81°
Partly Sunny
6%
81
Sussex County, DE · Atlantic Ocean
South Bethany Beach
402 Evergreen Rd, South Bethany, DE 19930
The quiet residential Atlantic beach south of Bethany — less commercial than Bethany proper, no boardwalk, and strictly "carry-in, carry-out" with no trash bins on the sand. Beach rules are strictly enforced by the Town of South Bethany.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
78°F water · 81°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Moderate rip current risk — nws: rip currents possible in the surf zone
73 /100
great
67 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
E
Rain
6%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:53 PM
3.5 ft · in 4.7h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
5s · E swell
Rip Current Risk
Moderate
NWS SRF · PHI · DEZ004 · Issued Jul 12, 8:36 AM
Tomorrow: Low
Water Quality
Clean
5 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 2w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:59 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:00 AM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 12:39 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 7:53 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:56 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:03 AM | High | 2.4 ft |
| 1:37 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 8:49 PM | High | 3.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:49 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 9:01 AM | High | 2.5 ft |
| 2:33 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 9:42 PM | High | 3.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:40 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:56 AM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 3:28 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 10:32 PM | High | 3.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:29 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:49 AM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 4:22 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 11:20 PM | High | 3.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:16 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 11:42 AM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 5:17 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:07 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 6:04 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 12:35 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8558690, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Mostly Sunny
0%
83
84°
Sunny
0%
85
91°
Sunny
1%
75
87°
Sunny
3%
85
87°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
15%
47
87°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
18%
46
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
Paid permit parking required daily May 15–Sep 15 (10 AM–5 PM, midnight–6 AM). $20/day permits at the Town Hall kiosk.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on beach May 15 – Oct 15. Leashed off-season with cleanup required.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; $20/day parking permit in-season
Address
402 Evergreen Rd, South Bethany, DE 19930
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at South Bethany Beach today?
South Bethany 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is South Bethany Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on beach May 15 – Oct 15. Leashed off-season with cleanup required.
Is there an entry fee at South Bethany Beach?
Entry to South Bethany Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at South Bethany Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol South Bethany Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at South Bethany Beach?
Amenities at South Bethany Beach include lifeguards, beach, kiosk parking permits.
When is the water warmest at South Bethany Beach?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is South Bethany Beach located?
South Bethany Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at 402 Evergreen Rd, South Bethany, DE 19930.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS