80°
Partly Sunny
4%
82
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 78°F water · 80°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued july 12 at 4:25am edt until july 12 at 11:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
66 /100
good
51 Swim
78 Sunbathe
85 Walk
55 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 4:25AM EDT until July 12 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Kent, Inland Sussex and Delaware Beaches. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways. Some partial or full road closures are possible.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°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
79°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:37 PM
6.7 ft · in 5.4h
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2:39 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:14 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 2:32 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:37 PM | High | 6.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:40 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:14 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 3:32 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 9:35 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:11 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:30 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:26 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:05 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 5:23 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:22 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:56 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 6:15 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:12 AM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 7:00 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 12:47 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 7:07 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:01 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 7:46 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 1:36 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 7:58 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8554399, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
79°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
85°
Sunny
0%
86
92°
Sunny
2%
77
88°
Sunny
2%
84
85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
83
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
43
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).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
9:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Minor
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Major
10:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Minor
7:00 PM - 8:00 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