Fall is a great time of year for outdoor activities and festivals on Hilton Head Island, so if you didn’t make it your summer destination, it’s not too late to enjoy all that the Island has to offer. Fall is one of the most popular times to visit Hilton Head. The weather in September is very warm but not as oppressive as summer, which makes it the perfect weather to enjoy September events such as the Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival, weekly fall concerts at Shelter Cove Harbour and more.
Get Outdoors This Fall
With average highs in the 70s, the weather is ideal for outdoor adventures including most summertime activities such as, paddleboarding, dolphin-watching tours, sunbathing and ocean swimming, plus hiking, biking and golfing at cooler times of the day. Historical and nature tours of the island are available year-round in nearby Bluffton, at Beaufort and St Helena Island, any or all of which make for great day trips.
October is also an excellent month to visit Hilton Head Island and is considered one of the best times of the year to visit. With warm weather and no crowds, almost everything is open, and it’s easy to get restaurant reservations and find accommodation at good rates. The weather in October is generally very good: most days are warm and sunny, without the heat and humidity of summer. The only downside is that hurricanes and tropical storms are a risk throughout the fall months and can make for some fairly windy and wet days even if the South Carolina coast is not directly impacted.
If you find yourself with some time in November, it would still be worth a trip. The weather generally remains very good through November, with highs often reaching into the mid- to upper-70s, and plenty of sunshine most days. Although you may find it too cold to swim, you can often still enjoy the beach and ocean through the end of the month. Crowds are generally non-existent, and accommodations are budget friendly, and there is still almost the full range of activities and things to do—including annual favorites such as the Hilton Head Oyster Festival, the Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. Other events this month include the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot on November 24, 2022, and the start of the holiday events season.
FALL FESTIVALS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Below are some highlights of the festivals that you’ll be sure to mark on your calendar for your fall visit!
HILTON HEAD ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL This year’s festival will be on Saturday, October 22, 2022, and is a festival you won’t want to miss! It’s the 12th Annual Italian Heritage Festival at The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. This annual event celebrates Italian culture with plenty of food, music, and fun. Be sure to stick around for the grape stomping contest and the pizza eating contest!
LATIN FOOD FESTIVAL The annual Latin Food Festival in Hilton Head will be returning on Sunday, September 25, 2022, with even more mouthwatering cuisine from Central and South America. In addition to the tasty food, the festival will also include Latin music, dance competitions, and children’s games.
HISTORIC BLUFFTON ARTS AND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Located just a short drive away from Hilton Head, the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival will be happening October 15–23, 2022 is a beloved Lowcountry tradition. This week-long festival held in Bluffton’s cultural district features a juried fine art show and some of the very best seafood in the South. Bluffton’s biggest annual festival, focused on the local seafood industry and the arts, with southern food, fine art show, history and nature tours, live music and other entertainment.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND LANTERN PARADE The Lantern Parade, happening on Saturday, November 12, 2022, is a free event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the history, ecology, and people of Hilton Head Island. The parade route is Alder Lane Beach Access to Coligny Beach Park. Lineup for the parade begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Alder Lane Beach Access. The parade will step off at 5:45 p.m., right after sunset, and travel north along South Forest Beach up to Coligny Beach Park. The only requirement to participate is having a lantern! Spectators can watch along the beach anywhere between Alder Lane and Coligny Beach Park.
HILTON HEAD OYSTER FESTIVAL This oyster celebration has something for everyone with all you can eat steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder, and chili. It’s an annual food festival centered around the oyster, with local oysters and other southern foods, beer and wine, live music, children’s activities and more including an oyster shucking contest, all happening November 11-12, 2022. Check their website for information on tickets and details on the daily events.
FISH AND GRITS MUSIC FESTIVAL One of the Island's newest festivals this is! Live Music! Story Tellers! Spoken Word Artist! Food Vendors! Market! This year’s celebration will be at the Lowcountry Celebration Park October 1, 2022 from 1-6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on their website or at the Coligny Plaza website.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL The Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival is a one-of-a-kind event over three days, November 4-6, 2022, that showcases over 200 classic cars and motorcycles along with vintage aircraft and antique watercraft. What makes this year extra special is that 2022 marks the 20th celebration of the beautiful works of craftsmanship and construction of the automobile. Each day of the event features a different collection, a different automotive art form, and each collection represents a moment in time that will never be repeated. An intricately designed multi-day curation in celebration of the art of the automobile comprised. Be sure to check out the website for more information and some beautiful photos of what you can expect to see.
STAY COMFORTABLY IN A VACATION RENTAL ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Whatever your passion, there is a reason to visit Hilton Head Island This Fall! And there is no better way to visit than by staying in a vacation rental! We offer a number of rental homes and villas that put you within walking distance to a number of the festivals, activities and attractions that you will enjoy!
