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Rhode Island is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The Ocean State
is bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean
on the south. Known as the smallest of the United States with a total area of 1,545 square miles
(4,002 square kilometers or 400,153 hectares), Rhode Island contains 1,045 square miles (2,706 square
kilometers or 270,654 hectares) of land areas, and 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometers or
129,499 hectares) are covered by water.
The geography of Rhode Island can be divided into two geographic regions: the Coastal Lowland in
the south and east, making it part of a region covering the entire New England coast; and the Eastern
New England Upland covering the northwest, distinguished by its rolling hills. The main geographic
feature of the Ocean State is the Narragansett basin, which extends into southeastern Massachusetts,
and partially submerges in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. The coast of Rhode Island features sand
spits, barrier beaches, lagoons, salt marshes, and offshore islands. The state’s interior, despite
its dense urbanization, contains many small lakes, streams, and forests. The state’s major river is
the Sakonnet, and its major lake is the Scituate Reservoir. The state’s highest point is Jerimoth Hill at 812 feet (248 meters) above sea level.
The climate of Rhode Island can be described as temperate, with a generally pleasant representation
of all four seasons. Important climactic influences include the Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic
Ocean, which help to moderate the weather. The period from April through October experiences the
warmest weather; autumn witnesses spectacular, colorful foliage and pleasant temperatures. January’s
average temperature is around 29 degrees F (-1.7 degrees C), while the average July high is around 72
degrees F (22.2 degrees C). Precipitation is somewhat uniform over the year. Winter heralds
snowfall, usually beginning near the end of November, although the state receives the greatest amount
of snow in February, and most precipitation is in the form of rain. Rhode Island receives over 42
inches (107 centimeters) of precipitation per year. Severe weather can occur as a result of coastal
storms throughout the year, and occasionally the state receives hurricane watches. Rhode Island’s
generally moderate climate blesses the state with outdoor recreation possibilities.
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