attracting more beach lovers to the island. This month is hallmarked by balmy days, longer sunlight hours, and a tropical vibe, making it a favorable time for outdoor events and water sports. When measured against the previous or next month, May stands out for its distinct summery charm. The temperature during May intensifies from 79.2°F (26.2°C) to 68.9°F (20.5°C), heralding the onset of the much-awaited summer.

Temperature

With the onset of May, Hilton Head Island experiences a subtle temperature shift, with the average high-temperature moving from an agreeable 72.9°F (22.7°C) in April to a warm 79.2°F (26.2°C). During May, the average low-temperature is a pleasant 68.9°F (20.5°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May in Hilton Head Island is 75%.

Rainfall

In Hilton Head Island, in May, it is raining for 15.3 days, with typically 2.09" (53mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Hilton Head Island, during the entire year, the rain falls for 175.3 days and collects up to 32.28" (820mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

In Hilton Head Island, snow does not fall in February through December.

Ocean temperature

In Hilton Head Island, in May, the average water temperature is 72.3°F (22.4°C).
Note: For someone not comfortable with cold, swimming in 72.3°F (22.4°C) waters might be a stretch. However, with favorable conditions like abundant sunshine, mild wind, and warm air temperatures, the experience can be improved. And while wetsuits are not a must, they can be considered.

Daylight

In Hilton Head Island, the average length of the day in May is 13h and 49min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:35 am and sunset at 8:04 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:17 am and sunset at 8:24 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In Hilton Head Island, the average sunshine in May is 10.6h.

UV index

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: During May, 7 as the daily maximum UV index converts into the following advice:
Take precautions against overexposure. Protection against sun damage is needed. Avoid exposure to the Sun and try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most potent, but be aware that parasols or canopies may not offer full protection. Employ a hat with a wide brim for robust protection, cutting UV exposure by half. Note! The Sun's UV radiation gets intensified with the reflection from sand and water.
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature in May in Hilton Head Island?

In Hilton Head Island, in May, the average high-temperature is 79.2°F (26.2°C), and the average low-temperature is 68.9°F (20.5°C).

What is the average humidity in May in Hilton Head Island?

In Hilton Head Island, the average relative humidity in May is 75%.

How many days does it rain in May in Hilton Head Island?

In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, during May, the rain falls for 15.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.09" (53mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Hilton Head Island?

In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, snow does not fall in February through December.

What is the ocean temperature in May in Hilton Head Island?

In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in May, the average water temperature is 72.3°F (22.4°C). A person's cold intolerance, with sunshine, wind, and air temperature, are essential factors for enjoying swimming in 72.3°F (22.4°C) water.

What is the average length of the day in May in Hilton Head Island?

In May, the average day length in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is 13h and 49min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in May in Hilton Head Island?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:35 am and sunset at 8:04 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:17 am and sunset at 8:24 pm EDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Hilton Head Island have in May?

In May, the average sunshine duration in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is 10.6h.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Hilton Head Island?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

How high is the UV index in May in Hilton Head Island?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is 7. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high hazard to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average temperature in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average high temperature in May: 79.2°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (57.4°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 68.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (77.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (46°F).

Average pressure in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average pressure in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average pressure in May: 30.03"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June and August (29.98"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average wind speed in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average wind speed in May: 9mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, March and April (9.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.8mph).

Average humidity in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average humidity in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average humidity in May: 75%

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (72%).

Average rainfall in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average rainfall in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average rainfall in May: 2.09"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (6.06").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.02").

Average rainfall days in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average rainfall days in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average rainfall days in May: 15.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (25 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (8.3 days).

Average snowfall in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average snowfall in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.04").
The months with the least snowfall are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average snowfall days in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and February (0.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average sea temperature in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average sea temperature in May: 72.4°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (83.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (57.5°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average daylight in May: 13h and 5min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 6min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 10h and 4min

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 42min).

Average sunshine days in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average sunshine days in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average sunshine days in May: 13.2 days

The month with the most sunshine days is January (20.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (2.8 days).

Average UV index in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average UV index in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average UV index in May: 7

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 3).

Average cloud cover in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average cloud cover in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average cloud cover in May: 27

The months with the most cloud cover are February and December (Cloud cover 38).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 25).

Average visibility in May
Hilton Head Island, SC

Average visibility in May - Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Average visibility in May: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

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