74°
Sunny
0%
75
Sussex County, DE · Atlantic Ocean
Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
The Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic at Cape Henlopen — 5,193 acres of dunes, maritime forest, and protected beaches. WWII watchtowers still stand. Multiple distinct beaches (Point, Herring Point, Bay beach). Exceptional birding during migration.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
74°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 61. South wind 0 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 74°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- Moderate rip current risk — nws: rip currents possible in the surf zone
70 /100
great
55 Swim
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
64 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
74°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
81°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Next High Tide
11:41 PM
4.6 ft · in 2.3h
Wave Height
2.6 ft
11s · ESE swell
Rip Current Risk
Moderate
NWS SRF · PHI · DEZ004 · Issued Jun 3, 7:16 AM
Tomorrow: Low
Water Quality
Clean
31 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:36 AM
Sunset
8:20 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:23 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:28 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 5:04 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:41 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Sunny
1%
75
92°
Sunny
0%
67
93°
Sunny
1%
67
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
47%
24
70°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
27%
52
73°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
23%
65
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 61°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.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
2:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Minor
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Major
2:40 PM - 4:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on guarded beach May 1 - Sep 30. Permitted on unguarded beach and trails.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle DE, $20/vehicle out-of-state (fee season March 1–late Nov)
Address
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Cape Henlopen State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Cape Henlopen State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Cape Henlopen State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on guarded beach May 1 - Sep 30. Permitted on unguarded beach and trails.
Is there an entry fee at Cape Henlopen State Park?
$10/vehicle DE, $20/vehicle out-of-state (fee season March 1–late Nov)
Are there lifeguards at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cape Henlopen State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Cape Henlopen State Park?
Amenities at Cape Henlopen State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, camping, bike trails, historic watchtowers, nature center.
When is the water warmest at Cape Henlopen State Park?
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 Cape Henlopen State Park located?
Cape Henlopen State Park is in Sussex County, DE, at 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS