Burlington in February
Not the best time
February's the cheapest time to visit Burlington, but you'll earn those savings by enduring some of the harshest weather of the year. Restaurant Week makes it worthwhile for food lovers.
Weather
February stays frozen but daylight hours start stretching longer. Snow piles up from repeated storms, and the wind off Lake Champlain cuts right through you. Some days hit double digits below zero.
0°C high-11°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$90/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Vermont Restaurant Week
February Tips
- •Vermont Restaurant Week offers prix fixe menus at top restaurants - perfect for warming up
- •Ice fishing on Lake Champlain is popular if you can handle the cold
- •Check if your hotel has heated parking - scraping ice gets old fast
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
BUILD YOUR BURLINGTON PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.