98°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
26%
22
Sussex County, DE · Delaware Bay
Lewes Beach
Delaware Bay (not ocean) beach in the historic town of Lewes. Calmer than Atlantic beaches, shallower water, friendly to families with small kids. The charming colonial town is walkable from the beach.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 98°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy. High near 98, with temperatures falling to around 88 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
- 98°F air — heat risk — serious hydration required
- 26% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
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
10 /100
skip
0 Swim
30 Sunbathe
15 Walk
0 Fish
22 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
98°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
26%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
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
81°
Mostly Sunny
13%
83
82°
Sunny
4%
85
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72%
15
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
14
84°
Chance Rain Showers
25%
71
85°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
78
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 98°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
Metered street parking.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on beach May 1 - Sep 30.
Entry Fee
Free beach; paid parking
Address
Lewes, DE 19958
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Lewes Beach today?
Lewes 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 Lewes Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on beach May 1 - Sep 30.
Is there an entry fee at Lewes Beach?
Entry to Lewes Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Lewes Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Lewes Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Lewes Beach?
Amenities at Lewes Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, walkable to town, fishing pier nearby.
When is the water warmest at Lewes 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 Lewes Beach located?
Lewes Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at Lewes, DE 19958.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS