Summer Road Trips in Rhode Island
Routes
9
Avg Distance
59 mi
Avg Drive
1h 27m
Destinations
9
Rhode Island in the summer offers a diverse array of drives, with 9 routes averaging 58.8 miles and taking about 1.5 hours. The drives range in difficulty with scores from 7 to 9, and climb to a maximum elevation of 1508 feet. Many routes boast excellent EV coverage, with one route offering 21 DC fast chargers, making summer exploration convenient across the state.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.49/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$6–$25
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 2026-06-01
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 Summer 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 peak | 78 | 59 | 3.8 | — |
| Jul peak | 84 | 65 | 2.9 | — |
| Aug peak | 82 | 64 | 3.6 | — |
| Sep | 75 | 57 | 4.2 | — |
| Oct | 64 | 45 | 4.2 | 0.2 |
| Nov | 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
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Williamstown, MA
Through: Springfield → Pittsfield
This longer route, at nearly 140 miles, offers the highest drive score of 9. It traverses gently rolling terrain, reaching an elevation of 1508 feet, and includes access to parks.
Editor's pick
Westerly, RI → Woonsocket, RI
With a drive score of 8, this 57-mile trip provides excellent EV charging infrastructure, featuring 21 DC fast chargers. The drive is primarily flat, reaching a modest maximum elevation of 471 feet.
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Bradford, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
This route scores a 7 for its drive and features excellent EV coverage, with 14 DC fast chargers along its 56.8-mile path. It's a mostly flat journey with a maximum elevation of 456 feet and park access.
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