USA & Canada · Best Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Hilton Head Island packing list for families
Hilton Head is built for families, with flat bike paths, gentle beaches, and dolphins in the sound. Packing a few island-specific extras makes those easy days even easier.
Photo by Christopher Izquierdo on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Hilton Head Island
- Hilton Head has dozens of miles of bike paths, and at low tide the hard-packed sand is great for riding right on the beach. I plan beach rides around the tide chart.
- Alligators live in the island's lagoons and ponds. Keep kids and pets well back from the water's edge on golf courses and paths.
- If you are beachfront in summer, lights facing the beach should be off at night for nesting sea turtles. Pack a small flashlight with a red light for evening walks.
Best timeApr–Jun, Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Hilton Head Island
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Shoes1
Sandals
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Red-light flashlightTurtle-friendly for evening beach walks.
Adventure2
Kids' bike helmetsKristina's pickBiking is the best way to get around the island.
Kids' crabbing line and netCrabbing off docks is a classic Lowcountry afternoon.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Insect repellentNo-see-ums and mosquitoes come out near the marsh at dusk.
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Month by month
Hilton Head Island weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F 16°C | Cool and quiet, with mild sunny days and chilly mornings. | Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| February | 64°F 18°C | Cool and quiet, with mild sunny days and chilly mornings. | Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| March | 70°F 21°C | Pleasant and breezy, with blooming azaleas and cool water. | Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| April | 77°F 25°C | Pleasant and breezy, with blooming azaleas and cool water. | The RBC Heritage golf tournament at Harbour Town, a lively week on the island. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms and warm water. Hurricane season begins in June. | Sea turtle nesting season, with lights-out rules on the beach at night. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms and warm water. Hurricane season begins in June. | Sea turtle nesting season, with lights-out rules on the beach at night. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| July | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms and warm water. Hurricane season begins in June. | Sea turtle nesting season, with lights-out rules on the beach at night. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms and warm water. Hurricane season begins in June. | Sea turtle nesting season, with lights-out rules on the beach at night. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| September | 85°F 29°C | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms and warm water. Hurricane season begins in June. | Sea turtle nesting season, with lights-out rules on the beach at night. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. Warm water and quieter beaches once school starts back. |
| October | 77°F 25°C | Warm days, cooler nights, and calmer crowds. | Sea turtle nesting season, with lights-out rules on the beach at night. Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. Warm water and quieter beaches once school starts back. |
| November | 69°F 21°C | Warm days, cooler nights, and calmer crowds. | Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. |
| December | 62°F 17°C | Cool and quiet, with mild sunny days and chilly mornings. | Dolphins in Calibogue Sound and Broad Creek, easy to see on a family boat tour. Holiday lights and festive events around Shelter Cove and Harbour Town. |
Questions families ask
Hilton Head Island with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island with kids?
The best time is Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Pleasant and breezy, with blooming azaleas and cool water.
What's the weather like in Hilton Head Island?
Typical daytime highs range from about 60°F (16°C) in January to about 91°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Hilton Head Island?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Hilton Head Island?
None. Hilton Head Island uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Hilton Head Island with kids?
Hilton Head has dozens of miles of bike paths, and at low tide the hard-packed sand is great for riding right on the beach. I plan beach rides around the tide chart.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.