85°
Sunny
0%
76
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
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 80°F water · 85°F air
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 around 15 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
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
76 /100
great
51 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
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
Mostly 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
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
6:37 AM
Sunset
7:20 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
12%
80
79°
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
29%
74
79°
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
26%
73
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
69%
18
81°
Mostly Sunny
8%
85
82°
Mostly Sunny
6%
84
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 80°F
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