Cranston, Rhode Island, is a vibrant city located in Providence County in the state of Rhode Island, United States. Situated just south of the state capital, Providence, Cranston is part of the Greater Providence metropolitan area. With a population of over 80,000 residents, Cranston is the third-largest city in Rhode Island, known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and strong sense of community. The city covers an area of approximately 29 square miles, encompassing a variety of landscapes ranging from urban neighborhoods to suburban residential areas.
Geographically, Cranston is located along the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, providing residents with access to waterfront parks, marinas, and recreational activities. The city is characterized by its rolling hills, wooded areas, and numerous parks and green spaces, offering residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. Cranston is also home to several major landmarks, including historic buildings, museums, and cultural institutions that showcase the city’s heritage and contribute to its vibrant arts scene.
Climate and Weather Overview
Cranston experiences a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons characterized by mild summers, cool autumns, cold winters, and warm springs. The city receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with occasional snowfall in the winter months. Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. Overall, Cranston enjoys a relatively temperate climate, making it an ideal destination for year-round outdoor activities and leisure.
Average Monthly Climate Data
Below is a table detailing the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Cranston:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 35 | 4.35 | 4 |
| February | 37 | 3.67 | 5 |
| March | 44 | 4.68 | 6 |
| April | 54 | 4.15 | 7 |
| May | 64 | 3.90 | 8 |
| June | 73 | 3.74 | 9 |
| July | 79 | 3.65 | 10 |
| August | 78 | 4.12 | 9 |
| September | 71 | 3.68 | 8 |
| October | 59 | 3.76 | 7 |
| November | 49 | 4.33 | 5 |
| December | 39 | 4.28 | 4 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Cranston is characterized by cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. Average temperatures hover around 35°F, with occasional dips below freezing. Precipitation averages 4.35 inches, with snow contributing to the wintry conditions. Residents may experience around 4 sunny days, though cloudy skies are common. Despite the cold weather, outdoor activities such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing are popular among residents.
Recommended Activities: Ice skating at local rinks, sledding at nearby parks, winter hiking or snowshoeing.
February
February brings continued cold temperatures and occasional snowfall to Cranston. Average temperatures rise slightly to around 37°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 3.67 inches. Residents can expect around 5 sunny days, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as winter walks and exploring local parks. Despite the chilly weather, February marks the beginning of maple sugaring season, with many local farms offering tours and tastings.
Recommended Activities: Winter walks in local parks, visiting maple sugaring farms, attending indoor events and workshops.
March
March brings milder temperatures and the first signs of spring to Cranston. Average temperatures rise to around 44°F, with precipitation increasing slightly to an average of 4.68 inches. Residents can expect around 6 sunny days, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and gardening. March also marks the beginning of spring festivals and events, with residents eager to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking in local parks, gardening or planting flowers, attending spring festivals and events.
April
April brings warmer temperatures and longer days to Cranston, with spring in full swing. Average temperatures rise to around 54°F, with precipitation decreasing slightly to an average of 4.15 inches. Residents can expect around 7 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnicking, birdwatching, and exploring nature trails. April also marks the blooming of spring flowers and trees, adding color to the city’s parks and gardens.
Recommended Activities: Picnicking in local parks, birdwatching in nature reserves, exploring botanical gardens.
May
May brings mild temperatures and abundant sunshine to Cranston, making it an ideal time to explore the outdoors. Average temperatures rise to around 64°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 3.90 inches. Residents can expect around 8 sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. May also marks the beginning of farmers’ market season, with residents eager to shop for fresh produce and locally made goods.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, fishing in nearby lakes and rivers, visiting farmers’ markets.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in Cranston, with warm temperatures and long days perfect for outdoor adventures. Average highs reach into the low 70s°F, with precipitation decreasing to an average of 3.74 inches. Residents can expect around 9 sunny days, providing ideal conditions for activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. June also offers opportunities for outdoor dining and socializing, with many restaurants and cafes offering patio seating and outdoor events.
Recommended Activities: Camping in local parks, picnicking in scenic spots, attending outdoor concerts and events.
July
July is typically the warmest month in Cranston, with average highs reaching into the upper 70s°F. Precipitation decreases significantly to an average of 3.65 inches, with residents enjoying around 10 sunny days. The warm, sunny weather makes July ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and picnicking at nearby parks and beaches. Residents can also take advantage of the long days to explore hiking trails, attend outdoor festivals, and enjoy summer concerts.
Recommended Activities: Swimming at local beaches or pools, boating on nearby lakes, attending outdoor concerts and festivals.
August
August brings continued warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to Cranston, making it an ideal time for outdoor recreation and leisure. Average highs remain in the upper 70s°F, with precipitation increasing slightly to an average of 4.12 inches. Residents can expect around 9 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. August also offers opportunities for outdoor dining and socializing, with many restaurants and cafes offering patio seating and outdoor events.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, camping in local parks, dining al fresco at outdoor restaurants.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Cranston, with temperatures gradually cooling down and the landscape beginning to change colors. Average highs reach into the low 70s°F, with cooler evenings signaling the arrival of autumn. Precipitation increases slightly to an average of 3.68 inches, though sunny days remain common. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and apple picking as they embrace the beauty of the changing seasons.
Recommended Activities: Hiking in local parks, apple picking at nearby orchards, attending fall festivals and events.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of fall foliage to Cranston, making it a beautiful time to explore the outdoors. Average highs dip into the upper 50s°F, with cooler evenings perfect for cozying up by the fire. Precipitation increases slightly to an average of 3.76 inches, though sunny days remain common. Residents and visitors can enjoy leaf-peeping drives, hikes through wooded trails, and visits to local pumpkin patches and orchards.
Recommended Activities: Leaf-peeping drives along scenic routes, hiking in local parks, visiting pumpkin patches and orchards.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and the first signs of winter to Cranston, with residents preparing for the holiday season ahead. Average highs drop into the upper 40s°F, with occasional frosts and freezes occurring overnight. Precipitation increases slightly to an average of 4.33 inches, with rain showers becoming more frequent than snow. Indoor activities such as visiting museums, attending cultural events, and shopping for holiday gifts become popular as residents seek refuge from the colder weather.
Recommended Activities: Visiting indoor attractions, attending cultural events and performances, exploring local shops and boutiques.
December
December brings cold temperatures and the holiday spirit to Cranston, with residents and visitors embracing the festive season. Average highs remain in the upper 30s°F, with occasional snow showers adding to the holiday ambiance. Precipitation decreases slightly to an average of 4.28 inches, though residents should be prepared for winter weather conditions. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the colder temperatures, but residents can still enjoy activities such as ice skating, sledding, and holiday light displays.
Recommended Activities: Ice skating at local rinks, sledding at nearby parks, attending holiday events and festivals.
In conclusion, Cranston, Rhode Island, offers a diverse range of weather throughout the year, with each season bringing its own unique beauty and opportunities for outdoor and indoor activities. From the vibrant colors of fall foliage to the festive atmosphere of the holiday season, residents and visitors alike can find something to enjoy in this charming city located in the heart of Rhode Island.