Average Temperature

Average Snowfall in inches

Climatological Data
Rhode Island's proximity to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean plays an important part in determining our climate. In the winter, the temperatures are modified considerably and many major snowfalls change to rain before reaching the area. Late summer and early fall occasionally bring hurricane watches to the area. Throughout the year it is coastal storms which produce the most severe weather.

Temperature
Average for the entire year is near 50 degrees, with April through June and September through mid-November being the most delightfully moderate seasons. January and February are the coldest months, with a mean temperature of near 29 degrees, and July and August are the warmest, with a mean close to 72 degrees. Freezing temperatures are common the latter part of November to the end of March. Seventy degree temperatures become common near the end of May, and cease with the close of September. During this period, there may be several days of 90 degrees and over, averaging 8 such days per year. Generally, the hottest days of the summer are in August.

Precipitation
Rhode Island has no regular "rainy" or "dry" season, with precipitation fairly evenly distributed throughout the year on one out of every three days. The annual average is a little more than 42 inches in both rain and snow, but can vary 25 inches to 65 inches. Occasionally, droughts are experienced during the summer months. Thunderstorms are responsible for much of the rainfall from May through August.

Snowfall
The first measurable snowfall of winter comes toward the end of November but may be as late as January. The last snow of the season is about the middle of March. The month of greatest snowfall is usually February, but January and March are close seconds. It is unusual for the ground to remain well covered with snow for any long periods of time.