Ever wonder why summer is the time the crowds head to the beach? It may have something to do kids being off from school, or it may be about getting your tan on. Some people really like the intense heat you will find in middle of summer. But if you aren’t one of those, we’ve got eight reasons why might be better off packing your bags for a trip to the coast in the autumn.

Weather

Autumn does not necessarily equate to sweater weather. Especially in the south, the warmer weather sticks around longer. Temperatures through October in southern states such as South Carolina remain in the upper 70s, with water temperatures peaking in the 70s as well. Along with this, October is the time of year when the heaviest rains start to subside. What great beach weather!

Prices

You may think “peak season” is referring to the time of year that is the best time to visit, but it really means the time of year that is most popular. And popular in tourism means they can charge more. The later in the year you are willing to wait, the better the deal you are likely to get on room rates.

Crowds

Remember all those families who were vacationing in the summer while the kids were home from school? Nowhere to be found after September. Why is it so quiet? Who cares! Just enjoy the space and peacefulness.

As an added bonus, you’re sure to have access to all the beach equipment and bicycle rentals you’ll need for your vacation, but it still doesn’t hurt to reserve them in advance! We can often work with your accommodations to have everything ready for you when you arrive.

Attire

Do you dread swimsuit season? Now you don’t have to! Leave the swimsuit at home. There are plenty of other activities you can do on the beach without stripping down to the bathing gear. Or, if you are still hoping to catch some rays, you still can. At least the whole world won’t be watching (see crowds above).

Activities

Many of the activities you enjoy in the summer are still in full swing in the autumn. Hilton Head is known for some of the best golf courses in the world, but don’t stop there! Cycling, hiking, and horseback riding are other great sports available for you to try. Many of the hotels in the area offer packages to incorporate these fun activities into your stay.

Fall is the perfect time to try some activities that work best with the gusty winds you find in fall. Kite flying and parasailing are at their best this time of year.

If you are visiting Hilton Head in the fall so that you can check out some of their indoor activities, you won’t want to miss the Coastal Discovery Museum, which is currently showing the Art Beyond Tradition exhibit. The museum also offers a guided walk of the National Wildlife Refuge.

Recreation

Some of the best festivals and events in Hilton Head arrive to down in the fall. The Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival is one of Hilton Head’s biggest attractions. November is also the time to catch the Fall Festival in town. There’s really something for everyone. Check out the list of other events happening this autumn you will find.

Food

What a great time of year to enjoy a bowl of chili! It tastes so much better now than it does in the summer. It’s also a great time to shop a farmer’s market and find so fresh local produce. Or, if you looking for some fun nightlife with your dinner, you’re going to want to try the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the Caramel Apple Festival in late November.

Relaxation

Maybe you’d rather do what vacations were meant for – kicking back and relaxing. You can sit back and watch the sun set below some beautiful fall colors. Or, wake up in your hotel room by and enjoy breakfast in bed while enjoying the beautiful view outside.

So, if you’ve been counting the days until June or waiting until you can jet set to Hilton Head, you can knock a few months off that count down by visiting Hilton Head in the fall. There may be no better time to visit than this autumn!