Summer is the busiest and most popular season in Hilton Head Island, SC. However, most locals prefer the late fall / winter season. Why? Find out what are the top 10 reasons WINTER is a wonderful time to visit Hilton Head Island, SC.
10. Even in winter, we still have sunshine.
Our median daytime temperature in January is 60 degrees Fahrenheit—plenty warm enough to bike or play tennis or golf, or even take a beach walk. Moderate temperatures combined with plentiful sunshine (and way-less crowded beaches) make for some of the best outdoor days of the year in Hilton Head Island, SC.
9. Post-holiday shopping is great!
Enjoy lots of post-season sales on clothing, furniture, and more, all without having to navigate throngs of people. Spend a day at the Bluffton Tanger Outlets, but be sure to also visit our terrific local boutiques on the Island.
8. Spa appointments are easy to make.
With the absence of tourists and conventions, spa appointments are super easy to make and available throughout the day. We love the spa at Palmetto Bluff and the Heavenly Spa at the Westin, as well as Le Spa in Sea Pines. You deserve an “ahhhh” day.
7. Take a swing or two in an uncrowded tennis or golf clinic.
As you already know, Hilton Head Island, SC is one of the top destinations in the world for playing golf – voted, in fact, No. 10 by Golf Digest. Hilton Head Island, SC features over 20 world-class quality golf courses, both public and private, each with its own set of unique characteristics and challenges. Many courses offer unbeatable winter rates for golf – which is a wonderful reason to visit Hilton Head Island, SC this winter!
6. Take time to dine!
Actually, dining takes much less time in winter, especially without all the long lines. All of our favorite restaurants are open year ‘round, and several that do NOT take reservations in summer, will do so in the winter. Look for winter specials and deals, too!
5. Winter is warm and at the worst “chilly.”
Even if it is a chilly day, you can binge on movies at Northridge Cinema with their cozy theater recliners. Make it a double feature—we bet the seat next to you is open.
4. You can easily explore some history.
Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum or the picturesque Old Town Bluffton. Trudging around with throngs of people in the summer heat is NO fun, which makes winter so much better for exploring sites such as the Indian Shell Ring and Baynard Ruins in Sea Pines.
3. It’s the best time to spend with the little ones!
It’s a great time to bring your toddlers and not-quite-school age children or grand children on vacation, and spend a day at the Sandbox Children’s Museum. You may even have the place to yourselves………. It is not to be missed but can be difficult to navigate on a rainy summer day.
2. Visit Savannah and surrounding areas.
Have you always wanted to spend a day in Savannah but couldn’t stand the thought of 100 degrees and loads of tourists? Now is your chance! Even Savannah is less crowded in winter, but still beautiful and chocked full of history, dining, and shopping.
1. Yep, you guessed it…………….
The #1 reason to visit Hilton Head Island, SC in winter is that while we have all of the same great amenities and activities, we have about 90% fewer people visiting. It is quiet and lovely here in winter—come join us. But don’t tell anyone else. Shhhhhh…
