Delaware Bay Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Delaware / New Jersey

Delaware Bay is one of the largest estuaries on the East Coast, stretching 52 miles from Cape Henlopen and Cape May at its mouth to the Delaware River above Wilmington. The bay's broad, shallow waters warm quickly in spring, making it one of the first estuaries on the East Coast where water temperatures climb into the active range each year.

NOAA Stations Near Delaware Bay

• DELAWARE BAY 26 NM Southeast of Cape May, NJ (44009)
• LONG ISLAND - 30 NM South of Islip, NY (44025)

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track near Delaware Bay?

Big Buoy provides real-time water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, swell period, and atmospheric pressure from the NOAA station at the Delaware Bay entrance and the Long Island offshore buoy. You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather outlooks for the bay and surrounding coast.

What is the tidal range in Delaware Bay?

Tidal range in Delaware Bay runs about 4 feet at the mouth and increases to over 6 feet near the head. Strong ebbing currents along the main channel and the Delaware River tributaries create rips and concentrated flow. The bay warms quickly in spring, making it one of the first mid-Atlantic estuaries to activate each season.

What conditions should I check before heading out on Delaware Bay?

Wind is the dominant variable on Delaware Bay. The bay's shallow depth and wide fetch mean that even 15-knot winds build steep, short-period chop that makes the main channel uncomfortable. Check the wind direction — southwest winds stack water into the upper bay, while northerlies drain it. Water temperature can swing significantly during spring and fall transitions, especially on the shallow flats. Big Buoy shows real-time conditions from the NOAA bay entrance station plus tide and weather forecasts for planning.

What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Delaware Bay?

Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Delaware Bay area — including DELAWARE BAY 26 NM Southeast of Cape May, NJ (44009), LONG ISLAND - 30 NM South of Islip, NY (44025). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Delaware Bay.

What marine conditions are available for Delaware Bay?

Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Delaware Bay.

Is Big Buoy free to use for Delaware Bay marine conditions?

Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Delaware Bay are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.