82°
Sunny
0%
71
Somerset County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area
Deal Island Rd, Deal Island, MD 21821
A 13,000-acre WMA on the lower Eastern Shore with extensive salt marsh, some sandy beach access, and world-class waterfowl viewing. Skipjack races still happen nearby every Labor Day weekend.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
82°F water · 82°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 82. South wind around 18 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 77. South wind 20 to 25 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 41% probability — expect some stings
71 /100
great
66 Swim
70 Sunbathe
82 Walk
67 Fish
77 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
82°F
Clear
Wind
18 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:51 PM
0.3 ft · in 2.6h
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
41% probability · Potomac buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:40 AM
Sunset
7:22 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:04 AM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 9:55 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 3:13 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 9:51 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:52 AM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 10:39 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 4:06 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 10:45 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 11:20 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 4:57 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 11:36 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:17 AM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 11:59 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 5:45 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:24 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 5:58 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 12:37 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:31 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 6:39 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 1:15 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 7:16 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:58 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:21 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 1:55 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:02 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8571892, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Sunny
4%
69
82°
Rain Showers Likely then Partly Sunny
55%
61
82°
Chance Rain Showers
47%
59
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
68%
18
84°
Mostly Sunny
7%
81
84°
Sunny
4%
80
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 18 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°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
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Several pull-offs.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Deal Island Rd, Deal Island, MD 21821
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area today?
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Deal Island Wildlife Management Area dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
Entry to Deal Island Wildlife Management Area is free.
Are there lifeguards at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
No lifeguards are stationed at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
Amenities at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area include boat launches, observation platforms.
When is the water warmest at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Deal Island Wildlife Management Area located?
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area is in Somerset County, MD, at Deal Island Rd, Deal Island, MD 21821.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS