Winter Weather Advisory!

If you are coming to Newport from the West, via Rte 138 and the Jamestown and Pell Bridges, be warned that ice, high winds, and hurricane conditions will close the bridges. It could leave you stranded or add a good hour or more to your driving time in each direction. Other than these conditions, Newport is an all-season city.

Weather Averages by Month:

Newport's busiest season is summer. Restaurants and clubs and stores are open, many with extended hours. Live music abounds. The downside is that tourists are everywhere, even walking in the streets. Parking is available, but may require some creativity.

Spring and Fall are less hectic in terms of crowds.

Spring is a great time for flower tours, walking tours, infinite shades of green, and the energy that comes from a New England town emerging from a long winter. 

Fall and Winter are good times to come for other festivals and seasonal and holiday special events.

January

A quiet month, with many businesses and locals taking time off after the hectic holiday season. New Year's day is when the hardy few (or, as others will say, the "foolhardy") take to the sea for the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Easton's Beach.  The plunge begins at Noon, sharp. Walk-ins welcome. Bathing suit is the uniform of the day - not wet suits for these arctic swimmers. The group raises funds for charity.

February 

In February, the Newport Winter Festival offers seven days of activities for adults, children, individuals and groups. There are house tours, sand sculpture contests, fireworks, hayrides and more.

March

Everyone is (or is invited to be) Irish for the month.  Newport County celebrates monthlong with various activities. The highlight of the month is the Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade, on March 17. The weekends before and after, you will find Irish dinners at local churches and clubs.

May

The weather is still a little bit chancy and many tourist-dependent businesses are gearing up for the summer season. This means there are fewer tourists and it's a little bit quieter than full summer. It is the time for the Newport Spring Boat Show. If you are in the market for a previously-owned wooden boat, powerboat or sailbopat - this is an opportunity to look, buy and float away with your new (used) boat.

  The Sail Newport Annual Sailing Family Festival, held at Fort Adams State Park is a free event that promotes the youth program, lessons and rentals offered by Sail Newport, a public sailing center. Come for a free sailing tour of the harbor.

At the end of May, keep a close eye on your treasures and be careful of wandering ne-er-do-wells. 2006 was the inaugural year for the PirateFest, and many hope it will continue to grow and prosper.  

May is also when many galleries and museum offer special exhibits.  

June

Whether you pronounce it chowder or chowdah, whether you prefer a milk base or tomato, the Annual Schweppes Chowder Cook-off, on the first weekend in June is meant to please both palate and mind.  Chefs from all over the country compete for prize money and honors.

September

The summer may be over, but the sailing season is still going strong. September still has the beautiful weather of summer, it is just missing the crowds.  Visit the Newport Web site for specific regattas and races. 

The Newport Waterfront Irish Festival is held at the Newport Yachting Center during the 3-day Labor Day weekend. Food, music, step dancing (and instruction), theater and children's events fill the calendar.

September also brings thefamed Newport International Boat Show . The show is spread across a few locations, all connected by free water taxi. The show featrures sail and power boats and products, and is one of the events at which brand-new models are presented for the first time.

October

The foliage in Newport, against the background of sea and sky, is a terrific reason to visit in October. Fewer tourists, shorter lines, more parking, and crisp weather are more reasons.  

Oktoberfest  is celebrated during Columbus Day weekend at the Newport Yachting Center on America's Cup Avenue. Come for music, food, crafts, gifts, and a lively time at this open air event right on the harbor.

Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival in mid-October is constantly voted on the the top fall festivals in New England.  

Halloween is the reason for Haunted Newport, a 10-day family-friendly festival with spooky tours, horror films, masked balls and other special activities. Fort Adams becomes the "Fortress of Nightmares" for an event with an historical eeriness. The mansions offer special events, too.

December

Christmas in Newport is a monthlong celebration of the season.  There are special concerts, tours, contests, performances, outdoor activities, family and children events, and more. Some of the mansions have special seasonal tours and concerts. Check the calendar on the Web site for more, specific information.

The Newport Dinner train offers a ride with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, the Santa Express, the first three weekends of the month.  

New Year's Eve in Newport is celbrated with First Night activities. Because Newport is a such a great walking city and because there is a free trolley all night long, it's easy to get to the events you want to attend.