87°
Partly Sunny
4%
80
Sussex County, DE · Atlantic Ocean
Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
The Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic at Cape Henlopen — 5,193 acres of dunes, maritime forest, and protected beaches. WWII watchtowers still stand. Multiple distinct beaches (Point, Herring Point, Bay beach). Exceptional birding during migration.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
78°F water · 87°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Moderate rip current risk — nws: rip currents possible in the surf zone
73 /100
great
68 Swim
75 Sunbathe
83 Walk
74 Fish
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
87°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
E
Rain
4%
Today
Tomorrow
87°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:41 PM
5.4 ft · in 4.5h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
5s · E swell
Rip Current Risk
Moderate
NWS SRF · PHI · DEZ004 · Issued Jul 12, 8:36 AM
Tomorrow: Low
Water Quality
Clean
20 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 2w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:26 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Mostly Sunny
0%
83
86°
Sunny
0%
84
96°
Sunny
2%
70
90°
Sunny
3%
79
89°
Mostly Sunny
8%
80
89°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
19%
43
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 78°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
9:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Minor
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Major
10:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Minor
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on guarded beach May 1 - Sep 30. Permitted on unguarded beach and trails.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle DE, $20/vehicle out-of-state (fee season March 1–late Nov)
Address
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cape Henlopen State Park today?
Cape Henlopen State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Cape Henlopen State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on guarded beach May 1 - Sep 30. Permitted on unguarded beach and trails.
Is there an entry fee at Cape Henlopen State Park?
$10/vehicle DE, $20/vehicle out-of-state (fee season March 1–late Nov)
Are there lifeguards at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cape Henlopen State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Amenities at Cape Henlopen State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, camping, bike trails, historic watchtowers, nature center.
When is the water warmest at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is Cape Henlopen State Park located?
Cape Henlopen State Park is in Sussex County, DE, at 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS