What to do on Hilton Head Island in September

By Hilton Head Insider

Birds, birdies, and biking, oh my! This is your September guide to birdwatching, getting out on the fairways, bicycle adventures around Hilton Head Island, and so much more.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Events, festivals, and celebrations happening all month long
All the best activities to try in September on Hilton Head Island
A guide to enjoying sea turtle season during the fall months
September weather and a fall packing list for the Lowcountry
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting in September
Personalized guides and itineraries for your September visit

Can’t-Miss Events & Experiences in September

This fall, the events and festivals on Hilton Head Island really pick up pace, with fun for all ages and performers coming from as far as Nashville to delight and entertain. Here’s a look at what’s on this month.

Signature Events:

September 17–20, 2026: Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival at key events around Hilton Head Island. Learn more here.
September 19, 2026: Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival in Harbour Town from 1pm–4pm. Learn more and get your tickets here.

September Events & Experiences:

September 1: Jazz in the Park—John Brackett Quintet at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 7pm–9pm
September 4–6: Labor Day Weekend at Savannah Lakes RV Resort from 9am–10pm
September 4: Community Fishing at HHI Fishing Cooperative Park from 5pm–7pm
September 4: Jazz Night at the Sea Pines Beach Club in the Atlantic Room from 6:30pm–8:30pm
September 11: Iron Chef Cook-Off with Master Sommelier Larry O-Brien at the Champions Ballroom in the Harbour Town Clubhouse from 6:30pm
September 11: Doubt, A Parable at Coligny Theatre from 7:30pm
September 14: 6th Annual Swing for the Future Golf Tournament at Long Cove Club from 11am–7pm
September 15: Season Kickoff: Coffee and Birding at Jarvis Creek Park from 9am–11am
September 16: The Spirit We Move With: A Documentary about Gullah Heritage & Resilience on HHI at First Presbyterian Church from 6:30pm–8pm
September 17–20: Hilton Head Island Jam 2026 at various locations
September 18: 2026 Beach Sweep at Sea Pines Beach Club from 2pm–5pm
September 19: Wildlife Photography Class at the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Sea Island Room from 9:30am–12pm
September 19: 2026 Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival in Harbour Town from 1pm–4pm
September 24: Night at the Preserve: Full Moon Wagon Ride at Heritage Farm from 7:30pm–8:30pm
September 25–27: 2026 Stan Smith Super Series at the Sea Pines Racquet Club from 2–5pm on Friday and 9am–12pm on Saturday & Sunday
September 25: Heaven Hill Distillery Dinner at Sea Pines Beach Club from 6pm
September 25: Beer Mile at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 6pm–8pm
September 25: Hilton Head Choral Society’s “Questions & Answers” POPS Concert at Hilton Head Choral Society from 7pm–8:30pm
September 27: 2026 Harbour Town Fall Fest from 11am–6pm

View our full events calendar for more information and current listings here.

September: Birds, Birdies, and Bike Rides

September brings a beautiful change of pace to Hilton Head Island, as the energy of summer gives way to laid-back getaways and the start of festival and event season in the Lowcountry. Trade your laptop for binoculars and discover the Island’s abundant wildlife, swap the office for fairways, or leave the car behind for bike rides along miles of hard-packed beach sand and scenic pathways. However you choose to explore, Hilton Head Island offers the perfect respite from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Peak Birding in September

Early September is great for bird enthusiasts as migration season in South Carolina is at its peak. Get The Birdwatcher’s Guide to Hilton Head Island for all the best spots to see different species during your visit.
Hilton Head Island is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a migration route that runs from the Northern Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions to Southern regions such as the Caribbean and South America. During fall migration, many shorebirds and other species will stop over in the Lowcountry to fuel up on their way to spend the winter in warmer Southern areas.
Want a knowledgeable guide to show you around? Learn more about our birding and nature tours here.

Scoring Birdies in September

September is a beautiful month for golf on Hilton Head Island, with a slower pace after the summer season and perfect weather for long days on the course.
You’re sure to find something for everyone with our 23+ world-class courses. Choose a course you’ve never played before and see Hilton Head Island from a new perspective, or opt for a 9-hole course if you’re bringing younger kids along for the day.
Not sure where to play? Get personalized course recommendations from a local golf expert here to make your trip planning even easier.

September Bicycle Adventures

Biking is always delightful on Hilton Head Island, but the changing seasons create superb conditions for long beach rides and peaceful trail rides through protected forests.
With cooler air, more space to ride, and easy access to the main areas of Hilton Head Island, biking is the best way to get around during your stay in September.
Flying into Hilton Head Island? Check out our bike rental partners to get you equipped for your trip here.
Explore our bike path map so you can plan how to get around during your Hilton Head Island vacation.

How to Enjoy Sea Turtle Hatching Season

What does September mean for our sea turtles?

Sea turtle season starts in May on Hilton Head Island and runs all the way through October. With 408 nests laid as of August 25, this season is shaping up to be the second most-active nesting season ever (the record is 463). In September, the nesting season will have ended, and the hatching season will be in full swing. That means baby turtle hatchlings will be emerging from their nests all along Hilton Head Island beaches and heading for the open ocean. Hatchlings usually emerge just after sunset in the cooler evenings, so make sure you’re on the lookout for tiny turtle tracks in the sand!

We recently sat down with Amber Kuehn from Sea Turtle Patrol to ask her some questions about working in sea turtle conservation and what you can do to help! You can watch it here.

Our sea turtles think you should practice being #IslandKind! Here’s how:

When we take the time to educate ourselves and act mindfully during vacation, all of our wildlife and ecosystems benefit. Here are some tips to help the sea turtles and to conserve our natural paradise here on Hilton Head Island by being #IslandKind:

Please do not disturb any sea turtle nests you may see (they are marked with 3 poles, flagging tape, and an orange sign).
Keep your distance if you see hatchlings emerging from their nest. You can take pictures, but make sure your flash is off and that you are at least a few feet away so they can make their way to the ocean in peace.
Fill in any holes you see on the beach. Even small holes can trap sea turtle hatchlings.
Take all belongings like beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, and towels with you at the end of your beach day. We want the hatchlings to have a smooth run to the ocean.
Use low-light or red light on the beach after dark so as not to confuse the baby sea turtles, which look for the light of the moon to orient themselves.
Avoid walking or biking through the dunes and use existing pathways and boardwalks. Dune ecosystems are a fragile habitat that keep our beaches (and our Island) healthy.
Knock down any sandcastles you see on the beach at the end of the day.

Get more tips about ecotourism and sustainable tourism here.

What to pack for Hilton Head Island in September

September is a spectacular combination of quiet beach days, long walks in nature, and fun events and celebrations. Make sure you’re packed for every occasion with our suggested packing list:

Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Swimsuit & beach cover-up for mid-day swims
Binoculars and a camera to capture all the fall migratory birds
Sturdy walking or running shoes that are already broken in
Water shoes or sandals that can get wet for kayaking and boating
Breathable and layered clothing for tennis, pickleball, and golf
A compact chair or blanket to sit on during fall events
A light layer or windbreaker for early morning beach walks or late-night events
Bug spray for marsh or kayak tours and evening walks
Red headlamp or red flashlight for spotting sea turtle hatchlings

Looking for more ideas for your Hilton Head Island September packing list? Check out Things to Do in Hilton Head Island.

September Awaits on Hilton Head Island

It may be back-to-school season, but the weekends are free and waiting for a quick trip to the Lowcountry. Whether you’re driving or flying in, we’ve got you covered with short bike and kayak rentals, two-night offers on accommodations, and plenty of events to fill the calendar. Build your perfect stay with our 2026 Vacation Planner or get a custom itinerary here with our AI-powered chatbot from MindTrip.

FAQ: What to do on Hilton Head Island in September

September is beautiful in the Lowcountry, and our events season really kicks off this time of year. Average temperatures throughout the month are 85°F during the day and 69°F at night. This month is great for experiencing the arts and cultural scene on Hilton Head Island, exploring our nature parks and beaches at a slower pace in a quieter atmosphere, and attending our fall events and festivals that ramp up as fall begins.
Hilton Head Island’s arts and cultural scene comes alive in the fall, balanced with fun family-friendly activities and laid-back time in nature. No matter what speed, there is a Lowcountry adventure waiting for you on Hilton Head Island.
The fall months are some of the best year-round for our fresh oysters, so we definitely recommend ordering some on your next journey to the Lowcountry. Some local restaurants where you can order them are The Old Oyster Factory, Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks, and Benny’s Coastal Kitchen. The weather also cools off a little, making it a great time to try some of our comfort food like shrimp and grits and a Lowcountry boil. Check out A Lowcountry Backyard or Fishcamp on Broad Creek for these southern staples.
The first signature event happening this September is the Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival, taking place at key locations around the island from September 17–20, 2026. This one is free to attend and great for the whole family. That same weekend, the Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival takes place on September 19. You can try gourmet shrimp dishes, sample all-you-can-eat shrimp, and enjoy local music and vendors too.
Absolutely! Air temperatures average 85°F during the day and water temperatures average 81°F, so it’s definitely swimmable. Your comfort level will totally depend on what you’re used to at home. Early morning and late evening will be cooler, so feel free to take a dip at your own discretion.

What to do on Hilton Head Island in September

In this guide, we’ll cover: