91°
Patchy Smoke
62%
41
Kent County, DE · Delaware Bay
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
6,300+ acres of Delaware Bay shoreline, salt marsh, and tidal creeks near Smyrna — primarily a wildlife management area. Two boat ramps (creek side and bay side), a fishing pier, kayak launch, and outstanding birding and photography.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
62% rain · NWS alert active · Bacteria above EPA action level
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Patchy smoke and showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy. High near 91, with temperatures falling to around 84 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and 4am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 62% 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
- Bacteria above EPA action level — recent usgs sample exceeded the federal beach action threshold
19 /100
skip
0 Swim
23 Sunbathe
38 Walk
5 Fish
60 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
91°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
62%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Above threshold
504 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 13d ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:49 AM
Sunset
8:26 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:32 AM | High | 6.9 ft |
| 8:27 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 2:09 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 8:39 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:23 AM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 9:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 3:01 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| 9:31 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:15 AM | High | 6.4 ft |
| 9:57 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 3:53 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| 10:25 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 10:43 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 4:45 PM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 11:20 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:03 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 11:30 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 5:38 PM | High | 6.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:16 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 5:59 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 12:18 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 6:31 PM | High | 6.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 6:55 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 1:08 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:23 PM | High | 6.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8553501, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Sunny
9%
84
81°
Sunny
2%
87
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms
80%
14
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
73%
15
79°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
20%
75
82°
Sunny
8%
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
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 62% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°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
Revamped lot at the WMA. Conservation Access Pass required for motor vehicles.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; Conservation Access Pass required for vehicle entry
Address
4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area today?
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area 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 Woodland Beach Wildlife Area dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
Entry to Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is free.
Are there lifeguards at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
No lifeguards are stationed at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
Amenities at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area include boat ramps, fishing pier, kayak launch, wildlife viewing.
When is the water warmest at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
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 Woodland Beach Wildlife Area located?
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is in Kent County, DE, at 4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS