Weather in Providence, Rhode Island
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Overcast14%88°60°
- MondayMay 18Heavy Drizzle—77°55°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle10%94°56°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers65%94°60°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast26%69°51°
- FridayMay 22Overcast—67°46°
- SaturdayMay 23Drizzle18%52°49°
- PM 2.5
- 9.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 103.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:25 AM
- Moonset
- 12:27 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Providence at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 9°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 27 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Providence's peak warmth with temperatures averaging around 74°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 30°F. Precipitation follows its own pattern, with March receiving the most rainfall at 4.9 inches and July seeing the least at 2.9 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| February | 32° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| March | 39° | 4.9″ | 7 |
| April | 49° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| May | 59° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| June | 68° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| July | 74° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| August | 73° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| September | 66° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| October | 54° | 4.2″ | 7 |
| November | 45° | 4.3″ | 6 |
| December | 36° | 4.7″ | 8 |
Regional context
Providence belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Cranston, RI, Warwick, RI, Pawtucket, RI, East Providence, RI, Woonsocket, RI.
Naturalist notes
American robins begin their spring song in Providence around late March, marking one of the earliest signs that winter's grip is loosening.
Sugar maples start leafing out in early May, their tender green foliage emerging as soil temperatures climb above 40°F.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Providence?
- Providence typically sees its last spring frost around mid-April, with the first fall frost returning around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Providence?
- March stands as the wettest month, delivering about 4.9 inches of rain on average, while the city's annual total reaches roughly 48 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Providence?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Providence?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 30°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Providence?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Providence get?
- Providence experiences about 79 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Providence?
- Providence's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Providence, Rhode Island experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 30°F, while July averages reach 74°F, creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Providence totals about 48 inches, distributed across roughly 79 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography shapes Providence's weather patterns through its latitude at 41.8°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows locally, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.