Vermont Weather

Vermont climate

Vermont has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers that vary with elevation across the Green Mountains. Montpelier is the coldest state capital in the contiguous United States, with January average temperatures around 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The state receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall and 70 to 80 inches of snowfall annually in the valleys, with significantly more at higher elevations.

The Green Mountains, running north-south through the center of the state, create orographic precipitation patterns that bring heavy snowfall to the ski areas along the ridgeline. Stowe and Killington are among the premier ski destinations in the eastern United States, benefiting from reliable natural snowfall. The Champlain Valley on the western side of the state is in a relative rain shadow and has a milder microclimate compared to the mountainous interior.

Vermont's fall foliage season is world-famous, drawing millions of tourists to witness the brilliant display of colors from late September through mid-October. Summers are pleasant with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 caused catastrophic flooding across Vermont, washing away roads, bridges, and entire communities in the narrow mountain valleys.