Charlestown is a beautiful town located in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. Situated in the southwestern part of the state, Charlestown lies along the beautiful coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, offering residents stunning ocean views and access to pristine beaches. The town is approximately 31 miles south of Providence, the state capital, and is bordered by the towns of South Kingstown, Richmond, and Westerly. With a population of around 7,800 residents, Charlestown maintains a relaxed coastal vibe while providing essential amenities and services to its residents. The town covers an area of approximately 59.3 square miles and is known for its scenic beauty, rich maritime history, and vibrant coastal communities. Charlestown is home to several landmarks, including Ninigret Park, Ninigret Pond, and the iconic Charlestown Breachway.
Climate and Weather Overview
To provide a comprehensive overview of the climate in Charlestown, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 37°F | 3.75 inches | 10 days |
| February | 38°F | 3.42 inches | 10 days |
| March | 42°F | 4.44 inches | 11 days |
| April | 50°F | 4.08 inches | 11 days |
| May | 59°F | 3.73 inches | 12 days |
| June | 68°F | 3.76 inches | 12 days |
| July | 74°F | 3.59 inches | 11 days |
| August | 73°F | 3.80 inches | 10 days |
| September | 68°F | 4.26 inches | 9 days |
| October | 57°F | 3.77 inches | 9 days |
| November | 49°F | 4.35 inches | 9 days |
| December | 41°F | 4.24 inches | 9 days |
Weather by Month
January
January in Charlestown is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average high temperature is around 37°F, with overnight lows often dropping below freezing. Precipitation is moderate during this month, with an average of 3.75 inches, primarily falling as snow or rain. Despite the colder temperatures, there are still around 10 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as winter walks on the beach, birdwatching, and visiting local landmarks.
February
February brings similar weather conditions to January, with cold temperatures persisting throughout the month. The average high temperature increases slightly to around 38°F, but snowfall remains possible. Precipitation levels decrease compared to January, with an average of 3.42 inches. Despite the chilly weather, residents can still enjoy outdoor activities such as beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and visiting nearby nature reserves.
March
As winter transitions to spring, March sees a gradual increase in temperatures in Charlestown, with average highs reaching 42°F. While snowfall becomes less frequent, rain showers are common, contributing to an average precipitation of 4.44 inches. Sunny days become more abundant, with around 11 days of clear skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the scenic coastline.
April
April marks the onset of milder weather in Charlestown, with average highs reaching 50°F. While temperatures become more comfortable, rain showers continue, with an average precipitation of 4.08 inches. With 11 sunny days, residents and visitors can fully embrace the arrival of spring by participating in outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and visiting local farmers’ markets.
May
May brings warmer temperatures to Charlestown, with average highs climbing to 59°F. While temperatures rise, rain showers persist, contributing to an average precipitation of 3.73 inches. With 12 sunny days, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as beach picnics, hiking along coastal trails, and exploring the charming seaside villages nearby.
June
June heralds the arrival of summer in Charlestown, with average highs soaring to 68°F. The weather becomes significantly warmer, with occasional rain showers contributing to an average precipitation of 3.76 inches. Despite the heat, outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing on the beach are popular choices for enjoying the summer sun and ocean breeze.
July
July is typically the warmest month in Charlestown, with scorching average highs of 74°F. The summer heat is accompanied by moderate precipitation, with an average of 3.59 inches. Despite the intense heat, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring the coastal marshes teeming with wildlife.
August
Similar to July, August maintains warm temperatures in Charlestown, with average highs around 73°F. Moderate precipitation continues, with an average of 3.80 inches. Despite the heat and occasional rain showers, outdoor enthusiasts can still partake in activities such as beach volleyball, kayaking, and sunset cruises along the coastline.
September
As summer transitions to fall, September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Charlestown, with average highs of 68°F. While temperatures begin to moderate, occasional rain showers are still possible, contributing to an average precipitation of 4.26 inches. With 9 sunny days, outdoor activities such as clamming, hiking in nature reserves, and attending local seafood festivals are popular choices for residents and visitors alike.
October
October sees a further decrease in temperatures in Charlestown, with average highs dropping to 57°F. While the weather remains mild, rain showers become more frequent, with an average precipitation of 3.77 inches. With 9 sunny days, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as leaf-peeping, birdwatching, and exploring historic lighthouses along the coastline.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and shorter days to Charlestown, with average highs of 49°F. While temperatures cool, precipitation levels remain relatively high, averaging 4.35 inches. With 9 sunny days, outdoor activities such as hiking in state parks, visiting local art galleries, and attending fall harvest festivals are popular as residents embrace the changing colors of autumn.
December
December in Charlestown is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional winter storms. The average high temperature is around 41°F, with cool evenings and occasional snow showers. Precipitation increases slightly compared to previous months, with an average of 4.24 inches, primarily in the form of light snowfall or rain. Despite the cooler temperatures, there are still 9 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as holiday shopping, festive events, and winter walks along the beach.
Natural Disasters
While Charlestown is relatively sheltered from major natural disasters, it is still susceptible to occasional hazards common to the region, including coastal storms, flooding, and hurricanes. Coastal storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, and storm surges, posing risks to coastal communities and properties. Flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying areas near rivers and streams. Additionally, hurricanes can pose significant threats to the area, with strong winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall leading to widespread damage and disruptions.
Recommended Activities
Throughout the year, Charlestown offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some recommended activities by month include:
- January: Winter walks on the beach, birdwatching, visiting local museums.
- February: Beachcombing, wildlife viewing, exploring nature reserves.
- March: Hiking, biking, exploring the scenic coastline.
- April: Kayaking, fishing, visiting local farmers’ markets.
- May: Beach picnics, coastal trail hikes, exploring seaside villages.
- June: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing on the beach.
- July: Boating, fishing, exploring coastal marshes.
- August: Beach volleyball, kayaking, sunset cruises.
- September: Clamming, hiking in nature reserves, attending seafood festivals.
- October: Leaf-peeping, birdwatching, exploring historic lighthouses.
- November: Hiking in state parks, visiting art galleries, attending fall festivals.
- December: Holiday shopping, festive events, winter walks on the beach.