58°
Sunny
1%
43
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
Great day for photography.
NWS alert active · 58°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 44. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 58°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 1:11pm est until november 8 at 9:00am est by nws mount holly nj
43 /100
ok
23 Swim
48 Sunbathe
69 Walk
29 Fish
70 Photo
Best for photography today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 1:11PM EST until November 8 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and choppy waters. * 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...Until 9 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
58°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
24 Good
Ozone · Southern Bay
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
61°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
8:31 PM
5.8 ft · in 2.0h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 4mo ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:35 AM
Sunset
4:53 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:10 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:13 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 2:44 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:31 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:53 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:54 AM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 3:30 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:14 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:33 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:34 AM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 4:14 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:55 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:12 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 4:56 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:36 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:49 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:49 AM | High | 6.4 ft |
| 5:36 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:17 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:26 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:27 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 6:16 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:58 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:03 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 12:07 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 6:56 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8537121, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
61°
Sunny
1%
60
61°
Sunny
0%
60
64°
Sunny
0%
67
61°
Sunny
0%
63
57°
Chance Light Rain
35%
44
53°
Chance Light Rain
41%
35
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 58°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
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