81°
Partly Sunny
4%
82
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.
78°F water · 81°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
81 /100
great
81 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.9 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
10 to 15 mph
E
Rain
4%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:57 PM
7.0 ft · in 5.8h
Water Quality
Clean
20 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:58 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:34 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 2:50 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:57 PM | High | 7.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:58 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:33 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 3:50 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:54 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:30 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 4:48 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 10:50 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:45 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:25 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 5:43 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:43 PM | High | 7.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:35 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 12:19 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:36 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:35 AM | High | 6.8 ft |
| 7:22 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 1:11 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 7:29 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:26 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 8:08 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 2:03 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 8:22 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8537121, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
86°
Sunny
0%
86
93°
Sunny
2%
75
89°
Sunny
2%
82
87°
Mostly Sunny
7%
82
88°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
42
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 78°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