85°
Sunny
0%
44
Sussex County, DE · Delaware Bay
Lewes Beach
Delaware Bay (not ocean) beach in the historic town of Lewes. Calmer than Atlantic beaches, shallower water, friendly to families with small kids. The charming colonial town is walkable from the beach.
Today's Conditions
Great day 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 85. Southwest wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 85°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
44 /100
ok
20 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
9 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
85°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:15 PM
5.2 ft · in 58m
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
87°
Sunny
5%
77
79°
Chance Rain Showers
42%
64
80°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
23%
76
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
18
82°
Mostly Sunny
9%
81
82°
Mostly Sunny
5%
82
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- 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
Metered street parking.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on beach May 1 - Sep 30.
Entry Fee
Free beach; paid parking
Address
Lewes, DE 19958
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Lewes Beach today?
Lewes Beach 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 Lewes Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on beach May 1 - Sep 30.
Is there an entry fee at Lewes Beach?
Entry to Lewes Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Lewes Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Lewes Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Lewes Beach?
Amenities at Lewes Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, walkable to town, fishing pier nearby.
When is the water warmest at Lewes Beach?
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 Lewes Beach located?
Lewes Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at Lewes, DE 19958.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS