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Is it too cold to swim in Newport, RI today?
The latest reading is 59°F (15.2°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM EST at Newport. That is very cold water.
Between 50°F and 60°F, rated very dangerous to immediately life-threatening: the range where most unacclimated people have a maximum cold shock response. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards.
How cold is too cold to swim?Water temperature this week
Hourly water temperature at Newport
Water temperature through the year
Average water temperature by month, satellite 2016–2025. Warmest in August.
Average ocean temperature by month
| Month | Average | Coldest year | Warmest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F | 39°F | 45°F |
| February | 40°F | 38°F | 41°F |
| March | 41°F | 39°F | 43°F |
| April | 45°F | 42°F | 47°F |
| May | 53°F | 51°F | 56°F |
| June | 63°F | 61°F | 64°F |
| July | 71°F | 68°F | 73°F |
| August | 71°F | 69°F | 73°F |
| September | 68°F | 66°F | 70°F |
| October | 63°F | 62°F | 65°F |
| November | 56°F | 53°F | 57°F |
| December | 48°F | 46°F | 50°F |
Other water temperature readings nearby
| Source | Water | Distance | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA JPL MUR satellite nearest water | 58°F | 0.2 mi | Nov 3 |
| Wickford Tide Gage North Kingstown, RI bay gauge | 59°F | 9.4 mi | 3 h ago |
| Buzzards Bay, MA (260) buoy | 58°F | 16 mi | 2 h ago |
| Conimicut Light tide station | 59°F | 17 mi | 2 h ago |
| Mt. Hope Bay near Kennedy Park at Fall River, MA bay gauge | 57°F | 17 mi | 2 h ago |
| Fall River tide station | 57°F | 18 mi | 2 h ago |
| Providence tide station | 55°F | 23 mi | 2 h ago |
Water temperatures at nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is it too cold to swim in Newport, RI today?
The latest reading is 59°F (15.2°C), measured November 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM EST at Newport. That is very cold water. Between 50°F and 60°F, rated very dangerous to immediately life-threatening: the range where most unacclimated people have a maximum cold shock response. Temperature is only one factor: check rip current and surf alerts, and swim near lifeguards. How cold is too cold?
When is the water warmest at Newport, RI?
Based on satellite data from 2016 to 2025, the water is warmest in August (average 71°F) and coldest in February (average 40°F).
Where does this water temperature come from?
From Newport, a tide station operated by NOAA National Data Buoy Center, 1.9 mi away. See the methodology.
Sources: NOAA National Data Buoy Center; NASA JPL MUR satellite analysis; U.S. Geological Survey; forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service. Readings are provisional. All Rhode Island water temperatures · Methodology