57°
Sunny
1%
50
Kent County, DE · Delaware Bay
Pickering Beach
Pickering Beach Rd, Dover, DE 19901
A tiny Delaware Bay community behind Dover Air Force Base — roughly 30 houses and a handful of public parking spots. Official horseshoe crab sanctuary. Swimming is not recommended (shore turns to mud toward low tide) but walking, kayaking, and horseshoe-crab viewing in May-June are excellent.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
NWS alert active · 57°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 57°F air — chilly for a beach day
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- 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
50 /100
ok
15 Swim
35 Sunbathe
63 Walk
65 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
57°F
Clear
Wind
15 to 20 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
26 Good
Ozone · Kent County
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
59°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 5w ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:35 AM
Sunset
4:54 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
59°
Sunny
1%
62
59°
Sunny
0%
56
63°
Sunny
0%
66
61°
Sunny
0%
68
57°
Chance Light Rain
35%
45
51°
Chance Light Rain
39%
30
What to Bring Today
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 15 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- 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).
Beach Info
Parking
Handful of public spots at the end of Pickering Beach Rd.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Pickering Beach Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pickering Beach today?
Pickering 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. 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 Pickering Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Pickering Beach?
Entry to Pickering Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Pickering Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pickering Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pickering Beach?
Amenities at Pickering Beach include wildlife viewing.
When is the water warmest at Pickering 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 Pickering Beach located?
Pickering Beach is in Kent County, DE, at Pickering Beach Rd, Dover, DE 19901.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS