Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Hilton Head, United States offers a mild climate with average temperatures hovering around 13°C (55°F). Visitors can expect daily highs reaching up to 23°C (73°F), while chilly nights may dip as low as -1°C (30°F). This month sees approximately 125 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall over 10 days, contributing to a notable humidity level of 87%. With the combination of pleasant temperatures and occasional showers, December is a unique time to experience the island's charm, making it ideal for cozy gatherings and outdoor explorations amid the serene winter scenery.
In December, Hilton Head, United States, experiences a noticeable transition as temperatures begin to dip compared to the preceding months. The minimum temperature averages around -1°C (30°F), which is a stark contrast to the mild winters earlier in the year. With an average temperature of 13°C (55°F), it's clear that the island starts to embrace the cozy charm of winter. The maximum temperature peaks at a comfortable 23°C (73°F), allowing visitors to enjoy pleasant afternoons by the beach, despite the cooler nights. Overall, December offers a unique balance, inviting both seasonal festivities and outdoor exploration as the warmth of summer gives way to the tranquility of winter.
In December, Hilton Head experiences a notable rise in precipitation, with 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain over 10 days—a significant increase compared to the preceding months. This surge marks a continuation of the wetter trend observed from late summer, peaking in July and August before gradually tapering off into the fall. While the rainfall in December is slightly lower than in June and July, it forms part of a consistent pattern of increased moisture during the latter half of the year. As winter approaches, the island remains lush and vibrant, with its wet, mild December setting the stage for a tranquil yet refreshing getaway, perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of Hilton Head's coastal scenery amid a gentle drizzle.
In December, Hilton Head experiences a notable increase in humidity, peaking at 87%, the highest level of the year. This uptick marks a trend of rising moisture levels during the winter months, following November's 85%. As the year progresses, humidity generally decreases from the peak winter months of January (86%) through the warmer summer season, where it stabilizes around the mid-70s. However, as the calendar turns to December, the humidity often swells again, creating a mildly humid atmosphere that adds to the island's coastal charm. Despite the overall drops during spring and summer, the late fall and early winter months consistently showcase a return to more humid conditions, enhancing the region's lush environment and vibrant coastal ecosystem.
In Hilton Head, December brings a modest UV Index of 4, categorizing exposure as moderate with a burn time of 30 minutes. This signals a noticeable dip from the extreme conditions seen in the summer months, where the UV Index peaked at 11. As the year concludes, the shift toward lower UV levels reflects a seasonal trend, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors with less risk of overexposure. Compared to the preceding months, such as May and June, this decrease makes December a more forgiving time to bask in the sun's rays. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, check out Hilton Head UV Index.
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December in Hilton Head offers a delightful respite with 218 hours of sunshine, marking a cozy close to the year. Although this month sees fewer sun-soaked days compared to the peak of summer—when sunlight reaches a high of 347 hours in July—December’s brightness still outshines the chill of winter. As the year transitions into its final month, the gradual decline from November's 253 hours is evident, yet December maintains a warm allure ideal for holiday escapes. This consistent trend of abundant sunlight throughout the year culminates in a vibrant December, inviting visitors to bask in the golden rays while enjoying the serene coastal atmosphere.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in December in Hilton Head, the statistics reflect a pleasant trend as the year winds down. While December boasts a 43% chance of sunshine, it follows a month that offers the highest likelihood of clear skies at 61% in November. This slight decrease is typical as the temperatures cool, yet December remains more hopeful for sunny days compared to earlier months like June and August, which see only 27% of sunshine. As the holiday spirit sets in, residents and visitors can still look forward to enjoying moderate sunny spells among the cooler winter air, making Hilton Head a charming destination even in December.
As December rolls in, Hilton Head experiences a return to shorter days, mirroring the daylight patterns seen in January and November, with just 10 hours of daylight. This monthly rhythm underscores the gradual transition from the long, sun-drenched days of mid-summer, peaking at 14 hours in June, to the quieter, more reflective light of winter. The shift through the months reveals a gradual decline in daylight, with March and April offering a sweet spot of 12 hours each, before the summer brings an abundance of light again. As the year closes, the cyclical nature of daylight in Hilton Head reminds us of the changing seasons and the cozy moments that come with the shorter, cooler days.
As December arrives in Hilton Head, the average wind speed settles at 3.8 m/s (9 mph), marking a gentle transition into winter. This consistent breeze shows a slight decline compared to the briskness of the earlier months, particularly from January to May, where speeds hover around 4.3 to 4.4 m/s (10 mph). The summer months bring the calmest winds, with July and August experiencing speeds of just 3.6 m/s and 3.4 m/s (8 mph), respectively. As the year wraps up, the steady drop in wind speed creates a serene atmosphere, making December a perfect time for tranquil beach walks or cozy gatherings by the fire, all while embracing the charming coastal vibe that Hilton Head has to offer.
The weather in Hilton Head changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Hilton Head and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit distinct weather patterns, with December typically experiencing milder temperatures and higher precipitation. December's minimum temperature hovers around -1°C (30°F) with average highs reaching 23°C (73°F), and it sees about 125 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall over approximately 10 days. Conversely, January showcases slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to -5°C (23°F) and average highs of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to 61 mm (2.4 in) spread over 7 days, while humidity remains fairly consistent at around 86%. For a closer look at weather conditions specific to this month, you can refer to Hilton Head weather in January.
December and February present a noticeable shift in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a comfortable average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at a warm 23°C (73°F). This month experiences an average precipitation of 125 mm (4.9 in) over about 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, February offers milder temperatures, starting at a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and averaging 14°C (57°F), while reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F). The precipitation decreases to 80 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, with humidity slightly lower at 81%. For those looking to get a better understanding of February conditions, you can explore Hilton Head weather in February.
December and March present notably different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a warm maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) across 10 days and high humidity at 87%. In contrast, March sees a slight increase in temperatures, with minimums around 1°C (34°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Precipitation decreases to 68 mm (2.7 in) over just 6 days, accompanied by a lower humidity of 81%. For more insights on the climate during this month, check out Hilton Head weather in March.
December and April exhibit quite contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In stark contrast, April enjoys milder temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (87°F), averaging around 19°C (67°F). Precipitation decreases to 85 mm (3.4 in) over only 8 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 79%. For more detailed information, you can check Hilton Head weather in April.
December and May present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at night to a relatively warm 23°C (73°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees a total of 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, May offers much warmer conditions, with nighttime lows of 12°C (53°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). Precipitation decreases to 89 mm (3.5 in) over the same number of days, and humidity drops to 75%. For a closer look at May's delightful weather, check out Hilton Head weather in May.
December and June exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a more moderate maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, all accompanied by high humidity levels at 87%. In stark contrast, June boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). Although June also experiences significant rainfall of 122 mm (4.8 in), it occurs over more days—approximately 18 days—while humidity is lower at 75%. For more detailed insights, check out Hilton Head weather in June.
December and July present strikingly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at night to a comfortable 23°C (73°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 23°C (73°F) and daytime highs reaching 35°C (95°F), averaging 28°C (82°F). July also experiences higher precipitation at 156 mm (6.1 in) but with more rainy days—19 in total—yet slightly lower humidity at 80%. For those interested in more specifics on July weather, you can explore this link: Hilton Head weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, the differences are quite pronounced. December features cooler temperatures, with averages around 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F), while August boasts much warmer conditions, with an average temperature of 27°C (82°F) and highs reaching 34°C (94°F). Humidity levels are relatively high in both months, but December is slightly more humid at 87%, compared to August's 81%. Additionally, December receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, whereas August experiences more rainfall, totaling 180 mm (7.1 in) across 22 days. For those specifically interested in the summer conditions, you can explore more about the climate by visiting Hilton Head weather in August.
December and September present distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -1°C (30°F) at night, with an average of 13°C (55°F) during the day and highs reaching 23°C (73°F). This month also sees about 125 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, with a high humidity of 87%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate with nighttime lows of 16°C (61°F) and daytime averages around 26°C (79°F), peaking at 34°C (93°F). Rainfall is slightly higher in September at 127 mm (5.0 in), but it falls over more days—about 15. Humidity in September is marginally lower at 83%, contributing to a more tropical feel. For more details, check out Hilton Head weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to October, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December tends to be cooler, with minimum temperatures dropping to around -1°C (30°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while October remains much warmer, with minimums at 6°C (42°F) and an average high of 23°C (73°F). Precipitation in December is higher, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over about 10 days, compared to October's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 11 days. Additionally, December's humidity levels are significantly higher at 87%, compared to October's 78%, contributing to a brisk and damp feel during the winter month. For more details on October's weather specifics, you can check Hilton Head weather in October.
December weather experiences a notable drop in temperatures compared to November, with minimums reaching -1°C (30°F) and maximums capping at 23°C (73°F). In contrast, November maintains milder conditions with minimums at 1°C (35°F) and maximums reaching 28°C (82°F). While December has higher precipitation levels at 125 mm (4.9 in) over 10 days, November sees less rain, totaling 90 mm (3.5 in) across 8 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 87%, compared to November's 85%. For more detailed insights about November's climate, check out Hilton Head weather in November.
As December settles over Hilton Head, the weather takes on a distinct character, offering a unique blend of brisk coolness and occasional warmth. While it's one of the driest months, the average temperatures hover comfortably, often inviting a mild respite from the sweltering summer heat. However, the increased humidity of 87% paired with rainy days can occasionally lend a chill to the air, contrasting sharply with the more consistent warmth of the prior months. This time of year also signifies a shift towards winter, where the maximum temperatures gently decline, making cozy evenings more appealing. Explore more about the transformations of the seasons and the delightful nuances of weather patterns in the region at Hilton Head Climate.