Swell Intel

Bethany Beach Surf Forecast, Delaware

Delaware

Right now
Poor
overall conditions
1ft
ankle to knee high
Cross-shore·S 6–12 mph
Swell1.6ft @ 6s SE
TideLow, rising · high 5:00 AM

Conditions stay similar this week — check the hourly forecast at Bethany Beach for the cleanest windows.

Bethany Beach 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Bethany Beach, Delaware. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Wed, Jun 24: 11ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1ft and mostly poor with barely a breath of wind.

Thu, Jun 25: 11ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Slim pickings today — 1ft and poor with light winds out of the SSW. Afternoon breeze fills in to 14mph.

Fri, Jun 26: 11ft, 5s period, rated Very Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 0-1ft and mostly very poor with 10mph from the SSW.

Sat, Jun 27: 12ft, 5s period, rated Poor. Hold off if you can — morning starts out poor with 1-2ft waves. Later in the day looks more promising — 1-2ft and poor - fair.

Sun, Jun 28: 22ft, 6s period, rated Poor. Aim for the middle of the day — 2ft on SSE swell at 6s with moderate NNE wind around 8mph. Early on is a little rough — give it until mid-morning to shape up.

Daily Forecast

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Bethany Beach Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Moderate
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall

Bethany Beach offers accessible beach breaks along Delaware's Atlantic coast with consistent small to medium waves that work well for learners and intermediate surfers. The sandy bottom provides a forgiving environment for developing skills, with the break facing eastward to capture Atlantic swells during fall and winter months. This family-friendly beach town spot avoids heavy localism and delivers reliable, mellow waves ideal for progressing your surfing fundamentals.

Strong currentsShallow sandbars

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Bethany Beach Surf Forecast FAQ

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What is the current surf forecast for Bethany Beach?

The current wave height at Bethany Beach is 1ft with a 6.45s swell period. Wind is S at 6mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Bethany Beach?

The current breaking wave height at Bethany Beach is 1ft, produced by a 1.6ft SE primary swell at 6s, a 0.9ft N secondary swell at 3s, a 0.5ft NE tertiary swell at 4s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf Bethany Beach?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Bethany Beach is Sunday from 9 AM to 12 PM with 2ft waves, a 5.85s swell period, and conditions rated Poor - Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Bethany Beach?

Bethany Beach works best with a E swell and W winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at Bethany Beach?

Tide plays a big role at Bethany Beach. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is Bethany Beach and who is it for?

Bethany Beach is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Bethany Beach offers accessible beach breaks along Delaware's Atlantic coast with consistent small to medium waves that work well for learners and intermediate surfers. The sandy bottom provides a forgiving environment for developing skills, with the break facing eastward to capture Atlantic swells during fall and winter months. This family-friendly beach town spot avoids heavy localism and delivers reliable, mellow waves ideal for progressing your surfing fundamentals.

When is the best season to surf Bethany Beach?

The prime season at Bethany Beach is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at Bethany Beach?

Common hazards at Bethany Beach include strong currents, shallow sandbars. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Bethany Beach surf forecast?

Our Bethany Beach forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. Visit /public/accuracy for per-spot and regional performance metrics.