Burlington, Vermont Weather by Month
Burlington is the largest city in the state of Vermont, located in the northeastern United States. Positioned on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington is about 45 miles south of the Canadian border and 95 miles southeast of Montreal. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and a strong sense of community.
Burlington covers an area of approximately 15.5 square miles and has a population of around 42,500 residents. It serves as an economic and cultural hub for the region, with a diverse array of businesses, educational institutions, and recreational opportunities.
Geographically, Burlington is situated in the Champlain Valley, which is characterized by its rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and the expansive Lake Champlain. The Green Mountains lie to the east, while the Adirondack Mountains are visible to the west across the lake. This location provides residents and visitors with a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures.
The city is home to the University of Vermont (UVM), a renowned public research university that significantly contributes to the local economy and culture. UVM, along with Champlain College, offers a range of educational programs and attracts students from across the country and around the world.
Major landmarks in Burlington include the Church Street Marketplace, a bustling pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and entertainment; the waterfront park along Lake Champlain, which features walking trails, beaches, and a marina; and the historic Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
Climate and Weather Overview
Burlington experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. This type of climate is typical for the northeastern United States and is influenced by the city’s proximity to Lake Champlain, which moderates temperatures slightly. The area receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with distinct seasonal variations.
Average Monthly Climate Data
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (in) | Average Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.0 | 2.3 | 8 |
| February | 21.0 | 1.9 | 10 |
| March | 32.0 | 2.3 | 12 |
| April | 45.0 | 2.9 | 14 |
| May | 57.0 | 3.1 | 16 |
| June | 67.0 | 3.3 | 18 |
| July | 72.0 | 3.5 | 20 |
| August | 70.0 | 3.2 | 19 |
| September | 62.0 | 3.0 | 17 |
| October | 50.0 | 2.8 | 14 |
| November | 39.0 | 3.1 | 10 |
| December | 25.0 | 2.6 | 8 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Burlington is characterized by cold temperatures, with average lows around 10°F and highs reaching about 26°F. Snowfall is common, contributing to a winter wonderland landscape. Precipitation averages around 2.3 inches, mostly in the form of snow.
Natural Disasters
Burlington occasionally experiences winter storms in January, which can lead to heavy snowfall and icy conditions, causing travel disruptions and power outages.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, enjoying community events at the town hall, and indoor sports at community centers are popular.
Outside Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts often engage in activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sledding in nearby parks.
February
February remains cold with similar temperature patterns to January. Average lows are around 12°F, and highs reach about 30°F. Precipitation is slightly lower, averaging 1.9 inches.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms continue to pose a threat, although they are less frequent than in January.
Activities
Inside Activities: Cultural events and workshops at local community centers, as well as library programs, offer indoor entertainment.
Outside Activities: Outdoor activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating at community rinks.
March
March marks the beginning of spring with temperatures starting to warm up. Average lows are around 22°F, and highs reach about 41°F. Precipitation increases to about 2.3 inches, with a mix of rain and snow.
Natural Disasters
Flooding can occur due to melting snow and spring rains, although it is not a common occurrence.
Activities
Inside Activities: Spring crafts and indoor markets become popular as residents anticipate the warmer weather.
Outside Activities: Early spring hiking and bird watching at local parks are enjoyable as the flora begins to bloom.
April
April sees a significant rise in temperatures, with lows around 33°F and highs averaging 54°F. Rainfall is more common, with an average precipitation of 2.9 inches.
Natural Disasters
Severe weather, including thunderstorms, can occur during this month.
Activities
Inside Activities: Art exhibits and historical presentations at local museums draw visitors seeking to avoid the April showers.
Outside Activities: Gardening and visiting local parks are popular as the weather becomes more favorable.
May
May brings warmer temperatures with lows around 44°F and highs reaching 67°F. Precipitation averages 3.1 inches, often in the form of showers and thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Thunderstorms are more frequent, sometimes accompanied by hail or strong winds.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor concerts and theater performances provide cultural experiences.
Outside Activities: Farmers’ markets, outdoor festivals, and picnics become common as the weather improves.
June
June is the start of summer with temperatures ranging from lows of 54°F to highs of 77°F. It is one of the wetter months, with an average precipitation of 3.3 inches.
Natural Disasters
Severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes are possible, particularly in the first half of the month.
Activities
Inside Activities: Educational programs and community events continue to attract locals and visitors.
Outside Activities: Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular as residents take advantage of the warm weather.
July
July is the warmest month with average lows around 59°F and highs reaching 82°F. Precipitation is slightly higher at 3.5 inches, with frequent thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves can occur, but severe weather such as thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes are more common.
Activities
Inside Activities: Visiting air-conditioned museums and attending indoor events are favored during hot spells.
Outside Activities: Swimming, boating, and attending outdoor concerts are popular summertime activities.
August
August remains warm with temperatures ranging from lows of 58°F to highs of 80°F. Precipitation averages 3.2 inches, mostly from thunderstorms.
Natural Disasters
Similar to July, thunderstorms and heatwaves are the primary weather concerns.
Activities
Inside Activities: Indoor sports and community center events provide relief from the summer heat.
Outside Activities: Hiking, camping, and participating in local fairs and festivals are common.
September
September sees a gradual cooling with lows around 51°F and highs of 72°F. Precipitation averages 3.0 inches, mostly from fall showers.
Natural Disasters
The risk of severe weather decreases, but occasional thunderstorms can still occur.
Activities
Inside Activities: Fall arts and crafts fairs, along with cultural events, are popular.
Outside Activities: Apple picking, hiking, and enjoying the fall foliage at local parks and preserves are favored activities.
October
October brings cooler temperatures with lows around 41°F and highs reaching 61°F. Precipitation averages 2.8 inches, often in the form of light rain.
Natural Disasters
The likelihood of natural disasters is low, although early frost can impact agriculture.
Activities
Inside Activities: Halloween events and indoor fall festivals attract families.
Outside Activities: Leaf peeping, hayrides, and visiting pumpkin patches are popular outdoor activities.
November
November sees further cooling with lows around 31°F and highs averaging 47°F. Precipitation averages 3.1 inches, transitioning from rain to occasional snow by the end of the month.
Natural Disasters
Early winter storms can occur, but they are generally mild.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday craft fairs and indoor community gatherings begin to take place.
Outside Activities: Hiking and preparing for winter sports are common as residents enjoy the last of the fall weather.
December
December is characterized by cold temperatures with lows around 19°F and highs of 34°F. Precipitation averages 2.6 inches, mostly as snow.
Natural Disasters
Winter storms and heavy snowfall can disrupt travel and daily activities.
Activities
Inside Activities: Holiday events, indoor markets, and family gatherings are prevalent during the festive season.
Outside Activities: Ice skating, snowmobiling, and winter hiking in nearby parks provide outdoor entertainment.
