Vermont weather and outdoor projects
Vermont has long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Burlington on Lake Champlain is a little milder than the mountains and the Northeast Kingdom, where frost comes early in the fall.
The best window for staining and painting is usually late June to early September. Spring mud season and late frosts can delay early jobs. Many homes have wood siding that needs regular care, so plan the work for warm stretches with nights well above freezing. New concrete needs good curing before the long freeze-thaw season.
Frost dates in Vermont
In Burlington, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 29 and the median first fall freeze is around October 15, a frost-free season of about 169 days.
How Vermont compares with other states
Burlington is tied for the 5th-most rainy days of the 50 state main stations (82 a year with 0.1 in or more). Burlington has the 5th-fewest days at 90°F or hotter of the 50 state main stations (8 a year). Burlington has the 8th-shortest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (169 days).
| Measure (Burlington) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 4 good months | 20th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 169 days | 43rd of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 145 a year | 8th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 82 a year with 0.1 in or more | 5th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 8 a year | 46th of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 49% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 28th of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Vermont
In Burlington, the most reliable months are June–September. May and October can also work on the right days (average highs May 69°F, Oct 59°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 37°F. In April, nights average about 36°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. October is cool, with highs around 59°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to paint outside in Vermont
In Burlington, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 55°F, Oct 59°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 37°F. April is cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In October, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to pour concrete in Vermont
In Burlington, the most reliable months are May–September. October can also work on the right days (average highs Oct 59°F). November–April averages about 23 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. October brings about 6 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Vermont
In Burlington, the most reliable months are June–September. May can also work on the right days (average highs May 69°F). October–April is too cold, with average highs around 42°F. In May, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Vermont
In Burlington, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 55°F, Oct 59°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 37°F. April and October are cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Monthly weather in Burlington
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°F | 13°F | 6 | 2.1 in | 62% | 29 |
| February | 32°F | 14°F | 5 | 1.8 in | 55% | 26 |
| March | 41°F | 24°F | 6 | 2.2 in | 50% | 26 |
| April | 55°F | 36°F | 8 | 3.1 in | 42% | 13 |
| May | 69°F | 48°F | 8 | 3.8 in | 44% | 1 |
| June | 78°F | 57°F | 8 | 4.3 in | 48% | 0 |
| July | 82°F | 62°F | 8 | 4.1 in | 50% | 0 |
| August | 81°F | 61°F | 7 | 3.5 in | 50% | 0 |
| September | 73°F | 53°F | 7 | 3.7 in | 52% | 0 |
| October | 59°F | 42°F | 8 | 3.8 in | 55% | 6 |
| November | 46°F | 32°F | 6 | 2.7 in | 58% | 17 |
| December | 35°F | 21°F | 7 | 2.5 in | 64% | 27 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for BURLINGTON INTL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Vermont?
In Burlington, June–September.
When is the last frost in Vermont?
Burlington: around April 29.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Vermont?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: Burlington averages about 81 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Vermont?
In Burlington, June–September.