Hail history in Hilton Head Island, SC
On average, NOAA recorded hail within 15 miles of the center of Hilton Head Island on 0.7 days a year from 2016 to 2025, 0.4 of them with hail 1 inch or larger. NOAA recorded hail within 15 miles of the center of Hilton Head Island on 15 days since 2010. The largest hail reported was 2.5 in, in 2011. 9 of those days had hail of 1 inch or larger. March has the most hail days, 3 since 2010. The most recent was May 8, 2025. NOAA also recorded high wind on 99 days, with gusts up to 75 mph.
Ranks #152 of 200 US cities for days with hail 1 inch or larger, 2016 to 2025.
- Hail days since 2010
- 15
- Largest hail
- 2.5 in
- Highest gust
- 75 mph
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
15 hail days within 15 miles since 2010, largest 2.5 in
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
Hail days by year
Bar chart of hail days per year, 2010 to 2026. 15 hail days in total; the most was 2 in 2011.
Hail days by month
Hail days by month since 2010: Jan 0, Feb 0, Mar 3, Apr 3, May 3, Jun 1, Jul 2, Aug 3, Sep 0, Oct 0, Nov 0, Dec 0.
Most recent hail days
| Date | Largest hail | Nearest report |
|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2025 | 0.88 in | 12.1 mi |
| May 24, 2024 | 0.75 in | 9.0 mi |
| Aug 7, 2019 | 1.0 in | 7.9 mi |
| Mar 20, 2018 | 2.0 in | 2.2 mi |
| Jul 20, 2017 | 0.88 in | 14.0 mi |
| Apr 5, 2017 | 1.75 in | 13.7 mi |
| Jul 14, 2016 | 1.0 in | 12.8 mi |
| Aug 27, 2015 | 0.75 in | 6.4 mi |
| Apr 25, 2015 | 0.75 in | 4.1 mi |
| Apr 29, 2013 | 1.75 in | 11.7 mi |
About this data
- Distances are from the center of Hilton Head Island, not from any one property. Look up a street address below for a single building.
- Reports come from trained spotters and the public, so they cluster near towns and roads.
- No report does not mean no hail. Hail can fall where no one is there to report it.
- This is not a damage or insurance assessment.
99 high-wind days within 15 miles since 2010, strongest gust 75 mph
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
Most recent high-wind days
| Date | Highest gust | Nearest report |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2026 | Not recorded | 9.9 mi |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Not recorded | 11.8 mi |
| Jul 26, 2026 | Not recorded | 10.8 mi |
| Jul 12, 2026 | Not recorded | 2.2 mi |
| Jun 18, 2026 | Not recorded | 1.1 mi |
| Jun 14, 2026 | Not recorded | 14.0 mi |
| Jul 18, 2025 | 46 mph | 14.2 mi |
| Jul 12, 2025 | 46 mph | 14.6 mi |
| Jun 10, 2025 | 52 mph | 9.0 mi |
| Jun 4, 2025 | 52 mph | 13.9 mi |
About this data
- Distances are from the center of Hilton Head Island, not from any one property. Look up a street address below for a single building.
- Reports come from trained spotters and the public, so they cluster near towns and roads.
- No report does not mean no hail. Hail can fall where no one is there to report it.
- Wind speed is the highest reported gust; some reports have no speed.
- This is not a damage or insurance assessment.
Gusts, tornadoes and hurricanes in Hilton Head Island
Estimated peak gusts
1 day since October 1, 2021 had an estimated peak gust of 58 mph or more at Hilton Head Island.
| Day | Estimated peak gust |
|---|---|
| Jun 15, 2025 | 50 mph or more |
| Sep 26, 2024 | 58 mph or more |
| Apr 11, 2024 | 50 mph or more |
| Feb 4, 2024 | 50 mph or more |
Estimates: the highest gust of each storm day in NOAA’s hourly 2.5 km wind analysis (URMA), which fills in between weather stations. Analyses like this smooth out short thunderstorm gusts, so they are best for widespread wind (hurricanes, winter storms, high wind days); for thunderstorm wind, NOAA’s wind reports are the better record. Not a measurement at any building.
Tornadoes within 10 miles
NOAA recorded 11 tornadoes whose path came within 10 miles of Hilton Head Island since 1950; the strongest was rated EF1.
| Day | Rating | Path length | Closest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2024 | EF0 | 6.47 miles | 9 miles |
| Jul 7, 2021 | EF1 | 0.13 miles | 9.7 miles |
| Sep 6, 2004 | EF1 | 1 miles | 2.2 miles |
| Jun 15, 2004 | EF0 | 0.1 miles | 9 miles |
| Jun 12, 2001 | EF0 | 1 miles | 7.9 miles |
| Nov 7, 1995 | EF1 | 2 miles | 2.2 miles |
| Jun 5, 1995 | EF1 | 3 miles | 2 miles |
| Jun 15, 1985 | EF0 | 0.2 miles | 3.2 miles |
Show all 11Show fewer
| Day | Rating | Path length | Closest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 1965 | EF1 | 0.2 miles | 4.2 miles |
| Apr 12, 1961 | EF1 | 0.1 miles | 1 miles |
| Sep 25, 1956 | EF0 | 0.5 miles | 1.8 miles |
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center. Ratings before 2007 are on the original Fujita scale.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
57 storms in NOAA's records brought modeled tropical-storm-force winds (39 mph or more) to Hilton Head Island.
| Storm | Modeled peak gust | Sustained | Closest pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helene (2024) | 54 mph | 44 mph | 142 miles |
| Debby (2024) | 50 mph | 41 mph | 17 miles |
| Idalia (2023) | 59 mph | 48 mph | 33 miles |
| Ian (2022) | 49 mph | 40 mph | 97 miles |
| Dorian (2019) | 52 mph | 42 mph | 84 miles |
| Irma (2017) | 50 mph | 41 mph | 185 miles |
| Matthew (2016) | 92 mph | 75 mph | 15 miles |
| Hermine (2016) | 59 mph | 48 mph | 28 miles |
Show all 57Show fewer
| Storm | Modeled peak gust | Sustained | Closest pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnie (1998) | 63 mph | 51 mph | 175 miles |
| Hugo (1989) | 79 mph | 64 mph | 69 miles |
| Kate (1985) | 55 mph | 45 mph | 42 miles |
| Bob (1985) | 63 mph | 52 mph | 14 miles |
| Diana (1984) | 51 mph | 42 mph | 113 miles |
| David (1979) | 87 mph | 71 mph | 23 miles |
| Dora (1964) | 70 mph | 57 mph | 38 miles |
| Cleo (1964) | 50 mph | 41 mph | 41 miles |
| Ginny (1963) | 69 mph | 56 mph | 72 miles |
| Donna (1960) | 54 mph | 44 mph | 84 miles |
| Brenda (1960) | 53 mph | 43 mph | 3 miles |
| Gracie (1959) | 132 mph | 107 mph | 23 miles |
| Cindy (1959) | 48 mph | 39 mph | 86 miles |
| Helene (1958) | 62 mph | 51 mph | 125 miles |
| Hazel (1954) | 52 mph | 42 mph | 124 miles |
| Able (1952) | 93 mph | 75 mph | 10 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1947 | 107 mph | 87 mph | 28 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1946 | 51 mph | 41 mph | 59 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1945 | 63 mph | 51 mph | 7 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1944 | 56 mph | 46 mph | 19 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1940 | 98 mph | 80 mph | 6 miles |
| 1928 Okeechobee hurricane | 82 mph | 67 mph | 8 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1924 | 63 mph | 51 mph | 37 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1916 | 55 mph | 45 mph | 44 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1916 | 76 mph | 62 mph | 83 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1911 | 101 mph | 82 mph | 1 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1910 | 61 mph | 49 mph | 15 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1906 | 69 mph | 56 mph | 39 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1899 | 61 mph | 50 mph | 111 miles |
| 1898 Georgia hurricane | 70 mph | 57 mph | 97 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1898 | 87 mph | 71 mph | 7 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1896 | 101 mph | 82 mph | 25 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1894 | 73 mph | 60 mph | 36 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1894 | 89 mph | 72 mph | 3 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1893 | 99 mph | 80 mph | 41 miles |
| 1893 Sea Islands hurricane | 117 mph | 95 mph | 27 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1886 | 50 mph | 41 mph | 63 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1885 | 96 mph | 78 mph | 23 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1883 | 49 mph | 40 mph | 125 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1882 | 54 mph | 44 mph | 23 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1881 | 107 mph | 87 mph | 40 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1878 | 92 mph | 75 mph | 17 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1874 | 78 mph | 63 mph | 15 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1873 | 51 mph | 41 mph | 12 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1871 | 64 mph | 52 mph | 21 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1867 | 67 mph | 54 mph | 52 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1854 | 127 mph | 103 mph | 35 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1853 | 80 mph | 65 mph | 50 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1852 | 53 mph | 43 mph | 57 miles |
Modeled from NOAA’s best tracks for open, flat ground; not measurements. How we model hurricane winds
55 radar hail days within 15 miles since 2020, largest 2.5 in or more
Source: NOAA MRMS radar (MESH), from October 14, 2020. Estimates of the largest hail in each 1 km cell, not measurements.
25 days with radar hail 1 inch or larger, 3 at 2 inches or larger, within 15 miles of Hilton Head Island’s center.
Biggest radar hail days
- 0.75 in+
- 1.0 in+
- 1.5 in+
- 2.0 in+
- 2.5 in+
- 3.0 in+
Most recent radar hail days
| Date | Largest radar estimate |
|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2026 | 1.25 in or more |
| Aug 14, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
| Aug 11, 2026 | 1.0 in or more |
| Aug 10, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
| Jul 29, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
| Jul 24, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
Storms in Hilton Head Island
The South Carolina State Climatology Office puts hail in the Lowcountry at about 0.5 days a year, versus 1 to 1.5 days in the Midlands, Piedmont and Foothills.1 A 1998 NWS Charleston study found severe hail most likely in April and May.2 The same study found July the peak month for damaging wind reports, when wet microbursts from summer storms are the main threat.2
Notable storms
- September 26, 2024An EF0 tornado from an outer band of Hurricane Helene, with winds estimated at 80 mph, crossed Daufuskie Island around sunrise on September 26, 2024, snapping trees along a path of almost 7 miles. Beaufort County Emergency Management reported at least 79 homes affected across the county, with 3 destroyed and 24 others with major damage.3,4,5
- July 7, 2021Tropical Storm Elsa brought a gust of 70 knots (81 mph) in Calibogue Sound late on July 7, 2021. Hilton Head Island Emergency Management counted at least 32 trees down on the island, including 8 that fell on houses, mostly on the south end.6
- September 11, 2017Storm surge from Tropical Storm Irma flooded the south end of Hilton Head Island on September 11, 2017. USGS storm tide sensors measured water 5.21 feet above ground near Harbor Town.7
- October 8, 2016Hurricane Matthew brought an 87 mph gust to Hilton Head Island Airport. The National Weather Service reported that damage on Beaufort County's sea islands, including Hilton Head Island, implies winds of at least 100 mph.8
- June 17, 2016Storms with winds estimated at 75 mph downed at least 21 trees across the island, some onto power lines.9,10
- March 15, 2008Golf ball to baseball size hail at Hilton Head Island Airport damaged 62 planes and numerous cars. NOAA's storm records list about $1 million in property damage in the area.11
Warnings and alerts
Warnings for Hilton Head Island come from the National Weather Service office in Charleston, South Carolina.12,2 The Town of Hilton Head Island sends Emergency Alerts by email or text to people who subscribe through its E-Subscription service.13
Sources
- 1. South Carolina State Climatology Office: South Carolina Climate
- 2. NWS Charleston: A Severe Weather Climatology for the Charleston, South Carolina, County Warning Area
- 3. NWS Charleston: County Impacts Associated with Helene - 2024
- 4. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Tornado, Beaufort County, September 26, 2024 (Daufuskie Island)
- 5. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Tropical Storm, Beaufort County, September 26, 2024
- 6. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Tropical Storm, Beaufort County, July 7, 2021
- 7. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Storm Surge/Tide, Beaufort County, September 11, 2017
- 8. NWS Wilmington: Hurricane Matthew in the Carolinas: October 8, 2016
- 9. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Thunderstorm Wind, Beaufort County, June 17, 2016 (Hilton Head Island Airport)
- 10. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Thunderstorm Wind, Beaufort County, June 17, 2016 (Forest Beach)
- 11. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Hail, Beaufort County, March 15, 2008
- 12. National Weather Service: NWS Forecast Office Charleston, SC
- 13. Town of Hilton Head Island: Subscribe to E-Notifications
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Questions about hail in Hilton Head Island
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
- How often does it hail in Hilton Head Island?
- NOAA recorded hail within 15 miles of the center of Hilton Head Island on 0.7 days a year on average from 2016 to 2025, 0.4 of them with hail 1 inch or larger. Since 2010 it recorded 15 hail days.
- When is hail season in Hilton Head Island?
- March has the most hail days within 15 miles of the center of Hilton Head Island, 3 since 2010, then April (3) and May (3).
- What is the largest hail recorded in Hilton Head Island?
- 2.5 in, in 2011: the largest hail NOAA recorded within 15 miles of the center of Hilton Head Island since 2010.
- When did it last hail in Hilton Head Island?
- NOAA's most recent hail report within 15 miles of the center of Hilton Head Island is from May 8, 2025, with hail up to 0.88 in reported 12.1 miles from the center. Data through November 1, 2026.