84°
Sunny
0%
51
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · Bacteria above EPA action level · 78°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 84. South wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 15 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 1:09pm edt until september 10 at 8:00am edt by nws mount holly nj
- Bacteria above EPA action level — recent usgs sample exceeded the federal beach action threshold
51 /100
ok
21 Swim
78 Sunbathe
85 Walk
14 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 1:09PM EDT until September 10 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and choppy waters expected. * WHERE...Delaware Bay waters north of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE and Delaware Bay waters south of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 8 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
86°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:15 PM
5.2 ft · in 58m
Wave Height
3.3 ft
4s · SW swell
Rip Current Risk
Low
NWS SRF · PHI · DEZ004 · Issued Sep 9, 3:16 AM
Barometer
29.87 inHg
1012 hPa · buoy 44009
Water Quality
Above threshold
292 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 8d ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:36 AM
Sunset
7:19 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:40 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 7:50 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 1:40 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:15 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:28 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:41 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 2:34 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:03 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:10 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:27 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 3:24 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 9:48 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:50 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:11 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 4:10 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:30 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:28 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:52 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 4:55 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:11 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:06 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 5:41 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:52 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:46 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 12:16 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:30 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8557380, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Sunny
5%
80
79°
Chance Rain Showers
41%
64
80°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
23%
75
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
68%
21
82°
Mostly Sunny
8%
85
83°
Mostly Sunny
4%
85
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
10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:10 PM - 7:10 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