82°
Partly Sunny
4%
81
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
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 78°F water · 82°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Bacteria elevated — recent usgs sample within 50% of epa action threshold
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
64 /100
good
42 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
54 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
82°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
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
81°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
81°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
87°
Sunny
0%
83
94°
Sunny
2%
70
90°
Sunny
3%
81
88°
Mostly Sunny
8%
81
89°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
22%
42
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).
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
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