89°
Patchy Smoke
43%
54
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
Decent day for photography.
NWS alert active · 43% rain · 76°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 4am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 43% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 1:55pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
50 /100
ok
29 Swim
41 Sunbathe
53 Walk
66 Photo
Best for photography today
Water level 0.9 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
89°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
43%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Clean
20 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:49 AM
Sunset
8:25 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:26 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 8:08 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 2:03 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 8:22 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:16 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 8:54 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 2:53 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 9:15 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:06 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 9:40 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:44 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 10:10 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 10:26 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:35 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 11:06 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:51 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 11:13 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 5:28 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:01 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 5:48 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 12:01 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 6:21 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:57 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 6:45 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 12:51 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:13 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8537121, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
11%
83
81°
Sunny
3%
86
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
14
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
74%
15
79°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
20%
75
81°
Sunny
10%
86
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 43% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pickering Beach today?
Pickering 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. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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