Providence, Rhode Island, boasts a diverse climate that offers something for everyone throughout the year.
Summers in Providence are warm, with temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 83°F, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities.
Winters, on the other hand, are very cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping between 21°F and 32°F.
The city experiences a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days year-round, adding variety to its weather patterns.
Rainfall is spread across the year, with Providence receiving about 47 inches annually.
The coldest months are characterized by snowfall, making the city a winter wonderland from December to February.
Spring and fall provide mild and pleasant weather, making them ideal times to visit.
In March and April, temperatures rise gradually, and the city sees blooming flowers and budding trees.
Conversely, the fall months of September and October bring cooler temperatures and stunning autumn foliage, making Providence a picturesque place during these seasons.
For more detailed climate data, you can check the climate information on Weatherspark.
Average Temperature in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island experiences a variety of temperatures throughout the year.
In January, the coldest month, the average high temperature is around 38°F, with lows dipping to 22°F. Freezing temperatures are common during this time.
February continues to be cold, with the coldest water temperatures averaging 38°F.
Early spring months like March see temperatures starting to rise, reaching highs of 47°F.
Summer months in Providence warm up considerably.
July, the warmest month, averages a high temperature of 83°F and lows around 65°F.
August remains warm with average highs around 82°F and the warmest water temperatures being 68°F.
As fall approaches, temperatures begin to cool down again.
In October, highs average 63°F, with temperatures falling to a brisk 44°F at night.
Winter sees a return to colder conditions.
In December, average high temperatures are about 41°F, with lows around 26°F.
From December to April, the water is generally below 44°F.
Below is a summary of monthly average temperatures in Providence:
| Month | High °F | Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38 | 22 |
| February | 40 | 23 |
| March | 47 | 30 |
| April | 58 | 39 |
| May | 68 | 49 |
| June | 77 | 59 |
| July | 83 | 65 |
| August | 82 | 64 |
| September | 74 | 56 |
| October | 63 | 44 |
| November | 52 | 35 |
| December | 41 | 26 |
These temperatures reflect the overall climate of Providence, with distinct seasons marking the year. The data provides a clear view of what residents and visitors can expect throughout the seasons.
Average Precipitation in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence experiences significant rainfall throughout the year and a notable amount of snow during the winter months. It does not have a dry season, with precipitation fairly well-distributed across all months.
Average Rainfall in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence receives a considerable amount of rainfall year-round.
The city averages around 45.3 inches of rain annually, which means precipitation is common even in the driest months.
Rainfall varies by month. For example, March usually sees more rain with an average of 4.3 inches.
On the other hand, July tends to be drier, with about 3.2 inches of rain.
These variations, while modest, contribute significantly to the annual precipitation.
Providence does not have a clear dry season. Even the months with the least rain see significant rainfall. This consistent pattern means residents should be prepared for precipitation at almost any point during the year.
Average Snow in Providence, Rhode Island
Snowfall is significant during the winter months in Providence.
The city gets an average of 35.7 inches of snow annually.
Most of the snow falls between December and March, with January typically being the snowiest month, averaging around 12 inches of snow.
Snow can start as early as November and continue into April, but large snowfalls are rare outside of winter.
These snowfalls can affect daily life, from commuting to schools and businesses.
Unlike rainfall, the snow in Providence is more concentrated in the cooler months, making preparation essential for the local community.
For more detailed information on topics like snow and ice, resources like Snow and Ice – ChaseDay.com can provide further insights.
Average Sun in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence gets a mix of sunshine and cloudy days throughout the year. The number of sunshine hours varies significantly from winter to summer due to seasonal changes.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Providence, Rhode Island
Throughout the year, Providence experiences varying levels of shortwave solar energy. This is the energy received from the sun, which affects how much direct sunlight the area gets.
In the summer months, especially June and July, Providence receives the highest amount of solar energy averaging around 5.9 kWh/m² per day.
These longer daylight hours mean more sunshine hours, with the sun typically rising early and setting late.
During the winter, particularly in December and January, the average daily solar energy is lower, around 1.9 kWh/m² per day.
This is due to shorter daylight hours and the sun being lower in the sky.
Sunrise and sunset times also shift throughout the year.
In June, the sun can rise as early as 5:10 AM and set around 8:20 PM.
In December, sunrise might not occur until 7:10 AM, with twilight disappearing around 4:20 PM.
This fluctuation in sunlight affects daily activities, outdoor events, and even heating requirements in homes, as there’s less natural light during the colder months.
For more information on the yearly sunlight patterns in Providence, see the detailed data at Weather World.
Average Humidity in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year. The average annual percentage of humidity is around 67%.
In terms of monthly averages:
- August is the most humid month, with a mean relative humidity of about 73%.
- April is the least humid month, averaging around 61%.
Humidity affects how the air feels. Higher humidity levels can make summer days feel hotter by increasing the heat index.
Here’s a quick look at the monthly average humidity:
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 70 |
| February | 68 |
| March | 64 |
| April | 61 |
| May | 64 |
| June | 68 |
| July | 71 |
| August | 73 |
| September | 71 |
| October | 68 |
| November | 67 |
| December | 69 |
Humidity also influences the dew point, which is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture.
Higher humidity levels lead to higher dew points, making the atmosphere feel muggy.
Cloud cover and muggy conditions are also common during the most humid months. On many summer days, high humidity results in more cloud formation and fewer clear skies.
For more detailed information, visit World Weather & Climate Information on Providence.
Average Wind in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year. The windiest month is February, with an average hourly wind speed of 7.9 miles per hour.
Wind Speed Overview:
- February: 7.9 mph (windiest month)
- August: 4.7 mph (calmest month)
The wind speeds start to calm down from late April until late October. During this period, the average wind speed drops significantly.
Monthly Wind Speeds
| Month | Avg. Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 7.7 |
| February | 7.9 |
| March | 7.6 |
| April | 6.7 |
| May | 5.6 |
| June | 5.0 |
| July | 4.8 |
| August | 4.7 |
| September | 4.9 |
| October | 5.4 |
| November | 6.5 |
| December | 7.3 |
The data indicates that wind speeds are higher in the winter months compared to the summer. February is particularly notable for its high wind speeds.
In contrast, August has the calmest winds, averaging only 4.7 mph. It’s a marked difference from the more turbulent winter months.
Understanding wind patterns can help plan activities. Those interested in wind-related activities like sailing might prefer the windier months.
Average Air Quality in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island, generally enjoys good air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) typically reflects clean air conditions, with occasional variations due to weather or other temporary factors.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The average AQI in Providence often falls into the “Good” category, meaning air pollution poses little or no risk to health.
For current and historical AQI data, the Providence Air Quality Index is a helpful resource.
Pollutants Measured
- PM2.5 (fine particulate matter): This is the most common pollutant and is monitored regularly.
- The AQI for PM2.5 usually indicates low pollution levels.
- Ozone (O3): Another significant pollutant, although less commonly a problem in Providence.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): These pollutants are also tracked but typically remain within safe limits.
Health Implications
Air quality in Providence is typically healthy.
People can enjoy outdoor activities without significant concerns about air pollution.
Visibility
Good air quality generally means excellent visibility in Providence.
You can get real-time updates on visibility conditions from resources like IQAir.
Weather Factors
Weather greatly influences air quality.
Clear, sunny days often bring the best air conditions, while stagnant weather can trap pollutants close to the ground. Rain can help clear the air, improving overall quality.
Seasonal Variations
Air quality might show minor seasonal fluctuations.
Summer can bring higher ozone levels on hot days, while winter may see increased PM2.5 levels due to heating sources.
For those interested in general weather data, such as pressure and temperature, checking local forecasts can be beneficial.
The real-time air quality map provides valuable insights into the air quality variations across the region.
Topography of Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island, is located in Providence County. Its coordinates are approximately 41.8236° N latitude and 71.4222° W longitude.
The city’s landscape features a variety of elevations, providing a diverse terrain.
The average elevation of Providence is around 62 feet above sea level.
The city’s terrain ranges from a minimum elevation of -26 feet to a maximum of approximately 200 feet.
Narragansett Bay plays a significant role in shaping Providence’s topography.
This estuary leads to the Atlantic Ocean and influences the city’s coastal characteristics. Providence’s downtown area and neighborhoods near the bay often experience different weather patterns compared to inland areas.
Key Elevation Points in Providence
- Average Elevation: 62 feet
- Minimum Elevation: -26 feet
- Maximum Elevation: 200 feet
Neighboring Water Bodies
Providence’s proximity to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean impacts its climate and weather patterns.
This proximity offers both scenic waterfront views and challenges such as coastal flooding.
Explore the topographic map of Providence for more detailed information on elevation and terrain.
The city also benefits from its location, offering easy access to scenic spots like Newport, which lies further south along the coast.
This coastal geography contributes to Providence’s unique blend of urban and natural landscapes.
The way the city is situated along the waterfronts of Narragansett Bay allows it to benefit from maritime weather, which can moderate temperatures, especially in summer.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change.
Heat Waves
Providence can experience intense heat waves, especially in the summer.
For instance, in 2022, the area had two heat waves, each lasting six days. The highest temperature ever recorded in Providence was 104°F on August 2, 1975.
Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
Increased rainfall intensity is leading to more frequent flash floods.
Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm storm drainage systems, causing rivers to overflow. This results in widespread flooding across the city.
Tornadoes
Although rare, tornadoes have been reported in Providence. These events can cause significant damage to infrastructure and landscapes.
Wildfires
Southern New England, including Providence, has seen wildfires.
These fires are often intensified by dry conditions and high winds.
Cold Snaps and Snowstorms
Cold snaps and heavy snowstorms are also common in Providence.
These events can lead to hazardous road conditions and power outages.
| Extreme Weather Event | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Waves | Seasonal (Summer) | Prolonged periods of high temperatures. |
| Flash Flooding | Increasing Year-Round | Rapid flooding due to intense rain. |
| Tornadoes | Rare | Tornado events causing damage. |
| Wildfires | Increasing | Fires often spurred by dry, windy conditions. |
| Cold Snaps/Snowstorms | Seasonal (Winter) | Severe cold and heavy snowfall. |
For more information on recent weather patterns in Providence, you can refer to 2023 was a year of extreme weather in Southern New England and Rhode Island’s summer of extreme weather left its mark on the landscape.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Providence, Rhode Island
The ideal seasons to visit Providence, Rhode Island are spring, summer, and fall, each offering unique experiences.
Summer provides long daylight hours and popular events, while fall is known for its pleasant weather and vibrant foliage.
What Is Providence, Rhode Island Like in Spring
Spring in Providence starts in March and lasts through May.
During this season, temperatures range from the mid-40s°F in March to the mid-60s°F in May.
Spring is a great time for outdoor activities and exploring parks as the flowers begin to bloom.
Rain is common, making it a good idea to have an umbrella on hand.
Visitors can enjoy fewer crowds and lower hotel rates during this season.
Events such as the Providence Art and Craft Festival bring a burst of color and culture to the city.
What Is Providence, Rhode Island Like in Summer
Summer in Providence spans June through August with average high temperatures in the low 80s°F.
This season offers nearly 15 hours of daylight, making it ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites and waterfront.
The city hosts WaterFire Providence, a popular summer festival featuring bonfires on the river.
Expect occasional thunderstorms but overall sunny weather. Hotel rates are higher due to the peak tourist season.
What Is Providence, Rhode Island Like in Fall
Fall in Providence, from September through November, is marked by comfortable temperatures ranging from the low 70s°F in September to the mid-50s°F in November.
This season is famous for its stunning fall foliage, drawing tourists to parks and scenic walks.
Events like the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo offer unique fall experiences.
Crowds are lighter compared to summer, and the weather is generally dry and pleasant, making it a perfect time to visit.
What Is Providence, Rhode Island Like in Winter
Winter in Providence, lasting from December through February, is cold and snowy, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-30s°F to low 40s°F.
Snowfall is common, and the city takes on a picturesque charm.
Indoor activities such as visiting museums and attending holiday events become popular during this season.
The snow-covered rivers and parks add a serene beauty to the landscape, although outdoor activities are limited by the cold weather.