Block IslandAbout Block Island
Block Island is an Atlantic island that is part of the U.S. state of Rhode Island and is administered as the town of New Shoreham. It is known for beaches, coastal cliffs and a compact village center.
Attractions include sandy beaches, coastal views from the Mohegan Bluffs, biking and walking trails, and historic lighthouses. The island has a small year-round population that expands seasonally with visitors arriving by ferry.
Historically the island takes its English name from the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block; it has long been used for fishing, seasonal tourism and light agriculture. The built environment in New Shoreham retains small-scale commercial and hospitality services.
Block Island sits off the southern coast of mainland Rhode Island in the Atlantic Ocean and is reached by regular ferries from the state mainland.
- Administration and access: The island is administered as the town of New Shoreham and is a seasonal tourism destination with ferry connections to mainland Rhode Island.
What to See#
- New Shoreham (town): The town of New Shoreham is the island’s sole municipality and contains the main shops, ferry terminal and visitor services.
- Mohegan Bluffs: Mohegan Bluffs are steep clay cliffs on the island’s southern shore that are a prominent coastal viewpoint and natural landmark.
- Southeast Lighthouse: The Southeast Lighthouse is a restored 19th-century lighthouse and popular vantage point overlooking the ocean and beaches.
Best Time to Visit Block Island
Best visited in summer for full services and ferry options; shoulder seasons offer quieter visits and comfortable weather.
Weather & Climate near Block Island
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1090 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 4° | -6° | 95 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 4° | -5° | 86 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 7° | -1° | 101 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 12° | 4° | 97 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 17° | 12° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 22° | 17° | 79 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 25° | 21° | 70 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 25° | 21° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 22° | 18° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 79 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 109 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 7° | -2° | 104 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Block Island
Regular ferries run from Point Judith (Narragansett/PR) and New London (CT) during the season; Block Island also has a small airport with commuter flights. From the mainland, private boats and seasonal ferry services operate-check schedules and book ahead in summer.
Tips for Visiting Block Island
- Ferry schedules vary seasonally; check Block Island Ferry (from Point Judith, RI) for crossings and book in summer.
- Rent a bike or scooter on the island - the roads are small and biking is the most efficient way to explore the coastline.
- Visit Mohegan Bluffs early in the day to avoid crowds and to appreciate the cliff views without the heat of midday.