Since Delaware is on the coast, you can experience a great beach holiday here in summer. But even if you’re not interested in swimming, you can have a good time in Delaware and enjoy the state’s various attractions.
Rivers and forests shape the image of Delaware and are an attractive contrast to the large cities of the region with their numerous shopping streets, shops, cinemas and attractions. The first black church in the USA, which was founded by slaves in Delaware during the slave-holding period, is well worth seeing. Cities like Wilmington and Dover are among those not to be missed when vacationing in Delaware. Not only are they the largest cities by far, but also the ones where you can experience the most.
If you want to experience and explore America, you should definitely not forget Delaware.
Delaware key facts
Land area: 6,452 sq km (49th place of all US states)
Share of water surface: 21.5%
Population: 873,092 million (2008 estimate, ranked 45th of all states in the United States)
Population density: 135 people per square kilometer (sixth highest value of all US states)
Member of the United States since: December 7, 1787
Capital: Dover (34,735 residents, 2006)
Largest city: Wilmington (72,664 residents, 2000)
Highest point: 137 m, Ebright Azimuth
Lowest point: 0 m, Atlantic Ocean
Governor: Jack A. Markell (Democrat)
Lieut. Governor: Matthew P. Denn (Democrat)
Local time: CET -6 h. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November: CET -5 h.
The time difference to Central Europe is -6 h in both winter and summer.
Postal abbreviation: DE
Delaware geography and map
According to ehotelat, the state of Delaware is located on the east coast of the United States of America and is one of the 13 founding states. The capital is Dover ; the largest city is Wilmington. With an area of only 6,452 square kilometers, Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States after Rhode Island. It comprises only three counties and extends from north to south over a length of about 154 kilometers. The east-west extension is around 48 kilometers.
The state territory of Delaware is on average 18 meters above sea level. The highest point in the state is the 137-meter-high Ebright Azimuth. The lowest point in Delaware is at sea level on the Atlantic Ocean.
Delaware borders Pennsylvania to the north. To the east, the state is separated from New Jersey by the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. Neighbor to the south is Maryland.
Much of the state lies within the Atlantic coastal plain. This extends from the mouth of the Hudson River to the Mississippi Delta. While the coastal plain is narrow and rich in bays in the north, it becomes wider and partly swampy to the south. In the west, the plain is bounded by the Appalachian Mountains and the Piedmont Plateau.
The landscape of Delaware is diverse. Gently rolling hills alternate with picturesque river landscapes, wide plains, dense forests and flat sandy beaches. Almost 1,400 square kilometers of the state is covered by water. The most important river is the approximately 595 kilometers long Delaware River. It rises in the Catskill Mountains, a branch of the Appalachian Mountains, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean via Delaware Bay. Delaware Bay,
located between Delaware and New Jersey, covers an area of approximately 2,030 square kilometers. It is located in the south of Cape Henlopen in Delaware and in the north of Cape May limited in New Jersey. The shores of Delaware Bay are flat, consist mainly of alluvial land and are and are used as breeding grounds by numerous water birds. The oyster farming operated in the bay is economically significant.
In addition to the namesake, a number of other rivers flow into the bay. These include the Christina River, the St. Jones and the Murderkill Rivers, as well as the Salem River and the Maurice River.
Delaware – Climate and Best Time to Travel
Climate Delaware: The climate in the US state of Delaware is extremely moderate, without any noticeable extremes. Travelers from Germany will hardly have any difficulties adjusting. The summers on the Atlantic coast of Delaware are definitely warmer than on the German North or Baltic Sea coasts. Maximum temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius are reached from June to September.
The continental climate in Delaware is also more humid than much of Central Europe. The Atlantic Ocean brings winds and often rapid weather changes. It rains least in February, September and October. Spring, on the other hand, is quite rainy. Delaware enjoys sunshine for an average of 206 days. For comparison: The sunniest region in Germany, the island of Usedom, can be proud of “only” 158 sunny days a year.
The seasons are clearly distinguishable in Delaware. Only in May the thermometer slowly rises above 20 degrees, from the middle / end of October it gets cool. The winters are relatively mild. The daytime temperatures between December and February are mostly above freezing point. It can get a bit frosty at night. Snow can fall in winter, but in relatively small amounts.
Best travel time for Delaware: If you want to combine exploring the east of the USA with a beach holiday, Delaware is the right place for you from June to September. Then the water of the Atlantic also reaches relatively pleasant temperatures. However, water temperatures over 20 degrees are hardly to be expected.
From mid-September to mid-October, Delaware, like the north-east of the United States, has a splendid foliage over vast areas. In the time of the Indian Summer there are often very nice days again. The wind stands still, the air can be very mild and it rains less than usual. Delaware’s forests are a feast for the eyes in early autumn for hikers and climbers.
The winter months are rather unattractive for tourists in Delaware. It doesn’t get extremely cold, but it is unfriendly. Winter sports hardly play a role in the US state of Delaware. From May it will be mild, but rain protection should be packed.
Delaware Landmarks
Delaware was one of the first thirteen states in the United States. Since most of the state lies on the flat coastal plain, it is certainly primarily interesting for tourists planning a beach holiday and for water sports enthusiasts.
But Delaware has many different sights and attractions to offer.
So you should definitely take a look at the two Christ Episcopal Churches. One is located in Dover, the state’s capital, and was built in 1734. The other Christ Episcopal Chruch is in Millfort and was built in 1791.
There are two museums in Delaware that are definitely worth a visit. First, the Sewell C. Briggs Museum of American Art, an art museum with fourteen galleries in Dover, and the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington.
Nature lovers don’t miss out in Delaware either. A visit to the Ashland Nature Center or Brandywine Creek State Park is worthwhile.
