Fall Road Trips in Rhode Island
Routes
9
Avg Distance
59 mi
Avg Drive
1h 27m
Destinations
9
Rhode Island in the fall offers a compact yet varied driving experience, with nine routes averaging 58.8 miles and just under 1.5 hours. While the state's maximum elevation reaches 1508 ft, most drives feature gently rolling or flat terrain. This season highlights the state's natural beauty, making it ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.99/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$6–$22
One-way, ~59 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~21 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Rhode Island
Rhode Island peaks at around 84°F in Jul and cools to 38°F / 22°F in Jan. Wettest month is Mar at ~4.9 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38 | 22 | 4 | 10.3 |
| Feb | 41 | 24 | 3.4 | 10.5 |
| Mar | 48 | 30 | 4.9 | 6.4 |
| Apr | 59 | 40 | 4.3 | 0.6 |
| May | 69 | 49 | 3.4 | — |
| Jun | 78 | 59 | 3.8 | — |
| Jul | 84 | 65 | 2.9 | — |
| Aug | 82 | 64 | 3.6 | — |
| Sep peak | 75 | 57 | 4.2 | — |
| Oct peak | 64 | 45 | 4.2 | 0.2 |
| Nov peak | 53 | 36 | 4.3 | 1 |
| Dec | 43 | 28 | 4.7 | 7.6 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for RI — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Check the weather forecast for your route, not just your origin and destination.
- Bring layers for shoulder-season travel — mornings and evenings can be much cooler than midday.
- Rhode Island routes can vary in condition depending on the time of year. Check for construction zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Routes
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Williamstown, MA
Through: Springfield → Pittsfield
This longer route, at 139.7 miles, boasts the highest drive score of 9 and climbs to 1508 ft through gently rolling terrain, offering a substantial autumn exploration with park access.
Editor's pick
Westerly, RI → Woonsocket, RI
With a drive score of 8, this 57.4-mile trip stays within Rhode Island across mostly flat terrain, providing a solid scenic option with opportunities to visit parks.
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Bradford, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
This 56.8-mile option scores a 7 for its drive quality, traversing mostly flat terrain with park access, making it an accessible fall excursion within the state.
New Shoreham, RI → Pawtucket, RI
Through: Massachusetts
Westerly, RI → Smithfield, RI
Cumberland, RI → Narragansett Pier, RI
Through: Warwick
Newport, RI → Chepachet, RI
Through: Smithfield
Tiverton, RI → Coventry, RI
Through: Providence
New Shoreham, RI → Kenyon, RI