57°
Sunny
1%
62
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
Decent day for photography.
57°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 45. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 57°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
62 /100
good
52 Swim
46 Sunbathe
68 Walk
69 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
57°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
31 Good
Ozone · Sussex County
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
60°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
7:40 PM
4.6 ft · in 1.1h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 5w ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:34 AM
Sunset
4:54 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:20 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:20 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 2:01 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:40 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:01 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 2:45 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:21 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:40 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 3:25 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:00 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:17 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 4:04 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:38 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:49 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:54 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 4:42 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:16 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:26 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:32 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 5:22 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:56 PM | High | 3.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:13 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 6:06 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:39 PM | High | 3.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8556198, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
60°
Sunny
1%
63
60°
Sunny
0%
57
64°
Sunny
0%
68
63°
Sunny
0%
70
59°
Chance Light Rain
34%
48
53°
Chance Light Rain
38%
31
What to Bring Today
- 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).
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