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.
– 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 4 2025
Annual bike ride from Lowcountry Celebration Park to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head. 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
– 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
– 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
– America Sings!, May 25 2025
Concert of the Hilton Head Choral Society at First Presbyterian Church. 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