Newport looks like a summer postcard, so people pack for a heatwave. The warmest month tops out at 77°F (25°C), and the wind off the water on the Cliff Walk or a harbor sail feels a lot cooler than that. Bring a layer, even in July.
Newport weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 39°F4°C | 39°F4°C | 46°F8°C | 54°F12°C | 61°F16°C | 70°F21°C | 77°F25°C | 73°F23°C | 70°F21°C | 63°F17°C | 52°F11°C | 43°F6°C |
| Low | 30°F-1°C | 28°F-2°C | 36°F2°C | 45°F7°C | 52°F11°C | 63°F17°C | 70°F21°C | 68°F20°C | 63°F17°C | 54°F12°C | 43°F6°C | 34°F1°C |
| Rain days | 11 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 10 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of just 39–43°F (4–6°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C) to 34°F (1°C), with 8 to 11 rain days a month and the odd snowfall. The mansions run holiday tours in December, and town is quiet. Pack a warm coat, a hat and waterproof boots.
Spring
March–MayHighs run 46–61°F (8–16°C), lows 36–52°F (2–11°C), and there are 10 to 11 rain days a month. It's damp and breezy, so layers and a rain shell beat a big coat. May is when the town starts to wake up for the season.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 70–77°F (21–25°C) with lows of 63–70°F (17–21°C), so it's warm, not hot. Each month has about 10 rain days. This is sailing, beach and festival season, and a light layer for evenings on the water still earns its place.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember holds on at 70°F (21°C), then highs drop to 52°F (11°C) by November. October is the driest month of the year with just 5 rain days, and it's a great time to drive Ocean Drive and tour the mansions without the summer crowds.
What to bring to Newport
0 of 21 packedSea breezes and roughly 10 rain days a month make a packable shell the jacket you'll actually wear on the Cliff Walk.
Light enough to stuff in a bag for a harbor sail, and waterproof when spray or a shower blows in off the water.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wrap is the easy fix when a 77°F (25°C) July day turns cool on the water at sunset.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing helps keep your camera and phone dry from spray on the Cliff Walk and the boat.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
After a swim at Easton's Beach, the wet suit goes in here and the rest of your bag stays dry.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Clips your camera to a backpack strap so it's ready for the mansions and the Ocean Drive views without swinging around your neck.
Clothing
- Light fleece or sweater · 1Sea wind, even in July
- Warm winter coat · 1Jan–Feb highs of 4°C
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setDec–Mar
- T-shirts · 4
- Smart-casual outfit · 1Mansion tours and harbor dinners
- Swimsuit · 1Summer beach days
Footwear
- Sneakers with grip · 1Rough, rocky Cliff Walk sections
- Boat shoes or sandals · 1
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1Glare off the water
- Motion sickness remedyHarbor sails
Documents and money
- ID or passport
Tech
- Power bank · 1
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Newport?
The Cliff Walk is the reason to think about shoes. Parts of the southern end are rough, rocky and uneven, so bring sneakers or trail shoes with real grip. Downtown around Thames Street and Bowen's Wharf has brick and cobbles, and boat shoes or clean sneakers work there.
What do people wear in Newport?
Classic New England casual: chinos, polos, button-downs, sundresses and a sweater over the shoulders. It's a sailing town, so nautical looks fit right in. A few harbor restaurants and events lean smarter, so one dressier outfit is a good idea.
What plugs does Newport use?
The US uses type A and B sockets at 120V. Visitors from abroad need a plug adapter, and anything not rated 100-240V needs a converter as well.
Tours and things to do in Newport
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Newport.
What should you leave at home for Newport?
Heels. Brick sidewalks and the Cliff Walk will ruin them. Skip the heavy beach gear too if you're flying in, because the town is better seen on foot and by boat than parked on the sand all day.
Packing for Newport: questions people ask
What should I wear in Newport in summer?
Light, casual clothes with a sweater or light jacket for the evening. July highs are 77°F (25°C), and it feels cooler on the water.
What should I wear on the Cliff Walk?
Sneakers or trail shoes with good grip. The southern stretch is rocky and uneven, and the path can be wet and windy.
What is the best month to visit Newport?
Summer is the busiest and warmest. September and October are quieter, still mild, and October is the driest month with 5 rain days.
How cold does Newport get in winter?
January and February highs are only 39°F (4°C), with lows near 28°F (-2°C). Pack a proper winter coat and a hat.
Is there a dress code at the Newport mansions?
No formal one. Casual clothes are fine, but comfortable shoes help, since tours mean a lot of standing and walking.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.