83°
Mostly Sunny
0%
60
Cumberland County, NJ · Delaware Bay
Fortescue
Fortescue Rd & Downe Ave, Newport, NJ 08345
"The Weakfish Capital of the World" — a tiny Cumberland County Bay community with a public swim/wade beach, boat ramps, and a working fishing port. Enrolled as a horseshoe crab sanctuary; beach closed day and night May 7 – Jun 7 during migration.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 80°F water · 83°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 80°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
60 /100
good
51 Swim
77 Sunbathe
85 Walk
39 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
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
10 to 15 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
9:29 PM
6.9 ft · in 2.2h
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:36 AM
Sunset
7:19 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:20 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:07 AM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 3:26 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:29 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:10 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:57 AM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 4:20 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:17 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:55 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 10:44 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 5:10 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 11:02 PM | High | 6.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:38 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 11:29 AM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 5:57 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:46 PM | High | 6.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:18 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 12:11 PM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 6:42 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:29 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 6:56 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 12:53 PM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 7:27 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:34 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 1:35 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| 8:12 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8537121, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Mostly Sunny
11%
77
80°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
19%
78
80°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
22%
77
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
70%
17
82°
Mostly Sunny
6%
81
82°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°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
Free lot at beach end.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted outside closure window.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Fortescue Rd & Downe Ave, Newport, NJ 08345
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Fortescue today?
Fortescue 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 Fortescue dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted outside closure window.
Is there an entry fee at Fortescue?
Entry to Fortescue is free.
Are there lifeguards at Fortescue?
No lifeguards are stationed at Fortescue. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Fortescue?
Amenities at Fortescue include beach access, boat ramp, charter fishing, fishing pier.
When is the water warmest at Fortescue?
Delaware Bay peaks in July and August at roughly 76-80°F — warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic. Comfortable swimming mid-June through September.
Where is Fortescue located?
Fortescue is in Cumberland County, NJ, at Fortescue Rd & Downe Ave, Newport, NJ 08345.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS