76°
Sunny
0%
75
Kent County, DE · Delaware Bay
Pickering Beach
Pickering Beach Rd, Dover, DE 19901
A tiny Delaware Bay community behind Dover Air Force Base — roughly 30 houses and a handful of public parking spots. Official horseshoe crab sanctuary. Swimming is not recommended (shore turns to mud toward low tide) but walking, kayaking, and horseshoe-crab viewing in May-June are excellent.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
76°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 76. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 60. South wind 0 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 76°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
79 /100
great
60 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
76°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
78°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Water Quality
Clean
20 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:36 AM
Sunset
8:22 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:13 AM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 7:05 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 12:49 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 6:51 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
78°
Sunny
0%
75
86°
Sunny
0%
77
88°
Mostly Sunny
2%
75
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
44%
24
69°
Chance Rain Showers
25%
57
72°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
19%
71
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 61°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Handful of public spots at the end of Pickering Beach Rd.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Pickering Beach Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Pickering Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Pickering Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Pickering Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Pickering Beach?
Entry to Pickering Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Pickering Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pickering Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pickering Beach?
Amenities at Pickering Beach include wildlife viewing.
When is the water warmest at Pickering 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 Pickering Beach located?
Pickering Beach is in Kent County, DE, at Pickering Beach Rd, Dover, DE 19901.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS