96°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
28%
24
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 96°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny. High near 96, with temperatures falling to around 87 in the afternoon. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 96°F air — heat risk — serious hydration required
- 28% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 3.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 1:55pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
14 /100
skip
0 Swim
36 Sunbathe
16 Walk
2 Fish
23 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Water level 0.7 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.
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 1:55PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Air Temp
96°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
28%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
80°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
3.9 ft
5s · S swell
Rip Current Risk
Low
NWS SRF · PHI · DEZ004 · Issued Jul 18, 7:42 PM
Water Quality
Clean
5 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 11d ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:49 AM
Sunset
8:23 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:10 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 6:23 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 12:44 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 6:35 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:59 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 7:12 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:35 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 7:33 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:48 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 7:59 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 2:26 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 8:33 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:37 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 8:47 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:19 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 9:34 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:32 AM | High | 3.5 ft |
| 9:35 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:15 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 10:37 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:31 AM | High | 3.3 ft |
| 10:25 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 5:11 PM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 11:38 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 11:16 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 6:02 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8557380, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Mostly Sunny
13%
83
83°
Sunny
3%
85
87°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72%
14
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
7
82°
Chance Rain Showers
25%
72
83°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
77
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 96°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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
10:10 PM - 11:10 PM
Major
3:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Minor
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cape Henlopen State Park today?
Cape Henlopen State Park 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 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