Hilton Head in May brings the best the island has to offer. All the tourist attractions and activities are in full swing for the summer, but the beaches and attractions are not yet too crowded, with the main peak summer season not getting under way until June. Rental prices are correspondingly lower, and there is the added bonus of many beautiful flowers in bloom.
May events in Hilton Head include the Shelter Cove Harbour Art Festival and the annual Mayfest celebration at nearby Bluffton. Memorial Day weekend attracts a lot of visitors too, with several events timed to coincide with the holiday.
May offers some of Hilton Head’s best weather. Temperatures are very warm, usually in the low to mid 80s, and you can expect abundant sunshine. The weather is generally dry, with most rain confined to brief rain showers, becoming especially prevalent toward the end of the month.
As May offers such perfect beach weather, things to do this month generally focus on that. The ocean is still on the cool side (although it will be more than warm enough if you are visiting from the north!), but is ideal for water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
If you want to experience the lowcountry landscape and local dolphin population without getting wet, Hilton Head also offers a wide selection of boat tours and charters. Nature and birding tours are available on the island or at nearby Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and there are also a variety of historical tours exploring local African-American culture and other history topics.
More Hilton Head Island events: June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
See also:
– Airports near Hilton Head, SC
– Things to do in Savannah
– Events in Bluffton
– Transport options between Hilton Head and Savannah
!Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at short notice. Please check dates, venue and other details at the event’s official website before making plans to attend.
– Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 24 - May 26 2024
Musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. More details
– Music & Taste on the Harbour: Deas Guys, May 2 2024
Outdoor spring concert series at Shelter Cove Harbour with food from local restaurants. More details
– Hilton Head Community Market, Saturdays
Weekly farmers market, 9:30am-12:30pm, at Shelter Cove Community Park, with local farmers, food producers and makers. More details
– Pedal Hilton Head Island, May 5 2024
Annual cycle ride through Hilton Head to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. More details
– Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 24 - May 26 2024
Musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. More details
– Hilton Head Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 9am-1pm
Weekly farmers market at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, with local produce and farm vendors, baked goods, seafood, food trucks and other activities. More details
– Music & Taste on the Harbour: Target featuring the Headliner Horns, May 9 2024
Outdoor spring concert series at Shelter Cove Harbour with food from local restaurants. More details
– SunSplash Palooza, May 10 2024
Event series in downtown Bluffton with live music plus food and drink. More details
– Mayfest, May 11 2024
Popular annual festival in downtown Bluffton, with 130+ local and regional artists, food, live music, ugly dog contest and more. More details
– Hilton Head Community Market, Saturdays
Weekly farmers market, 9:30am-12:30pm, at Shelter Cove Community Park, with local farmers, food producers and makers. More details
– Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 24 - May 26 2024
Musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. More details
– Hilton Head Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 9am-1pm
Weekly farmers market at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, with local produce and farm vendors, baked goods, seafood, food trucks and other activities. More details
– Music & Taste on the Harbour: Deas Guys, May 16 2024
Outdoor spring concert series at Shelter Cove Harbour with food from local restaurants. More details
– Hilton Head Community Market, Saturdays
Weekly farmers market, 9:30am-12:30pm, at Shelter Cove Community Park, with local farmers, food producers and makers. More details
– Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 24 - May 26 2024
Musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. More details
– Hilton Head Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 9am-1pm
Weekly farmers market at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, with local produce and farm vendors, baked goods, seafood, food trucks and other activities. More details
– Hilton Head Art Festival, May 24-26 2024
Annual art festival at Shelter Cove Harbour featuring artists from across the country, local musicians, shopping, food and more. More details
– Hilton Head Community Market, Saturdays
Weekly farmers market, 9:30am-12:30pm, at Shelter Cove Community Park, with local farmers, food producers and makers. More details
– Memorial Day Weekend Harbourfest, May 25-26 2024
Family friendly entertainment at Shelter Cove Harbour with live performances, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more. More details
– America Sings!, May 26 2024
Memorial Day concert by the Hilton Head Choral Society at First Presbyterian Church, in honor of those who died in service. More details
– Harbourfest, May 27 - August 30 2024
Family friendly weeknight entertainment series at Shelter Cove Harbour with live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more. More details
– Harbourfest, May 27 - August 30 2024
Family friendly weeknight entertainment series at Shelter Cove Harbour with live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more. More details
– Hilton Head Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 9am-1pm
Weekly farmers market at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, with local produce and farm vendors, baked goods, seafood, food trucks and other activities. More details
– Hilton Head Community Market, Saturdays
Weekly farmers market, 9:30am-12:30pm, at Shelter Cove Community Park, with local farmers, food producers and makers. More details
→ See more June events
More Things To Do In Hilton Head Island
– Dolphin tours
– Boat charters and rentals
– Sunset tours
– Paddle boarding in Hilton Head
– Kayaking in Hilton Head
– Jet ski, parasailing and other watersports
– Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
See also:
– May weather in Hilton Head
– May events in Savannah
– Things to do in Savannah
– Tybee Island events
– Beaufort events