Burlington in August
Great time to visit
August extends summer's peak with warm lake water and endless outdoor activities. Still crowded and expensive, but the extended daylight makes every dollar count.
Weather
August matches July's heat but with slightly less humidity. Lake Champlain reaches its warmest temperatures, perfect for swimming and water sports. Thunderstorms still roll through most afternoons.
27°C high16°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$170/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Champlain Valley Fair
- •Vermont Brewers Festival
August Tips
- •Champlain Valley Fair in nearby Essex draws huge crowds - plan around traffic
- •Lake activities are at their best with warm water temperatures
- •Many restaurants extend patio hours to take advantage of long summer evenings
All Months
May through October gives you the full Burlington experience. Lake Champlain warms up enough for swimming by late June, and the waterfront comes alive with festivals and outdoor dining.
Summer means peak crowds and prices, especially during UVM graduation in mid-May and the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in early June. But you get 14-hour days and perfect weather for lake activities.
Fall foliage peaks in late September to early October. The drive from Burlington to Stowe becomes a parade of leaf-peepers, but the colors are genuinely spectacular. Book accommodations months ahead for foliage season.
Winter has its charms if you ski. Smugglers' Notch and Stowe are both under an hour away. But half the restaurants close or reduce hours, and lake activities shut down completely. The city feels like it's hibernating.
Here's the sweet spot: late May or early September. You get great weather, fewer crowds, and everything's open. Plus, local ingredients are at their peak.
Burlington Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
7/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
5/10
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