South Carolina
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 0-1ft and poor with light winds out of the ESE. Afternoon breeze fills in to 10mph.
Sun, May 17: 0–1ft, 8s period, rated Poor. A slow one — 0-1ft waves and very poor conditions with light SSE winds. Afternoon breeze fills in to 12mph.
Mon, May 18: 0–1ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and poor conditions with gentle SSE breeze. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 9mph.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with light winds out of the ESE. Expect the wind to bump up to around 10mph by PM.
Wed, May 20: 1–2ft, 8s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with glassy conditions. Afternoon breeze fills in to 11mph.
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Hilton Head's beaches offer gentle, rolling waves ideal for learning and improving fundamental skills on sandy, forgiving breaks. The area benefits from Atlantic swells during fall and winter months, with consistent small-to-medium sized waves that peel across wide sandy beaches. This popular resort destination provides convenient access to multiple break points along the island's eastern shores, making it a reliable choice for beginner surfers seeking warmer water and laid-back vibes.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Hilton Head is 1-2ft with a 7.3s swell period. Wind is E at 5mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Hilton Head is 1-2ft, produced by a 1.2ft SE primary swell at 7s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Hilton Head is Wednesday from 3 PM to 6 PM with 2ft waves, a 8.25s swell period, and conditions rated Poor. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Hilton Head works best with a S swell and NW winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Hilton Head. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Hilton Head is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Hilton Head's beaches offer gentle, rolling waves ideal for learning and improving fundamental skills on sandy, forgiving breaks. The area benefits from Atlantic swells during fall and winter months, with consistent small-to-medium sized waves that peel across wide sandy beaches. This popular resort destination provides convenient access to multiple break points along the island's eastern shores, making it a reliable choice for beginner surfers seeking warmer water and laid-back vibes.
The prime season at Hilton Head is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Hilton Head include tourists and swimmers, seasonal rip currents, sharp shells in sand. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Hilton Head forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
