85°
Sunny
0%
81
Sussex County, DE · Delaware Bay
Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach
Fowler Beach Rd, Milton, DE 19968
A beach unit of the 10,000-acre Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crab sanctuary and piping plover nesting site — the beach is closed every spring/summer to protect federally threatened plovers and state-endangered least terns, typically reopening October 1.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
78°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 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
81 /100
great
80 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
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
87°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:37 PM
5.9 ft · in 1.3h
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:37 AM
Sunset
7:20 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:12 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 2:30 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:37 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:18 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:03 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 3:24 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:25 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:49 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 4:14 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 10:10 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:40 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:33 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 5:00 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:52 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:18 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:14 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 5:45 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:33 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:56 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:56 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 6:31 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:14 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:36 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 12:38 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:20 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8556198, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Mostly Sunny
6%
79
80°
Chance Rain Showers
35%
67
80°
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
25%
77
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
18
82°
Mostly Sunny
9%
85
83°
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 78°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small refuge lot at the end of Fowler Beach Rd.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
Free — no entrance fee for the refuge
Address
Fowler Beach Rd, Milton, DE 19968
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach today?
Prime Hook NWR — Fowler 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 Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
Entry to Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
Amenities at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach include wildlife observation, beach (seasonal access).
When is the water warmest at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler 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 Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach located?
Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at Fowler Beach Rd, Milton, DE 19968.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS