The climate of Vermont
Vermont has a humid continental type of climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with warm and muggy summers and cold and snowy winters. New Hampshire in the east, Massachusetts in the south, New York in the west and the Canadian province of Quebec in the north, border the state. Vermont is cold, barring the summer months like the rest of the New England region in the northeastern part of the United States. The Green Mountains extend in the north-south direction and stretch up to the middle of the state - Lake Champlain lies in the west, while the Connecticut River Valley occupies the east of the mountains.
Vermont, the Maple state, has temperate broadleaf and mixed forests with a large cover of maple trees. New England-Acadian forests that consist of northern hardwood and conifers form a majority of the forests, while the northeastern coastal coasts that are of mixed oak adorn the southwest part of the state. Lowland forests of the Eastern Great Lakes constitute the western frontiers of Vermont. The mountains are alpine and have high peaks, and much of the terrain is a combination of mountains, highlands, rivers, and river valleys.
The best time to visit Vermont
The best time to visit
Vermont is from late spring to mid-autumn, particularly from
May to mid-
October.
Spring in
April is wet and muddy, while the autumn sees a drop in temperatures by late October. May has moderately warm sunshine and sees rain and cloud cover now and then. Summers are mostly warm with 75°F (23.9°C) to 80°F (26.7°C) days, but a few touch up to 90°F (32.2°C) or higher. Early fall season sees pleasant temperatures, particularly in
September, while October displays beautiful colors in the high country.
Summer sees a significant influx of tourists, especially in the Green Mountains and state parks.
The worst time to visit Vermont
The worst time to visit
Vermont is the winter season, from
December to
February, as the extreme cold weather descends from the Canadian North.
Vast amounts of snow accumulate in the mountains, and many highlands register more than 120" (3048mm). Vermont experiences icy conditions with many days when the sun is barely above the horizon.
The season is generally slow for tourists, but many ski-resorts are open during the winter and see enthusiastic visitors. Weather-wise, it is a time to avoid Vermont as the temperatures seldom rise above freezing and are not comfortable to anybody except to those people who are accustomed to it.
Spring weather in Vermont
Spring in
Vermont, especially
April, is characterized by wet and muddy conditions. As the snow from winter starts melting and combining with the spring rains, this season sees increased moisture levels. Despite the occasional downpours, temperatures begin to rise, signaling the transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer. By
May, the weather becomes more stable, presenting moderately warm days interspersed with rain and cloud cover. This period serves as a prelude to the state's warm and inviting summer.
Summer weather in Vermont
Summer in
Vermont is predominantly warm and humid. Daytime temperatures usually range from 75°F (23.9°C) to 82°F (27.8°C), with nights being relatively cooler, oscillating between 55°F (12.8°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). While most days are warm, occasional heatwaves can push temperatures beyond 90°F (32.2°C). Humidity levels tend to peak, reaching up to 70%, which can sometimes make the atmosphere feel muggier. Thunderstorms are also a common occurrence, particularly during the late spring and early summer months.
Autumn weather in Vermont
Autumn in
Vermont is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, with the foliage transforming into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.
September offers pleasant temperatures, creating an ideal environment for outdoor explorations. By
October, there's a noticeable drop in temperature, and the state starts preparing for the impending winter. The days become shorter, and the nights cooler. However, the visual spectacle of the fall foliage often compensates for the decreasing temperatures, drawing in numerous tourists.
Winter weather in Vermont
Vermont's winter is synonymous with snow, cold, and ice. The state witnesses average low temperatures from 2°F (-16.7°C) to 12°F (-11.1°C) in
January. Often, the cold becomes so intense that neither snow nor rain occurs. Snowstorms are frequent, with some being potent enough to deposit vast amounts of snow, leading to deep snow packs. Skiing enthusiasts, however, find solace in this weather, as ski resorts buzz with activity, despite the challenging climatic conditions.
Weather in January
January in
Vermont is characterized by its intense cold and snowy conditions, marking it as the coldest month of the year for the state. The state's geography, particularly its proximity to the Canadian North, plays a significant role in influencing its severe winter climate. Temperatures in January can plummet to extremes.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Vermont continues the winter's grip, though it hints at the beginning transitions leading to spring. Much like
January, February is characterized by its frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall, but the severity is often slightly diminished compared to the peak cold of the previous month. Temperature-wise, February maintains a cold stance with average lows still well within the winter spectrum, although marginally warmer than January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Vermont signifies a transitional period, as the state begins to slowly shake off the intense cold of winter and welcomes the early hints of spring. This month is often unpredictable, with periods of cold still lingering, but also interspersed with days that give a hopeful nod to warmer times ahead. Average temperatures in March start to show an incline.
Weather in March » Weather in April
Vermont's
April is a month of evident transformation, where the blossoming signs of spring become more pronounced. However, the weather in this month remains variable, reflecting a tug-of-war between lingering winter conditions and the burgeoning warmth of spring. In April, temperatures in Vermont exhibit a clearer rise.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Vermont steps into
May, the full embrace of spring becomes undeniable. The landscape comes alive with fresh foliage, vibrant flowers, and an overall rejuvenated spirit. This month showcases a significant leap in temperatures and overall weather conditions. May in Vermont sees nighttime temperatures ranging from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C), with the chill of the past months becoming a distant memory.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Vermont heralds the onset of summer, with longer days, warmer temperatures, and an array of outdoor activities coming into full swing. It's a month where the lushness of spring seamlessly merges with the warmth of the impending summer. Temperatures during June nights in Vermont are comfortably cool, usually settling between 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C).
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Vermont is undeniably the peak of summer, marked by warm temperatures, an active outdoor lifestyle, and a landscape in full bloom. This month sees Vermont at its sunniest and warmest, making it an attractive destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. During the nights, temperatures in Vermont tend to remain between 55°F (12.8°C) and 65°F (18.3°C), offering a cool respite from the heat of the day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Vermont continues the summer saga, with warmth, extended daylight, and nature in full bloom. However, as the month progresses, subtle hints of the upcoming fall season begin to make their presence felt, especially towards its end. Nighttime temperatures in August range from 55°F (12.8°C) to 65°F (18.3°C), providing a refreshing counterpoint to the daytime heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Vermont is a transitional month, a beautiful blend of the waning summer warmth and the early whispers of fall. It's a time when the state showcases a myriad of colors, from the lush green of its valleys to the fiery hues of its treetops. Temperatures at night in September begin to drop, settling between 45°F (7.2°C) and 55°F (12.8°C).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Vermont is synonymous with a landscape aflame in autumn hues. It's a month where every glance outside offers a visual treat, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows blanketing the state. As October unfolds, nighttime temperatures dive further, settling between 35°F (1.7°C) and 45°F (7.2°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Vermont ushers in a palpable shift from the vivaciousness of fall to the stillness of the impending winter. As the last remnants of the autumn colors fade, the landscape starts preparing for the cold embrace of the season ahead. During nighttime, temperatures further recede, ranging from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 35°F (1.7°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Vermont signifies the onset of full-fledged winter, a month where the state is transformed into a quintessential winter wonderland. Snow blankets the ground, turning Vermont's landscape into a pristine white expanse. Nighttime temperatures in December drop sharply, plunging between 10°F (-12.2°C) and 20°F (-6.7°C).
Weather in December »