Are you thinking about visiting Newport, Rhode Island? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Newport worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this town for two to five days because of the many great activities. Newport is a charming coastal town in the state of Rhode Island. It has a longrunning history and it's filled with historic mansions that date back to the 1800s. The town's colonial past is heavily influenced by it's maritime roots and today the town is filled with yachts and boating enthusiasts.
Newport, Rhode Island
Reasons to Visit Newport
Museums
The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.
Food
Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.
Beaches
Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.
Historical Sights
The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.
Shopping
Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.
Nightlife
There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.
Is Newport worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Newport, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so give yourself some time to enjoy the waves and sand. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, savor the small town atmosphere, and browse through museums. Also, you can check out the historic old town and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Newport
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Newport worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Newport. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the famous sights and museums. Also, you'll be able to explore the small town.
Autumn Weather in Newport
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (53°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| November | 7°C (44°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| December | 0°C (33°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
Is Newport worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Newport can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -2°C (28°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Newport is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Newport
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -2°C (28°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| February | -1°C (30°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| March | 3°C (38°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
Is Newport worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Newport. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Newport can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can soak up the small town charm, browse around the old town, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Newport
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (48°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| June | 20°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Related
What is Newport most famous for?
Newport is most famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. People visit this impressive town for its great museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for nightlife. It is often described as coastal, seaside, historical, and charming.
What is the most famous sight in Newport?
The most popular sight in Newport is Thames Street. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Newport on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Thames Street and other attractions here.
How touristy is Newport? Is it a popular town to visit?
Newport is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
- Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour: $250
- Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
- Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $45
- Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with Breakers Admission: $46
- Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion - Viking Tours: $45
- Newport Trolley Tour - Viking Scenic Overview: $25
- Newport Walking Food And History Tour: $95
How long should I spend in Newport?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Newport is two to five days. Since Newport has activities such as historical sights, shopping, museums, and dining, many visit for up to five days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Newport?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Newport?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Newport?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.