Reasons to Love Hilton Head in the Off-Season

Visiting Hilton Head in Winter or Fall? Wondering what to do in Hilton Head in December and the rest of the off-season? Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is a great year-round destination. Here are the best things to do in the off-season!

Planning your trip to HHI sc? Start with my Hilton Head Travel Guide, 25 Can't-Miss Hilton Head Activities, 20 Best Things to Do on Hilton Head with Kids, & Top Hilton Head Restaurants.

What to Do in Hilton Head in December, Winter and Fall

Are you wondering what to do in Hilton Head in December, Winter, or Fall? You might think of Hilton Head as a summer beach destination, but it's an equally lovely place to visit in the off-season. In fact, I think there is a bit of magic in the Lowcountry of Hilton Head in Winter or Fall due to the lack of crowds. There is even a certain glimmer on the water that only exists this time of the year.

I love visiting Hilton Head from November to March... which is generally considered their low or off-season. I've spent several Thanksgivings there and have also visited around Christmas and even in January and February. It is a wonderful place to visit, especially around the holidays. Dining is easier and you get crowd-free beaches.

Sure, you might have to dress a little warmer but the island is a special place even in the cooler months. Just look at this haze-free view that only exists in the winter. It's almost like the blue skies drop directly into the blue ocean without a break. It's simply stunning.

Planning a Trip? Start with my Hilton Head Travel Guide.

Winter Weather in Hilton Head SC?

The first thing you might be wondering about a beach trip in winter is how warm could it be. Sure, it's not going to be balmy and warm like summer BUT you might be surprised that the average high temperatures are still 60 degrees even in January!

I wouldn't plan activities that require you to get in the water, but there is still so much to do. You could easily have days flirting with 70 degrees. You could also have some 50-degree days, but there are other fun activities to enjoy on Hilton Head even in the cooler season.

Here are the average high temperatures for Hilton Head in Winter and Fall. Winter is generally a drier time on the island as well.

Weather in November

The weather in November on Hilton Head is generally mild. The average high temperature is 70 degrees and the average low is 50. I've been to Hilton Head in November twice (First trip, Second trip) for Thanksgiving and both times the weather was mild.

Weather in December

The average high temperature in December is a bit cooler - only around 62 - but when we went we had 70-degree weather. The average low is 42 degrees.

Weather in January

January is generally the coolest month on Hilton Head. The average high temperature is 60 and the average low is 40. I've been to Hilton Head in January and it was in the high-50's which was perfect for beach walks.

Weather in February

February's weather is mild too! The average high temperature is 63 degrees and the average low is 49.

Weather in March

In March it really starts to warm up again. The average high temperature rebounds up to near 70- 69 degrees.

Just for a reference point, from April to October, the average high temperature is between 75-89 degrees.

You'll Love Hilton Head in the Off-Season!

Hilton Head is so easy to love in the off-season due to the gorgeous weather and the fact that rentals are a fraction of the price. Plus, on some days you can almost have the beaches to yourself. You still get to enjoy the famous Spanish moss-draped live oaks, palmettos, and swaying sea oats.

Plus the lack of stifling heat makes it a lot easier to get around and breathe.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Hilton Head in December and winter.

Best Things to Do in Hilton Head in Winter Share on X

Best Things to do in Hilton Head in December, Winter & Fall

Enjoy the Beaches

Going to the beach is still at the top of the list of what to do in Hilton Head in December. Sure, you aren't going to want to get IN the water, but you can't beat the views. Ditch the swimsuit for slightly warmer gear, and you've got the makings for a lovely day in the sand.

When I went to Hilton Head in winter it was still about 70 degrees and so sunny. The boys had a blast playing with all their sand toys and there was no strategizing to save them a spot in the sand. We had an infinite beach to choose from.

The water was icy but the boys thought it was entertaining to stick their feet in it.

I think the beaches have a different kind of magic in the winter that you have to see with your own eyes. They simply glisten on a sunny day.

The rules for having dogs on the beach are more relaxed in the winter months, and you can have your dog on verbal command to run up and down the beach.

It's such a joy and a big perk to visit Hilton Head in December, winter, or the off-season. If you are a dog lover you will love doing this.

Walk, Run, or Bike

I've run on Hilton Head in all seasons, but it's a lot easier in the winter with the cooler temperatures. You feel like you could run on the packed sand forever when you find pretty views like this one.

If running isn't your thing, walking on the beach is perfect this time of year. It's also an ideal time to bike ride on the beach or the island. It's not stifling hot and you can enjoy the 60 miles of paths on the island without overheating.

Take a Dolphin Tour

Getting out on the water can be perfect in the off-season and one of the top things to do in Hilton Head year-round. Whether you are looking for a Hilton Head sunset dolphin cruise or another type of boat tour, Hilton Head Boat Charters has something for everyone. The off-season is a great tie to spot dolphins.

You can even get off and explore secluded beaches where you can look for special shells and even shark teeth. Even in the cooler months, bundle up and this can still be a really fun thing to do in Hilton Head.

Sea Pines Nature Preserve

Visiting the Sea Pines Nature Preserve is one of the top things to do in Hilton Head in December, winter, and the off-season. The 605-acre nature preserve is especially nice to explore in the cooler months when it's not so hot. There are walking trails, baths, fishing docks, and more. It's a great place to see wildlife and walk on nature trails.

Take some time to enjoy the Sea Pines Nature Preserve.

Take a Forest Preserve Wagon Ride

Looking for more things to do in Hilton Head in December, winter, and the off-season? In addition to exploring the Sea Pines Forest Preserve on foot or bike, you can also take a wagon ride through the preserve. They have guided tours with lots of interesting history about the island and chances to see animals including birds and alligators.

The cooler weather makes the wagon rides a great thing to do in the off-season.

They also offer holiday-themed wagon rides including ones specific for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's a great thing to do when visiting Hilton Head in December.

Sunrise & Sunsets

Sunrises and sunsets are a bit more magical and colorful with the low sun angles in winter. There can be more interesting cloud formations and the colors can last a bit longer.

Look at this sunrise on a rainy morning in Hilton Head in December.

And here's a sunset over the water from our trip.

Lawton Stables

Wondering what to do in Hilton Head in December? Try Lawton Stables! This is another activity that is open year-round but happens to be more pleasant in the cooler weather. They offer horse rides for adults and older kids, and pony rides for younger kids.

My boys love it!

Lawton Stables is also home to an adorable petting zoo, where the kids can feed animals.

It's a great way to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon in December, winter, or off-season on Hilton Head Island.

Visit Harbour Town & Harbour Town Lighthouse

Visiting Harbour Town and going up the Harbour Town Lighthouse is at the top of the list of what to do in Hilton Head in December, winter, fall, and the off-season. Since it's not as hot, it's easier to climb and explore. It is open year-round until sunset.

Plan your trip there with my Harbour Town Lighthouse Visitors Guide which includes everything you need to know to go.

The views are incredible, and after climbing the Hilton Head Lighthouse, you can eat and shop in Harbour Town. We love the newly designed Quarterdeck Restaurant.

If you are visiting around December it's also a great place to see the Harbour Town Lights for Christmas.

Playgrounds & Kids Activities

Hilton Head can be a bit crowded in summer, especially when it comes to kid's activities. But in winter we got to enjoy the new Adventure Playground with just a few other kids. It's a giant pirate ship and SO much fun.

There is also the sprawling Gregg Russell playground in Harbour Town and other ones at Coligny Plaza and near Skull Creek Boat House.

There is also a Coastal Discovery Museum and the Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum for cooler or rainier days on the island with little ones. There is so much for kids to do year-round in Hilton Head.

If you want to learn more about the Coastal Discovery Museum, check out my guide to visiting. It's truly a hidden gem on Hilton Head.

Dine with Ease

One of my favorite parts of visiting Hilton Head in winter is you can walk into nearly any restaurant and eat without a wait. That's nearly impossible in the summer! We ate outside at Skull Creek Boathouse with prime sunset viewing seating without a wait.

The boys enjoyed a fun drink and we got some oysters.

They loved seeing the boats too.

Another great thing about the food on Hilton Head in winter is oysters are in season! In the cooler months, you can enjoy fresh local oysters steamed or fresh and they are incredible. In my opinion, that's reason enough to visit in the off-season!

One of my favorite things to do is get this giant tray of oysters from Hudson's on the Docks.

If you are trying to decide where to eat on the island, check out my Top Hilton Head Restaurants and Favorite Hilton Head Takeout Restaurants.

Hilton Head Thanksgiving

Visiting Hilton Head over Thanksgiving weekend is a lot of fun! They have all sorts of fun events like the Hilton Head Turkey Trot, plus other races in Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes.

They also host a super fun Thanksgiving scavenger hunt for families in Sea Pines.

It was a blast and one of our favorite things to do in Hilton Head in November.

Many restaurants host Thanksgiving dinners with great food and you will not need to cook. See how we spent Hilton Head on Thanksgiving over the years here, here, and here.

Christmas & What to Do in Hilton Head in December

If you happen to visit Hilton Head in December there are SO many fun holiday and Christmas things to do. This is the gorgeous tree at the Salty Dog at South Beach Marina.

Not only is the island decorated with gorgeous lights and trees, but there are also all sorts of fun options for your kids to see Santa Claus. Even on a boat!

Salty Dog also offers free smores and hot cocoa for the kids around this time.

Salty Dog also hosts a Christmas-themed tiki bar, which is so fabulous. Just look at these fun drinks.

We even found a fun Christmas train for the boys to watch and this lovely nativity scene.

Plus places like South Beach Marina, Harbortown, and Shelter Cove are decked out in plenty of holiday lights for the kids to enjoy. There are lights on the boats at Shelter Cove too.

I love visiting an island during the holiday season because of small touches like this. This one is at Skull Creek Boathouse.

And if you check schedules, Santa makes regular appearances at places like Coligny Plaza and Shelter Cove.

Gregg Russell Concert

Greg Russell's concerts are mostly in the spring and summer, but he offers two shows around the holidays usually the Friday after Thanksgiving and on December 23rd in the Sea Pines resort. The shows are under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town and he shares his beloved interactive sing-alongs. If you happen to be in town for them, they are a must-see.

Events

Since summer is so busy on Hilton Head naturally, you are more likely to find fun events on the island including fantastic food festival ideas. The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is in February and the Winter Wonderland Festival in December. You'll also find lots of oyster roasts since they are in season!

Even local restaurants have fun activities like smores bars for the kids and kids at heart.

Other Fun Winter Activities on Hilton Head

Those are just the things we did, but there are so many more wonderful activities on Hilton Head that are perfect in winter when it's a bit cooler. Here they are!

Fishing
Boating
Kayaking
Golfing including Harbour Town Golf Links
Tennis
Shopping

What to Do in Hilton Head in December & the Off-Season

Going to Hilton Head in winter is one of my family's favorite activities! If you are looking for what to do in Hilton Head in December and other slower months like November to March, there is so much to do.

We love this quiet time of year to travel and enjoy a bit of island lifestyle. You seriously can't beat the quiet beaches and calm atmosphere that just doesn't exist in the hustle of the summer season. It is nothing short of magical!