When is the Best Time to Visit Vermont?

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Let’s be honest: even though locals may say that Vermont is beautiful year-round, as a tourist, there are definitely particular parts of the year that are a lot nicer to visit. That’s why the best time to visit Vermont is the fall, between September and November!

This time of year, the average temperature is between 46°F and 69°F, making for beautiful weather. There’s usually not a lot of rain in the fall, but there are crisp winds. Truthfully, it’s the perfect sweater weather in New England.

October is the best time to visit Vermont for fall colors because this is the time that all the leaves start to change and fall off the trees. While it does get a bit busier in Vermont during the fall because all the leaf peepers visit the state, it’s truthfully not as busy as you’d think it is. You can still take in the view and enjoy the beauty without feeling crowded.

Keep in mind that different parts of the state may start to experience the changing of the leaves at varying times due to the weather that each part receives.

Are you curious about some of the best things to do during each season in Vermont? Learn more below! Even though fall is the most beautiful time to visit, Vermont is still filled with season-specific fun activities throughout the year.

Psst! Get ready for your visit to Vermont with this fun Vermont trivia quiz!

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Vermont in Winter

people skiing on a vermont mountain covered in snow — Editorial credit: Roman Tiraspolsky / Shutterstock.com

Spend the night at the Trapp Family Lodge and go skiing in Stowe, one of the most beautiful places to enjoy winter in Vermont.
Pretend you’re in a holiday film in the quaint, beautiful village town of Manchester. It’s a short drive from ski resorts and is perfect if you love shopping and eating at local restaurants!
Attend a Very Merry Middlebury, a festive Vermont event that’s held over the month of December where you can enjoy exhibits, participate in city-wide challenges, and even go to parades.
Go skiing at a Vermont ski resort! Some popular ones include Stratton Mountain Resort, Okemo Resort, and Jay Peak Resort.
Find the perfect Christmas tree at a local Christmas tree farm! Consider heading to Tester’s Vermont Christmas Trees in Barton or Paine’s Christmas Trees in Morrisville.

Best Things to do in Vermont in Spring

Go on a boat tour on Lake Champlain, one of the best lakes in Vermont. Consider booking through Captain Mike’s Sailing or Sail Vermont LLC!
Road trip throughout Vermont and visit places like Bennington, Burlington, and even Waterbury (home to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory).
Take a trip to a Vermont waterfall and go on a short hike! Some great ones to visit include Bartlett Falls, Big Falls, and Moss Glen Falls of Granville.
Escape to the Stone Hill Inn for a romantic getaway for two. Enjoy gourmet breakfast, peacefulness, and the beautiful 9 acres of Vermont trees that surround it.
Hike the iconic Mount Mansfield via The Long Trail, one of the best hikes in Vermont. It’s best hiked in the spring because of how long it is!
Check out historic sites in Vermont, like the Bennington Battle Day Monument, the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, or Chimney Point State Historic Site.

Best Things to do in Vermont in Summer

Explore the incredible Vermont state parks like Mount Ascutney State Park, Kingsland Bay State Park, and Camp Plymouth State Park.
Spend a weekend on Grand Isle, a New England Island that’s home to one of the best vineyards in New England, Snow Farm Vineyard!
Escape to southeastern Vermont and enjoy the beauty of Brattleboro. It’s one of the most dreamy destinations and is excellent for those who love the outdoors and art museums.
Stay in a waterfront vacation rental on beautiful Lake Champlain, and take a tour of this incredible lake in VT!
Take some photos at a gorgeous flower field or garden like Sunflower House in Woodstock or Hildene in Manchester!
Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury. Don’t forget to grab the free ice cream sample at the end and check out the Flavor Graveyard! This is a must on your Vermont bucket list.

Best Things to do in Vermont in Fall

Have a blast in a Vermont corn maze, like Hathaway Farm in Rutland, Isham Family Farm in Williston, or Peck Farm Orchard in Montpelier. Don’t forget to try some apple cider donuts while you’re there!
Visit a local orchard and go apple picking! Many throughout the state, including Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot and even Allenholm Farm in South Hero.
Pick a pumpkin to carve from a Vermont pumpkin patch. Luckily, they’re located all throughout the state. Some great ones include Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze in Rutland or Equinox Valley Nursery in Manchester.
Book a night in a Vermont cozy cabin for a beautiful getaway. Book an A-frame for a unique place to stay!
Take a scenic drive throughout the state to see the fall foliage. Route 7 from Bennington to Burlington is a great option, including stops in Shelburne, Rutland, and Shaftsbury along the way!
Warm up with a coffee at a Burlington coffee shop. Or, order a hot chai to stay in the fall mood!

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Amy Hartle

Amy Hartle is the owner and editor of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Amy lived in Vermont for 15 years, attended Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and continues to travel regularly around the entire New England region. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures!

Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Let’s Adventure Baby, a family travel site. When not traveling the world or creating epic blog content, Amy can be found cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte.