81°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
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 swimming.
81°F air · 71°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
87 /100
ideal
89 Swim
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
78 Fish
80 Photo
Best for swimming today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 15 mph
S
Rain
0%
Today
Tomorrow
88°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
6:37 PM
4.4 ft · in 3.9h
Wave Height
2.0 ft
8s · SSE swell
Rip Current Risk
Low
NWS SRF · PHI · DEZ004 · Issued Jun 25, 7:34 AM
Water Quality
Clean
5 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 2w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:36 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:10 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 6:07 AM | High | 3.4 ft |
| 11:56 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 6:37 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms
87%
15
87°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
15%
84
84°
Sunny
1%
82
90°
Mostly Sunny
2%
74
96°
Mostly Sunny
12%
66
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 5 to 15 mph wind
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
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Minor
1:50 AM - 2:50 AM
Major
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Minor
4:40 PM - 5:40 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