Weather and climate in Rhode Island: Humid continental climate. Four distinct seasons. Cold, snowy winters. Warm, humid summers. Moderate rainfall year-round. Occasional nor'easters. Fall foliage peak in October. Coastal areas experience sea breezes. High humidity in summer. Hurricane risk in late summer/fall.
Humid continental climate
Rhode Island exhibits a humid continental climate, featuring warm, humid summers with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), and cold, snowy winters with temperatures between 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C). The influence of its coastal location tends to moderate the temperatures, which results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to more inland areas. For further details about this climate, you can explore more on the Tribal Climate Camp website.
Four distinct seasons
Rhode Island experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique weather conditions and activities. Spring is mild and rainy, with temperatures rising from 60°F in March to over 70°F in May, making it a beautiful time for blooming flora. As summer approaches, the region turns hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 72-86°F, and there is a risk of tropical storms. Winter in Rhode Island is relatively warm but changeable, with temperatures often dropping below 23-27°F, posing a potential for blizzards and snowstorms. In autumn, the cool temperatures, ranging from 55-65°F, are perfect for enjoying [outdoor activities](https://seasonsyear.com/USA/Rhode-Island) such as walking, camping, and fishing, providing a picturesque backdrop of vibrant fall foliage.
Cold, snowy winters
Rhode Island is expected to experience a winter with near-normal temperatures and above-average snowfall, with forecasts ranging from 30 to 40 inches of snow, although this is still below the historical average of 49.2 inches. The winter may see bursts of heavy snow and cold air, particularly in February, influenced by an El Nino pattern.
Warm, humid summers
Rhode Island is experiencing increasingly warm and humid summers, with the average dew point rising from 58 degrees in 1980 to over 61 degrees currently. The number of days with dew points above 70 degrees, indicating highly uncomfortable humidity, has also increased, with such conditions recorded more frequently in the recent summer season.
Moderate rainfall year-round
Rhode Island's climate is characterized by a rather even distribution of precipitation throughout the year, with annual precipitation averaging 42 to 46 inches, and no pronounced wet and dry months. Measurable precipitation falls on an average of one day in three, with the months of May, June, and July being relatively dry along the Bay, and October and February having slightly more than three inches of precipitation on average. For more detailed information on Rhode Island's climate patterns, visit the Climate Overview of RI page.
Occasional nor'easters
Rhode Island is prone to occasional nor'easters, particularly in the late fall, winter, and spring, which can cause significant snowfall and coastal flooding due to the contrast between frigid air masses from the continental interior and the relatively warm Atlantic Ocean. These storms are fueled by the regular passing of low-pressure systems associated with the jet stream and can lead to intense weather events, including storm surges and heavy precipitation. For more information, you can visit Providence, Rhode Island on Wikipedia.
Fall foliage peak in October
The peak season for fall foliage in Rhode Island is expected to occur around the week of October 3, with the colors reaching their most vibrant by October 24 and fading by the week of October 30. Although warmer temperatures may make this year's display less vibrant, you can keep track of the changing leaves with the Fall Color Guide 2024 to make the most of the beautiful autumn scenery.
Coastal areas experience sea breezes
Coastal areas in Rhode Island experience sea breezes due to the unequal heating rates of land and water, where cooler ocean air moves over the warmer land, creating a boundary that can significantly influence local temperatures and weather conditions, including the formation of thunderstorms. To learn more about how these Sea Breeze Fronts play a significant role in local weather patterns, especially during specific times of the year, further exploration into this phenomenon provides an insightful understanding of its impact on the state's climate.
High humidity in summer
In Rhode Island, the number of high humidity days in the summer is increasing, with the average dew point rising from 58 degrees in 1980 to over 61 degrees currently. This trend has resulted in more days with dew points above 70 degrees, indicating highly uncomfortable humidity levels. For more information, visit the Turn To 10 Weather Blog that provides insights on how these changes impact daily life in New England, particularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Hurricane risk in late summer/fall
Rhode Island faces a significant hurricane risk in late summer and fall, with hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30 and storms typically peaking in August and September. Climate change has led to warmer seas, contributing to larger and slower-moving storms with greater precipitation, increasing the risk of inland flooding and making evacuation routes more challenging. For more detailed information, please visit the Hurricane Season webpage.