Summer Road Trips in Rhode Island
Routes
14
Avg Distance
55 mi
Avg Drive
1h 23m
Destinations
13
Summer drives in Rhode Island offer a variety of experiences, from coastal breezes to inland hills. With 14 routes averaging 54.7 miles and 83 minutes, you can explore diverse terrains. Max elevations reach up to 1508 ft, and EV charging is excellent on many routes, with some offering up to 10 DC fast chargers. The state's routes present a strong set of options for summer exploration, with drive scores reaching as high as 9.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.23/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$6–$23
One-way, ~55 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~19 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
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 route stands out with a drive score of 9 and excellent EV coverage, making it a top choice for longer summer excursions. Traversing gently rolling terrain up to 1508 ft, it offers a substantial 139.7-mile journey with ample opportunities to enjoy the season.
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → New Shoreham, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts → Narragansett
Boasting a drive score of 9, this trip offers a compelling mix of highway and surface roads. Covering 64.1 miles with a maximum elevation of just 294 ft, it provides a pleasant summer drive through mostly flat terrain with park access.
Editor's pick
Westerly, RI → Woonsocket, RI
With a solid drive score of 8, this 57.4-mile route is primarily highway, ideal for efficient summer travel. The terrain remains mostly flat, with a modest maximum elevation of 471 ft, and includes access to parks.
Woonsocket, RI → Bradford, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
New Shoreham, RI → Pawtucket, RI
Through: Massachusetts
Westerly, RI → Smithfield, RI
Woonsocket, RI → Narragansett Pier, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
Cumberland, RI → Narragansett Pier, RI
Through: Warwick
Newport, RI → Chepachet, RI
Through: Smithfield
Smithfield, RI → Middletown, RI
Through: Newport
Little Compton, RI → West Warwick, RI
Through: Providence
Tiverton, RI → Coventry, RI
Through: Providence
Little Compton, RI → Kingston, RI
New Shoreham, RI → Kenyon, RI