57°
Sunny
1%
58
Sussex County, DE · Delaware Bay
Slaughter Beach
An official horseshoe crab sanctuary since 2004 — the tiny town banned harvest to protect the spawning that draws red knots and thousands of crabs every May-June. Quiet Delaware Bay shoreline with a public pavilion, educational displays, and some of the best horseshoe-crab viewing on the East Coast.
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 46. 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
58 /100
good
52 Swim
46 Sunbathe
68 Walk
59 Fish
69 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
57°F
Clear
Wind
15 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
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
59°
Sunny
1%
58
59°
Sunny
0%
52
63°
Sunny
0%
62
62°
Sunny
0%
64
58°
Chance Light Rain
34%
46
52°
Chance Light Rain
38%
29
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).
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
9:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Minor
3:20 PM - 4:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free public parking at the pavilion behind the fire station and at access roads.
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed (6-ft max) with a Delaware state pet license. Stay off dunes and away from nesting-bird and horseshoe-crab zones.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Slaughter Beach, DE 19963
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Slaughter Beach today?
Slaughter 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 Slaughter Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs must be leashed (6-ft max) with a Delaware state pet license. Stay off dunes and away from nesting-bird and horseshoe-crab zones.
Is there an entry fee at Slaughter Beach?
Entry to Slaughter Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Slaughter Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Slaughter Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Slaughter Beach?
Amenities at Slaughter Beach include pavilion, restrooms, educational displays, picnic shelter.
When is the water warmest at Slaughter 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 Slaughter Beach located?
Slaughter Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at Slaughter Beach, DE 19963.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS