Soil Temperature in Rhode Island
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Rhode Island is 76°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 73°F to 78°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Rhode Island with soil averaging 76°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Rhode Island
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Rhode Island. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Rhode Island (2)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Rhode Island. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Rhode Island. See the Rhode Island soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston 1 NW | 78°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Kingston 1 W | 73°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Rhode Island (6)
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Rhode Island
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Rhode Island
What is the current soil temperature in Rhode Island?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Rhode Island is 76°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 73°F to 78°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Rhode Island?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Rhode Island, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Rhode Island?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.