When Is The Best Time To Visit Vermont?

The New England state of Vermont offers plenty of unique things to do throughout the year, making it a fantastic destination for travelers regardless of the season. Whether you're into skiing or snowboarding (perhaps even tubing) down snowy slopes, hiking among fresh spring landscapes, admiring the fall foliage, or looking to enjoy warm weather pursuits in summer, Vermont has something for everyone.

What is the "best time" to visit Vermont? Well, that depends largely on your personal interests. But rest assured, the “Green Mountain State” will keep you busy whether you’re an outdoors person or someone who prefers their fun indoors. Read on to find out more about Vermont’s year-round charm and what you can expect weather-wise (and fun-wise) when you get there.

Winter In Vermont (December - February)

Vermont's winters are famous for their snowy wonderland appeal, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. With temperatures averaging 20°F to 35°F, this is the ideal season for outdoor adventures in the cold. Stowe Mountain, Killington, and Jay Peak are just a few of the state's premier ski resorts, each featuring top-notch slopes for beginners and experts alike. The ski season usually extends until mid-April or so.

Beyond skiing, winter activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, and exploring the state's over 5,000 miles of snowmobile trails, making it a superb destination for those who thrive in the cold. Key winter events? Our favorites include the Stowe Winter Carnival, a January event that’s ranked one of the best winter festivals in the United States, and the Middlebury New Year's Eve celebration with its free skating and fireworks. Both gatherings celebrate the season with ice sculpture contests, snow sports, and winter-themed festivities, ensuring a lively winter getaway experience.

Winter Tips & Tactics: Dress warmly and plan ahead, as accommodations near popular ski resorts can fill up quickly during peak season. Consider midweek visits for fewer crowds and better deals on lift tickets. Carry a winter emergency kit in the car, including blankets, snacks, and a flashlight.

Spring In Vermont (March-May)

Spring in Vermont is a time of renewal when the state's natural beauty bursts into life. With average temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, spring is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling as the snow melts and flowers begin to bloom. Vermont's maple sugaring season kicks off in March and gives visitors the chance to experience the state's famous maple syrup production firsthand. The Green Mountain State's rolling hills become dotted with wildflowers, and scenic drives through the countryside along routes like the Lincoln Gap Road become popular day trip activities for people from places like Boston and New York City.

Vermont also hosts several spring festivals worth checking out, including the always-popular Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans where you can sample maple treats and watch syrup-making demonstrations. With fewer crowds compared to summer, spring is a peaceful yet exciting time to explore Vermont.

Spring Tips & Tactics: Bring a few layers of clothing with you as spring temperatures can vary widely throughout the day. And be sure to take advantage of the quieter season to enjoy popular attractions without the crush of summer crowds.

Summer In Vermont (June - August)

Summers in Vermont are warm and inviting, with temperatures averaging 65°F to 85°F, perfect for outdoor activities. The state's lakes, such as Lake Champlain, are popular for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while hiking trails like those in the Green Mountains offer stunning views and cool breezes. Summer is also the season for family vacations, with plenty of camping at places like Ricker Pond State Park and Crystal Lake State Park. It’s also a fun time for a fun bike trip along routes like the Colchester Causeway Trail or the Stowe Recreation Path.

Prefer a more sedate summer experience? August’s Vermont State Fair in Rutland offers family-fun events like pig racing and acrobatics displays, along with equestrian events and tractor pulls. Music buffs will want to arrive in June for the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, now in its 42nd year and drawing music lovers from across Northeast USA.

Summer Tips & Tactics: Book accommodations early, especially near Lake Champlain and popular state parks, as summer is the peak season for family travel. Also, bug spray is essential when exploring the outdoors as the state does get mosquitos, and those pesky blackflies don’t taper off until early- to mid-June.

Fall In Vermont (September - November)

Vermont’s fall foliage is legendary, attracting "leaf-peepers" from across the globe. The spectacular reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn leaves transform the state’s forests into a colorful landscape that needs to be seen to be believed. Peak foliage? While it varies a little each year, you can expect autumn’s colors to reach their peak around the last week of September and early to mid-October.

And with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, fall offers cool, crisp air that’s perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying outdoor events like the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival in Stowe. This quirky happening combines pumpkins with medieval siege weaponry, ensuring plenty of splattered pumpkins and hilarity, as well as food and craft vendors. Add to this list of fun things to do in Vermont apple picking, cider tastings, and harvest festivals, and you’ll not get bored with a fall visit, that’s for sure.

Fall Tips & Tactics: Late September to mid-October is the prime time for peak foliage, so plan your visit accordingly and check with sites like Vermont Tourism’s Fall Foliage Forecaster for updates. Accommodations near scenic routes like Route 100 can book up fast, so early reservations are essential for fall visits.

Vermont’s Year-Round Appeal

While Vermont’s peak tourism seasons are tied to winter sports and fall foliage, the state has year-round attractions that appeal to travelers with diverse interests. Hiking trails, craft breweries, and picturesque small towns with charming bed-and-breakfasts provide plenty of great reasons to visit in every season. Whether you're a skier, a leaf-peeper, or are simply here to enjoy Vermont’s plentiful cultural offerings, there’s always something happening in the Green Mountain State.