Climate & Weather in Burlington

Burlington has a real, genuinely cold, snowy, four-season New England climate: freezing winters (December-February highs cited from approximately 30.4°F down to 24.6°F) and warm summers, with Lake Champlain moderating shoreline temperatures somewhat and meaningful annual snowfall.

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Genuinely Cold Winters

Burlington's winters are cited as genuinely cold: December-February average highs range from approximately 30.4°F to 24.6°F, with nighttime lows dropping to between approximately 12.4°F and 20.3°F. January specifically averages approximately 24.6°F with a cited minimum average around 12.4°F.

Warm Summers

Summers are cited as warm, a real seasonal contrast to Burlington's cold winters, consistent with a genuine four-season New England climate.

Lake Champlain's Real Moderating Effect on Shoreline Temperatures

Lake Champlain can influence local temperatures throughout the year, often contributing to slightly milder temperatures near the shoreline during winter months -- a real, genuine geographic feature of Burlington's specific climate distinct from inland Vermont locations.

Meaningful Annual Snowfall

Burlington's annual snowfall citations carried a real, disclosed cross-source range: approximately 72 to 97 inches per year, both genuinely high figures reflecting Burlington's cold, snowy winters and Lake Champlain's lake-effect snow influence.

Real Winter-Storm and Ice Exposure

As detailed on the flood-hurricane-risk topic page, Burlington's cold, snowy winters bring real, ongoing winter-storm and ice risk, distinct from the city's more nuanced flood-risk profile.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.