The Climate of Rhode Island

By | August 27, 2022

According to Abbreviation Finder, Rhode Island (RI) is a state in the northeastern United States. Contrary to what you expect based on the name, it is not an island, but largely mainland with a few islands. Until November 2020, the official name of the state was The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Despite its location on the Atlantic Ocean, Rhode Island has a continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold winters.

With an average of 1100 to 1200 millimeters of precipitation per year, Rhode Island is a fairly wet state, with precipitation being fairly spread out over the year. In the winter months, most of the precipitation falls in the form of snow. Although the long-term averages in terms of precipitation do not immediately suggest this, there are sometimes large differences in the amount of precipitation. Some months are much drier than others, while especially in summer there is a chance that depressions – which arise from old tropical depressions brought in from the south – can cause large amounts of precipitation within a fairly short period of time. In winter, a supply from the north can provide dry air, while temperatures can drop considerably due to the cool polar current.

Climate figures

The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. The temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

maximum temperature minimum temperature hours of sunshine per day days of rainfall per month water temperature
January 2℃ -7℃ 6 11 6℃
February 3℃ -7℃ 6 10 4℃
March 8℃ -2℃ 7 11 4℃
April 14℃ 3℃ 8 11 6℃
May 20℃ 9℃ 8 11 10℃
June 25℃ 14℃ 9 11 15℃
July 28℃ 17℃ 9 9 20℃
August 27℃ 17℃ 8 10 21℃
September 23℃ 12℃ 8 9 19℃
October 18℃ 6℃ 7 8 15℃
November 11℃ 2℃ 5 11 12℃
December 5℃ -4℃ 5 12 9℃

The climate of Block Island

According to Countryaah, Block Island is located south of Rhode Island, in the Atlantic Ocean. The part between the island and the mainland is called the Block Island Sound. The island is popular as a tourist destination, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Block Island is also known for its two beautiful lighthouses. There are also a number of beautiful beaches on the island, only the beaches on the ocean side are not really suitable for swimming due to the strong currents.

Block Island has a temperate maritime climate, with a clear distinction between the four seasons. On Block Island it is – partly due to the strong sea breeze – a lot cooler than in the rest of Rhode Island. On the other hand, winters are a lot milder on the mainland. The heat record is at 35 degrees Celsius and the cold record at -22 degrees Celsius.

The climate of Newport

Newport is located in the south of the state of Rhode Island, on the island of Aquidneck on the Atlantic Ocean. Newport is an important home port for the US Navy, which includes a training center for submarines here. The city was founded in the 17th century and has since had a long and fascinating history of which many memories can still be found in the city.

Newport has a warm continental climate, with many influences of a maritime climate. The sea breeze that is often there leaves an important mark on the climate. The four seasons are clearly distinguishable. The precipitation is about the same throughout the year and in winter it will usually come down as snow. In the winter months, the sea breeze can send cold and snow towards Aquidneck.

The climate of Providence

Newport is located in the south of the state of Rhode Island, on the island of Aquidneck on the Atlantic Ocean. Newport is an important home port for the US Navy, which includes a training center for submarines here. The city was founded in the 17th century and has since had a long and fascinating history of which many memories can still be found in the city.

Newport has a warm continental climate, with many influences of a maritime climate. The sea breeze that is often there leaves an important mark on the climate. The four seasons are clearly distinguishable. The precipitation is about the same throughout the year and in winter it will usually come down as snow. In the winter months, the sea breeze can send cold and snow towards Aquidneck.

The climate of Warwick

Warwick is located in the east of the state of Rhode Island on Greenwich Bay. Warwick is located in the metropolis of Provindence. Warwick is located on four bays: Warwick Bay, Apponaug Bay, Brush Neck Bay and Buttonswoods Bay. In the city is the main airport of the state of Rhode Island the TF Green Airport. On the east side of the city are a number of golf clubs.

Despite its location on Greenwich Bay that opens into the Atlantic Ocean, Warwick has a warm continental climate with an even distribution between the four seasons. Warwick has approximately evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year which will often come down as snow in the winter months. The summers are hot and humid, but the presence of a pleasant sea breeze still makes it comfortable.

The climate of Woonsocket

Woonsocket is located in the north of the state of Rhode Island, near the border with Massachusetts. Woonsocket is located on the Blackstone River, in the greater Providence metropolitan region. The Blackstone River has powered the city’s textile industry since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

Woonsocket has a warm continental climate, despite the fact that the Atlantic Ocean is close by. The city has many very cold days in the winter. Summers are warm and pleasant, but also quite wet. The rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year and will come down as snow in the winter months.

Woonsocket Rhode Island