Water and sea temperature in Rhode Island (8th August 2020)

The water temperature in Rhode Island is quite comfortable. Consider wearing a 0.5 mm to 2/1 mm shorty wetsuit or a wetsuit jacket especially if you will be in the ocean for an extended period of time.

Please note: These are general guidelines based on today's average water temperature of 73°F in Rhode Island. If there are strong winds, cold air temperatures, you are engaging in activities with less movement or you get cold easily, you may want to consider a thicker wetsuit. consider a thicker wetsuit.

Our measurements for the water temperature in Rhode Island, United States are provided by the daily sea surface temperature (SST) satellite readings from NOAA.

Please be aware that our water temperatures are based on open water averages. Actual sea surface water temperatures close to the shore at Rhode Island can vary by several degrees.

Weather patterns that can increase variation in water temperatures

Heavy rains, locations near river mouths and long periods of strong offshore winds can cause variations in ocean temperatures. Offshore winds cause the colder deep water to replace the surface water which has been warmed by the sun.

Whilst sea temperatures for Rhode Island are as accurate as current data allows, there may be slight local and regional variations depending on conditions and variations in sea depth.