Best Weather on (or near) New England coast??? (Newport: pros and cons, gardens)

[tg9999]

What area on the New England coast (or within 20 miles of the coast) has the best year round weather?

We have visited Boston, Newport, Stonington and Mystic --- the weather has always been great --- BUT WE'VE ONLY VISITED IN THE SUMMER AND EARLY FALL. We don't mind cold winters, so long as it is not extremely cold. We hate extremely hot, humid summers, and that is why we are looking at New England.)

We understand the entire New England coast is subject to serious storms, but are there any coastal areas from Connecticut to Maine that are a "less stormy" the others?

Housing costs, jobs, demographics, amenities, etc, irrelevant to our inquiry. We are just interested in your thoughts re the best year round weather on or near the New England coast. Thanks in advance.

[terrasurf]

Looking at a map you can see that New England in general sticks out into the ocean, somewhat like Hattaras. The further out is more exposed, so western Ct would probably be the most tame coastal New England area. When the weather blows straight East onshore Boston, Maine, and the Cape is very exposed

[Rnrboy]

True, but I think Western CT generally receives more snow than some parts of Rhode Island. It really is a difficult question to answer because there are so many pros and cons to every area. I would say that, normally (certainly not always), there is less snow and warmer temperatures in central and southern Rhode Island than the rest of the region; but I don't know if it's a reliable enough condition to label "consistent."

[terrasurf]

Yes, I would also point out that anywhere 20 miles inland and especially the Ct River Valley, the humidity and heat was worse than when I escaped it that awful summer in Springfield, MA for a week and went to South Florida in July- at least there was a breeze. I wouldn't move to Southern New England in general to escape humidity, but I know we don't have it for nearly as long as they do down south.

[RI.MD]

Block Island RI probably has the warmest, least snowy winters, but the wind there can be bitter all winter long. No location in New England is known for its mild climate. Prevalence of foggy days increases the further SE you go, so east of the Cape Cod Canal is the worst. SW CT coastline is likely the most tame climate but it is also the least New England-like. If money is no object, go for Block Island or Nantucket.

[Hollytree]

The gardening zone maps tell the story pretty well. But I think these lows are pretty rock bottom low. I don't recall having any subzero temps here last winter-or for a number of years either- as I recall the worst it got in the daytime was 18 or 20 degrees.

Hardiness Zones in New England Gardens - New England Gardening Tips and Advice for Growing Flowers and Vegetables

I don't think you really can avoid storms.

[Rnrboy]

Rather than calling those "average" minimum temperatures I'd say "absolute minimum temperatures" would be nearer the mark.