86°
Patchy Smoke
48%
55
Kent County, DE · Delaware Bay
Port Mahon
Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901
340 acres of beach, salt marsh, and tidal creek on Delaware Bay east of Dover — best known for the state-run Port Mahon Fishing Pier (reopened 2022 after emergency repairs). Not a swim beach. Requires a short hike over rocks to reach the pier, and a pier net is standard.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
NWS alert active · 48% 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 86. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. 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 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm 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 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- 48% 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
45 /100
ok
30 Swim
42 Sunbathe
52 Walk
44 Fish
67 Photo
Best for photography today
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
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
48%
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
Mostly 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1:01 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 7:46 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 1:36 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 7:58 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:49 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 8:30 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 2:26 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 8:50 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 9:15 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:15 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 9:43 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:29 AM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 9:59 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 4:06 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 10:37 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:24 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 10:46 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 4:59 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 11:35 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:23 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 11:37 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 5:55 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:35 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 6:23 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 12:30 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 6:49 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8554399, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Mostly Sunny
11%
80
79°
Sunny
3%
85
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
14
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
74%
8
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
20%
75
80°
Sunny
9%
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 48% rain chance
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
DNREC lot near the pier.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free for fishing; Conservation Access Pass required otherwise
Address
Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Port Mahon today?
Port Mahon 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 Port Mahon dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Port Mahon?
Entry to Port Mahon is free.
Are there lifeguards at Port Mahon?
No lifeguards are stationed at Port Mahon. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Port Mahon?
Amenities at Port Mahon include fishing pier, salt marsh, wildlife viewing.
When is the water warmest at Port Mahon?
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 Port Mahon located?
Port Mahon is in Kent County, DE, at Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS