82°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny
15%
46
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 sunbathing.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 78°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Bacteria elevated — recent usgs sample within 50% of epa action threshold
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- 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
35 /100
ok
0 Swim
67 Sunbathe
37 Walk
34 Photo
Best for sunbathing 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
82°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
10 to 15 mph
E
Rain
15%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:03 PM
6.1 ft · in 4.9h
Water Quality
Elevated
113 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 3w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:27 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:33 AM | High | 4.1 ft |
| 1:46 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 8:03 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:35 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 2:46 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 9:01 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:56 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:33 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 3:43 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 9:57 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:47 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:29 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 4:38 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:50 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:36 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:22 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 5:32 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:41 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:24 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 12:14 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 6:27 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:32 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 7:13 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 1:06 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 7:25 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8556198, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
88°
Sunny
0%
83
95°
Sunny
2%
71
91°
Sunny
3%
79
89°
Mostly Sunny
9%
80
89°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
21%
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
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