With outdoor activities year-round including skiing, fishing, leaf-peeping, hiking, and sailing, Burlington can be an ideal destination in any season. The most popular time is the summer and fall. The summer brings warm weather, major festivals, and vacationing families. Late September to early October is an ideal time for fall foliage, and people travel from all over to witness the changing leaves. Winters can be cold and snowy, but many people visit to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe. The spring brings warms temperatures that melt the snow in April, or the aptly titled, "mud season." For those seeking a quiet and more affordable stay, November may provide the perfect solution, with lower hotel prices and fewer visitors.

high season: December to March, May to October
low season: April
shoulder season: November

Weather Information

Located on the edge of Lake Champlain, Burlington experiences four distinct seasons, with a lake effect that moderates temperatures in the colder months and causes elongated summers. Summer weather can last well into the fall, with an average temperature of 76 degrees. Late October brings the changing of the leaves and mild weather. Winters can be cold, with an average temperature of 32 degrees, and snowfall is fairly common, as the region receives an average of 82 inches per year. Spring brings warmer temperatures and the "mud season" in April, when everything starts to melt. This is considered by many as the least desirable time to visit.

Crowd Information

The city never gets unbearably crowded, but early summer, late summer, and early fall are pleasant times to travel with fewer visitors. Several events attract visitors to Burlington, including the Annual Keybank Vermont City Marathon and Marathon Relay over Memorial Day weekend; the Discover Jazz Festival, Green Mountain Chew-Chew Festival, and the Vermont Balloon and Music Festival in June; and the Champlain Valley Fair in August.

Closure Information

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops remain open year-round, but some businesses may close for the month of November, and others may close from November through March.

When to Save

Prices increase in the summer, fall, and winter, when demand rises. Discounted lodging rates are available right after foliage season in late October through early November, and for visits between Thanksgiving and Christmas. April can also be an inexpensive time to visit.

When to Book

Visitors with flexible travel plans can take advantage of low last-minute airfares. However, those with a set schedule should book flights at least three weeks in advance to obtain lower prices and ensure availability, especially for travel during the high season. Last-minute lodging is available for those with flexible plans. For bed and breakfasts and country inns, book at least two months in advance for visitation during the high season or popular events to ensure availability.

Information provided by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce