I get asked for Vermont recommendations on a daily basis and a common question I hear is: When’s the best time to visit Vermont? This is such a loaded question since every season in Vermont is special and so different. Some folks love visiting for ski season specifically and spending time at every month. Many tourists flock to Vermont for the epic fall color at peak foliage. Others like the warmth and sun on Lake Champlain in the heart of Vermont summer. No matter when you visit Vermont, there will be ample things to do, restaurants to try, craft breweries to visit, and beautiful vistas to take in. Read my answers to when’s the best time to visit Vermont below.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Vermont? Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter?

When to Visit Vermont: The Spring

Mud Season by Damned – Visiting Vermont for the Lushness of the Spring

Vermont comes to life in the spring season. The snow has melted and mud has vanished. Everything seemingly turns a rich, lush green overnight. The lavish gardens at Hildene in Manchester and Shelburne Farms are stunning. Many farms, like Billings Farm in Woodstock, have baby animals – celebrating a new season of life and renewal. Spring is typically less busy than summer, fall and winter in Vermont as the state largely comes to life after a winter slumber.

Usually by mid-May we have green leaves on trees and wildflowers along Vermont highways. It’s the perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to hike Vermont with the heat and humidity of the Vermont summer. Hotels tend to feature off-peak rates, which can make your Vermont vacation a bit more wall-friendly as well.

When to Visit Vermont: The Summer

Visiting Vermont for Hiking, Swimming, and Lake Champlain

Summer on the lake with the smells of grass clippings or wood smoke in the air is what simple pleasures are made from! When I think of summer in Vermont, I think Dirty Dancing, the movie, set on the lake with ample socializing, family-friendly activities, and general happiness. Whether you’re out hiking off-beaten trails, biking throughout the Champlain Islands, checking out patios are craft breweries or road tripping throughout the state, there’s so much to do and see during the Vermont summer. Get out on the bike path. Go on a covered bridge or cheese trail adventure. Indulge in many maple creemees.

Vermont is a popular summer wedding destinations so certain hotels and resorts fill up with weddings over the summer months. Keep this in mind when planning! Many accommodations in Vermont don’t have central air conditioning which can lead to some uncomfortable nights if you’re not prepared or don’t anticipate it. If you’re sensitive to stifling heat at night, ensure you book a hotel with AC.

When to Visit Vermont: The Fall

Visiting Vermont for Fall Foliage

A chill is in the air! It’s sweater, (local) pumpkin spice latte, and cider donut season. The fall season is when Vermont gets the bulk of its tourists for the stunning colors that covers our mountains. Leaf peepers come from all over the world for Vermont’s color. You’ll see peepers pulled over precariously on the side of the road for the perfect shot (don’t be one of these people, it’s dangerous)! Apple picking is also in the fall… And there’s nothing quite like visiting an orchard for some picking, followed by a cup of warm cider and a cider donut. It’s a quintessential Vermont experience, especially the drive on Route 100 South to North throughout the state.

Hotel prices tend to be highest in Vermont in the fall. Restaurants book up quickly. And in certain towns, like Stowe and Woodstock, there is ample traffic, which takes away from experiencing the real Vermont. (We often have more traffic from agricultural equipment in the road than true volume of cars.) You absolutely should see Vermont in the fall if you’ve never taken in the vibrant reds, oranges and yellow that permeate our foliage. Just book early and be prepared to invest a bit more in your foliage trip to Vermont.

When to Visit Vermont: The Winter

Get out on the slopes or enjoy the peace and tranquility of a Vermont winter.

Ski the east! Yes, Vermont is known for its ski resorts and mountains throughout the state… But winter isn’t just for those who ski and snowboard. There are ample opportunities to get out in the Vermont winter, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and, of course, apres ski. Many mountains, like Stratton, Sugarbush, and Mad River Glen, has frequent musicians lined up for dance parties after hitting the slopes. If you are a skier / snowboarder, ensure you check out a variety of mountains in the state – from Bromley and Magic Mountain in the south, to Okemo and Killington, to Sugarbush, Stowe, and Mount Ellen, to Burke and Jay Peak in the Northeast Kingdom.

If you are traveling to Vermont in the winter, ensure you’re prepared with ample clothing and layers to keep warm and that you’ll likely be driving in some snow. Vermont does a great job at clearing the roads, but during storms, visibility can be low and several inches of snow may be on roadways. Either hunker down where you are or ensure a rental car with AWD (and snow tires, better yet). If you’re flying into Vermont in the winter, I would make refundable arrangements for the flight and hotels where you can. Flight delays can be common if winter storms interrupt travels.

Experiencing the quiet and peacefulness of a snowfall in Vermont in like none other, cozied up with cocoa, a good book, a fire in the fireplace, and nowhere to go. It’s an experience in slowing down, being in the moment, and enjoying the simplicity of it all.

When Not to Visit Vermont

I really don’t think there’s any time in Vermont when you shouldn’t visit if the opportunity presents itself… But, with that said, typically there are two additional seasons in Vermont – mud season and stick season – which may not showcase Vermont in all of her natural beauty. Mud season is often from late March through early April. The frost is leaving the ground, snow is melting, and the weather is often rainy. Mud season means there’s a lot of brown. Many hiking trails are closed. Back country roads and dirt roads are often difficult to navigate with ample mud ruts. Maple sap season is during this time, however. If you’re interested in learning how and seeing how Vermont’s maple syrup is made, it’s a fun time to visit for “sugar on snow” and sugar house visits.

Stick season in Vermont is after foliage and before snow flies. There is no more fall color and everything is quite barren and brown with no leaves on the trees. Many establishments take a stick season break after the rush of fall foliage as well. The benefit of visiting Vermont during stick season is hotel rooms will be less expensive and there will be few tourists visiting the state. Learn more about the weather by the month here and how to navigate Vermont’s different seasons.

What’s your favorite time of the year to visit Vermont and why?

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