57°
Sunny
0%
55
Sussex County, DE · Atlantic Ocean
Fenwick Island State Park
36880 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
The Delaware state park just north of the Maryland line. Quieter than the resort towns, with three miles of undeveloped beach. Good surfing by Mid-Atlantic standards.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
57°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 42. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 57°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 3.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
55 /100
good
41 Swim
45 Sunbathe
68 Walk
57 Fish
69 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.7 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
57°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
31 Good
Ozone · Sussex County
Tomorrow
60°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
7:18 PM
4.1 ft · in 46m
Wave Height
3.9 ft
10s · SSE swell
Barometer
29.88 inHg
1012 hPa · buoy 44009
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 5w ago: above threshold
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:33 AM
Sunset
4:54 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:58 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 1:11 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:18 PM | High | 4.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:39 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 1:55 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:59 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:48 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:18 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 2:35 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:38 PM | High | 3.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:24 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:55 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 3:14 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:16 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:59 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:32 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 3:52 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:54 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:36 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:10 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 4:32 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:34 PM | High | 3.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:15 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:51 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:16 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:17 PM | High | 3.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8557380, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
60°
Sunny
1%
59
60°
Sunny
0%
59
64°
Sunny
0%
67
63°
Sunny
0%
65
60°
Partly Sunny then Chance Light Rain
31%
52
54°
Chance Light Rain
35%
32
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 57°F outside
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
9:10 PM - 11:10 PM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
9:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Minor
3:20 PM - 4:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited May 1 - Sep 30.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle DE, $20/vehicle out-of-state (fee season March 1–late Nov)
Address
36880 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Fenwick Island State Park today?
Fenwick Island 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 Fenwick Island State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited May 1 - Sep 30.
Is there an entry fee at Fenwick Island State Park?
$10/vehicle DE, $20/vehicle out-of-state (fee season March 1–late Nov)
Are there lifeguards at Fenwick Island State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Fenwick Island 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 Fenwick Island State Park?
Amenities at Fenwick Island State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, showers, surf rentals.
When is the water warmest at Fenwick Island 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 Fenwick Island State Park located?
Fenwick Island State Park is in Sussex County, DE, at 36880 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE 19944.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS