93°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
32%
26
Sussex County, DE · Delaware Bay
Slaughter Beach
An official horseshoe crab sanctuary since 2004 — the tiny town banned harvest to protect the spawning that draws red knots and thousands of crabs every May-June. Quiet Delaware Bay shoreline with a public pavilion, educational displays, and some of the best horseshoe-crab viewing on the East Coast.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 76°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. 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
- 93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 32% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Bacteria elevated — recent usgs sample within 50% of epa action threshold
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
12 /100
skip
0 Swim
38 Sunbathe
17 Walk
0 Fish
25 Photo
Best for sunbathing 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
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Air Temp
93°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
32%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–12 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Elevated
98 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 13d ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:50 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:32 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 7:13 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 1:06 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 7:25 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:21 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:02 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:57 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 8:23 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:10 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 8:49 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 2:48 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 9:23 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:59 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 9:37 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:41 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 10:24 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 10:25 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:37 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 11:27 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 11:15 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 5:33 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 5:52 AM | High | 3.6 ft |
| 12:06 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 6:24 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8556198, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Mostly Sunny
13%
82
82°
Sunny
4%
85
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
76%
14
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
76%
7
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
22%
74
82°
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
83
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very 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 32% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°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
Free public parking at the pavilion behind the fire station and at access roads.
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed (6-ft max) with a Delaware state pet license. Stay off dunes and away from nesting-bird and horseshoe-crab zones.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Slaughter Beach, DE 19963
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Slaughter Beach today?
Slaughter 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 Slaughter Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs must be leashed (6-ft max) with a Delaware state pet license. Stay off dunes and away from nesting-bird and horseshoe-crab zones.
Is there an entry fee at Slaughter Beach?
Entry to Slaughter Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Slaughter Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Slaughter Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Slaughter Beach?
Amenities at Slaughter Beach include pavilion, restrooms, educational displays, picnic shelter.
When is the water warmest at Slaughter 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 Slaughter Beach located?
Slaughter Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at Slaughter Beach, DE 19963.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS