57°
Sunny
1%
52
Kent County, DE · Delaware Bay
Port Mahon
Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901
340 acres of beach, salt marsh, and tidal creek on Delaware Bay east of Dover — best known for the state-run Port Mahon Fishing Pier (reopened 2022 after emergency repairs). Not a swim beach. Requires a short hike over rocks to reach the pier, and a pier net is standard.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
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 15 to 20 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
52 /100
ok
45 Swim
35 Sunbathe
63 Walk
54 Fish
65 Photo
Best for photography today
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
8:07 PM
5.6 ft · in 1.6h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 6mo 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1:51 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:49 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 2:21 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:07 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:32 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:29 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 3:06 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 8:50 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:08 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 3:48 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:31 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:48 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:46 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:11 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:24 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:24 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 5:09 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:51 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:03 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 5:50 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:31 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:38 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:44 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 6:33 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8554399, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
59°
Sunny
1%
58
59°
Sunny
0%
47
63°
Sunny
0%
62
60°
Sunny
0%
62
56°
Chance Light Rain
35%
43
51°
Chance Light Rain
40%
28
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).
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
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minor
3:20 PM - 4:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
DNREC lot near the pier.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free for fishing; Conservation Access Pass required otherwise
Address
Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Port Mahon today?
Port Mahon 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 Port Mahon dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Port Mahon?
Entry to Port Mahon is free.
Are there lifeguards at Port Mahon?
No lifeguards are stationed at Port Mahon. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Port Mahon?
Amenities at Port Mahon include fishing pier, salt marsh, wildlife viewing.
When is the water warmest at Port Mahon?
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 Port Mahon located?
Port Mahon is in Kent County, DE, at Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS