Delaware

StateUnited States, North America

Delaware is a STATE in United States, North America.

Delaware, known as 'The First State' for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, offers travelers a charming blend of historic significance, coastal beauty, and tax-free shopping. History enthusiasts will find treasures in New Castle's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, while Wilmington's museums and gardens showcase cultural sophistication. The state's coastline along the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean provides serene beaches like Rehoboth and Bethany, perfect for family vacations with their classic boardwalks and gentle waves. Nature lovers can explore Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a premier birding destination, or hike through the rolling hills of Brandywine Valley. Delaware's compact size makes it easy to experience diverse attractions within short drives, from the vibrant Riverfront in Wilmington to the quaint towns of Lewes and Milton. The state's unique position as a corporate haven contrasts with its peaceful countryside, offering an intriguing mix of modern convenience and timeless charm. Don't miss the culinary scene featuring fresh seafood, craft breweries, and the famous chicken from the Delmarva Peninsula.

Best time to visit Delaware

Late May through early October for beach weather and festivals, with peak season in July-August. September-October offers pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall foliage. Spring (April-May) is ideal for birdwatching and visiting gardens. Winter is quiet with occasional snow, good for historical tours and tax-free shopping without crowds.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Partly cloudy
Temperature
14°
Feels like
10°
Humidity
63%
Wind
21 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 10-20°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

Fall foliage

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

PHL

Philadelphia International Airport

International

40 km away

BWI

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

International

120 km away

DCA

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

International

170 km away

ILG

Wilmington Airport

Domestic

10 km away

SBY

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

Domestic

100 km away

Getting around

"A car is highly recommended as public transportation is limited outside Wilmington. DART buses serve major routes but have limited schedules. Wilmington has a commuter rail connection to Philadelphia. Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are available in populated areas. Taxis are found at airports and hotels. Biking is popular in beach towns and on designated trails. Ferries connect Lewes to Cape May, NJ. Major car rental companies operate at airports. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze work well throughout the state."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+1

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime, but beach areas can have petty theft.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime, but beach areas can have petty theft.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Delaware is generally safe for travelers, with violent crime rates below national averages. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas like Wilmington, especially at night in certain neighborhoods north of the city. Beach towns are very safe but practice standard beach safety: swim near lifeguards, secure valuables, and be cautious of rip currents. Common scams include parking lot scams near beaches and occasional credit card skimming at gas stations. Keep car doors locked and don't leave valuables visible. Rural areas are extremely safe but be cautious when driving on country roads at night due to wildlife. Emergency services are responsive throughout the state."

Entry and health

Health information

"Delaware has excellent medical facilities including ChristianaCare in Newark and Bayhealth in Dover. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance as U.S. healthcare costs are high. Common health concerns include seasonal allergies (spring/fall) and tick-borne illnesses in wooded areas; use insect repellent when hiking. Beachgoers should protect against sun exposure and be aware of jellyfish in warmer months. Tap water is safe to drink. Emergency rooms are available in all major towns, but wait times can be long for non-urgent issues."

Culture

Local customs

"Delawareans are generally friendly but reserved. Casual dress is acceptable except in upscale restaurants. Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping is standard. Respect historical sites and natural areas. Beach etiquette includes cleaning up after yourself and following local rules about alcohol and pets. The state has a strong sense of history—showing interest in local heritage is appreciated. Business casual is common in corporate settings."
English

Costs and practicals

Currency

United States Dollar (USD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10-20 | a cheap local meal costs around $10

Hotels

$100-200 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

No sales tax reduces overall costs.

Timezone

America/New_York -05:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,030,000

Area

6,452 km²

Government

State government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches; divided into three counties (New Castle, Kent, Sussex) with county and municipal governments

ISO code

US-DE

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: ڈیلاویئر, Delaware, Делавер, دلاویر, டெலவெயர், รัฐเดลาแวร์, דעלעווער, Kelawea, Делауер, 德拉瓦州;特拉華州, डेलावर, DE, 特拉华州;德拉瓦州;特拉華州, デラウェア州, Делауеър, Դելավեր, डेलावेर, ഡെലവെയര്, 德拉瓦州, 델라웨어, Delauaare, דלאוור, ma Telawe, Делавар, Delaveras, US-DE, Del., Делавэр, 特拉華州, დელავერი, Дэлавэр, Delavaro, An Dealbháir, Thi̍t-lâ-ngá, ডেলাওয়্যার, Delawè, ديلاوير, ܕܝܠܐܘܝܪ, Déláwee Hahoodzo, 特拉华州, Delaweere, DOV, Douvur, Dover, Dover i Delaware, Dovera, Doveres, Doveris, Doverės, Ntover, doba, dobeo, dobhara, dovar, dovara, doveri, dovhara, duo fu, dwbr, dwfr, dwwr dlawr, tovar, Ντόβερ, Довер, Доувър, Դովեր, דאווער, דובר, دوفر, دوور، دلاور, ڈwwr, ڈوور, ڈوور، ڈیلاویئر, ډwr, ډور, डोभर, डोवर, डोवर्, डोव्हर, दोभर, ডোভার, ਡੋਵਰ, டோவர், ዶቨር, ドーバー, 多佛, 도버

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingShoppingNature