76°
Sunny
0%
75
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
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 59. 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
77 /100
great
63 Swim
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
76 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
76°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SE
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
80°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Water Quality
Clean
10 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:37 AM
Sunset
8:21 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:13 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:50 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 5:54 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Sunny
1%
75
88°
Sunny
0%
75
91°
Sunny
1%
67
86°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46%
24
69°
Chance Rain Showers
25%
57
71°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
21%
57
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- 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).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
2:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Minor
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Major
2:40 PM - 4:40 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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Slaughter Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Slaughter Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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