4 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head in the Winter

Why You Should Spend the Winter in Hilton Head

Enjoying island life all year round is one of the many benefits of living near the Carolina coast. There are four beautiful seasons on Hilton Head Island, each offering a unique experience. As the season begins to change and fall gradually gives way to winter, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the winter in Hilton Head.

Read on to discover the top four reasons you should enjoy the winter season by visiting Hilton Head.

1. The Weather

Unlike the summer months, during the winter, the air at Hilton Head Island is far less humid as the temperature decreases. The average daily high will likely be comfortable, somewhere between 60 degrees, and rarely fall below 40 degrees. Even though you won’t have to beat the heat, the winter days are just as sunny in the summer. When you visit Hilton Head, be sure to dress according to the weather, but also don’t forget to pack some warmer clothing for when the sun goes down — you won’t want to miss out on the winter sunsets.

Did you know that winter brings out more color in sunrises and sunsets? Take advantage of this fact and have an early morning stroll on the island’s eastern side to capture the perfect sunrise photo. For stunning sunsets, face west towards Harbour Town, Shelter Cove, and Skull Creek as they offer breathtaking views. Residents of Hilton Head never grow tired of these picturesque sunrises and sunsets.

Suggested: 5 Southern Coastal Towns to Call Home

2. Seafood Season

Whether you catch it yourself or order an authentic meal from one of our restaurants, the beautiful coastal waters, vast marshes, quiet inlets, and slow tidal creeks are home to a diversity of fish and shellfish.

Hilton Head Island offers delectable regional cuisine all year round, although the low season is the best time of year to indulge in seafood, especially oysters. The best time of year for oysters is from autumn to winter. Have you ever heard the saying that claims you should only eat oysters in the months that include the letter “R”? Disregard that myth! Oysters and other freshly-prepared seafood are served on Hilton Head all year round due to the island’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean! Additionally, winter oysters are meatier, allowing you to appreciate the flavors of Hilton Head Island fully.

3. Winter Wildlife

Wintertime on Hilton Head Island sees an increase in wildlife activity due to migration patterns and hibernation. Bring your camera for an exceptional wildlife-watching experience, as there are numerous protected environments, wildlife preserves, and nature trails to explore on the island.

During low tide, you can observe flocks of migratory shorebirds at Fish Haul Creek Park’s seashore. At the same time, larger bird colonies, including egrets and herons, can be seen at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. At the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, migratory ducks flutter throughout the glistening waters while Hilton Head white-tailed deer skip among the tall grass. On the local beaches, you can frequently spot dolphins playing in the waters surrounding the island. Needless to say, Hilton Head is a hub for winter wildlife!

Related: 5 Best Places to See Winter Wildlife in the Lowcountry

4. Exclusive Winter Events

If not for any of the reasons listed above, you must experience winter in Hilton Head for these exciting annual events! Winter is the only time to attend the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, and the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival! These events include unlimited food, live entertainment, and many other festivities.

To enjoy Hilton Head’s Lowcountry events all year long, you’ll need to find a nearby home. Just a half-hour drive from Hilton Head is Palmetto Bluff — a luxury community unlike any other!

Enjoy the Winter at Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Bluff, located less than an hour outside Savannah, is the ultimate destination to take in the wonderful Southern outdoors at this time of year. One of the advantages of living in South Carolina is the ideal weather; nice and warm in summer but comfortable in the winter. Despite the slight chill you experience in the winter months, the Carolina coast is still a magical place to be all year round.

If you’re looking to live in South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff has all you need and more! The unique estates and homesites offered at the Bluff are only exceeded by the various amenities available to explore our magical scenery. When you purchase a home within our gates, we give you access to renowned golf courses, waterway excursions, exquisite eateries, and memorable social events all contribute to our way of life.

Are you ready to experience life in the Lowcountry in a way you could never imagine? Click the button below to join our community and explore all our offerings!