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 compact network of drives, averaging 58.8 miles and 1.2 hours, with a drive score range of 7-9. These routes traverse gently rolling to mostly flat terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 1,508 feet, and all include access to parks. While EV charging infrastructure isn't detailed for these specific trips, the state's size makes it easily navigable.
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 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 longest route at 139.7 miles stands out with a top drive score of 9 and a maximum elevation of 1,508 feet. It winds through gently rolling terrain, offering access to parks and a longer exploration opportunity.
Editor's pick
Westerly, RI → Woonsocket, RI
With a drive score of 8, this 57.4-mile trip offers a solid driving experience across mostly flat terrain, topping out at 471 feet. It also includes access to parks for a refreshing stop.
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Bradford, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
This 56.8-mile route achieves a drive score of 7 and stays within mostly flat terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 456 feet. Like the others, it provides access to parks along the way.
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