Things to Do in Montpelier in August

August Weather in Montpelier

27°C (81°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with crisp 16°C (61°F) mornings that warm to comfortable 27°C (81°F) by afternoon - ideal for Green Mountain trails
Peak farmers market season with local corn, tomatoes, and maple products at Saturday Montpelier Farmers Market (9am-1pm, State Street)
Outdoor concert and festival season in full swing - Capital City Concerts series runs Thursday evenings at City Hall Arts Center
Lake Champlain is warmest for swimming at 21°C (70°F), just 64 km (40 miles) away via scenic Route 2

Considerations

Tourist season peak means accommodation prices 40-60% higher than shoulder seasons and require booking 6-8 weeks ahead
Afternoon thunderstorms 10 days per month can disrupt outdoor plans - typically 2-4pm with little warning
Black fly season overlap in early August makes dawn/dusk outdoor activities uncomfortable without proper repellent

Best Activities in August

Green Mountain Hiking Trails

August offers perfect hiking conditions with cool mornings and comfortable afternoon temperatures. Camel's Hump (1,244m/4,083ft) and Mount Mansfield provide stunning views with minimal mud on trails. Early morning starts at 7am avoid afternoon storms and crowds.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for day hiking. Parking fills by 9am on weekends. Trail maps available at Vermont State Parks offices. Expect $4-8 daily parking fees at trailheads.

Lake Champlain Water Activities

August marks peak swimming season with water temperatures reaching 21°C (70°F). Kayaking and paddleboarding are ideal in calm morning conditions before afternoon winds. Waterbury Reservoir, 24 km (15 miles) south, offers warmer shallow waters.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals typically $35-50/day, book 3-5 days ahead for weekend availability. Many outfitters offer guided sunset tours for $45-65. See current options in booking section below.

Vermont Artisan Food Tours

August harvest season showcases Vermont's culinary scene at peak freshness. Brewery tours, cheese trails, and maple farm visits offer indoor alternatives during afternoon storms. Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Cabot Creamery within 32 km (20 miles).

Booking Tip: Food tours range $65-120 per person, include 4-6 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as group sizes limited to 12-15. Many combine with scenic drives through Stowe or Waterbury.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

Cool August evenings perfect for exploring Vermont's smallest capital city. State House tours run hourly 9am-3pm weekdays. Hubbard Park offers 0.8 km (0.5 mile) paved loop with tower views, ideal for families avoiding hiking crowds.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking maps free at visitor center. Guided historical tours $12-18 per person, run Saturdays at 10am and 2pm. No advance booking required, but call ahead for private groups of 6+.

Scenic Railway and Valley Tours

August offers peak foliage preview with comfortable temperatures for open-air rail cars. Central Vermont Railway runs scenic tours through Winooski River valley. Air-conditioned coaches provide storm shelter with panoramic windows.

Booking Tip: Railway tours $28-45 per adult, run weekends with limited weekday service. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for August weekend departures. Combine with Stowe or Warren valley driving tours for full-day experiences.

Rock of Ages Granite Quarry Tours

World's largest deep-hole granite quarry offers unique indoor-outdoor experience 13 km (8 miles) southeast in Barre. August weather perfect for viewing 183m (600ft) deep active quarry from observation platforms.

Booking Tip: Quarry tours $7-12 per person, run Monday-Saturday 8:30am-5pm. No reservation needed for basic tours. Sandcarving workshops $15-25, require advance booking. Tours suspended during active blasting - call ahead.

August Events & Festivals

Thursday evenings throughout August

Capital City Concerts Series

Free Thursday evening concerts on State House lawn featuring local and regional musicians. Brings together community with food vendors and family-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for experiencing local culture.

Every Saturday morning, 9am-1pm

Montpelier Farmers Market Peak Season

Saturday morning market at peak harvest season with 30+ local vendors. Features live music, prepared foods, and Vermont's best selection of seasonal produce, artisan breads, and maple products.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon storms arrive quickly and last 30-45 minutes

Layering pieces for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

High SPF 30+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 at 1,800m (5,900ft) elevation with thin air

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for rocky Green Mountain trails

DEET-based insect repellent (30%+ concentration) for black flies in wooded areas

Quick-dry clothing for lake activities and potential rain exposure

Light fleece or sweater for cool evenings, especially lakeside dining

Waterproof day pack for hiking with sudden weather changes

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone downtown areas

Reusable water bottle - hydration crucial in August heat and humidity

Insider Knowledge

Thursday evening State House lawn concerts offer free entertainment and food trucks - locals bring blankets and arrive by 6pm for best spots

Hubbard Park observation tower provides 360-degree views but requires 30-minute uphill walk - early morning or late afternoon optimal for lighting and temperature

Route 100 south offers better leaf-peeping preview than crowded Route 108 through Stowe - particularly Granville Gulf area 45 minutes south

Vermont State House offers free tours but limited to 20 people - arrive 15 minutes early on weekdays for guaranteed entry without waiting

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon thunderstorm intensity - carry rain gear even on sunny mornings as storms develop rapidly in mountains

Booking accommodations too late - August requires 6-8 weeks advance booking as peak season coincides with summer camps and leaf-peeper previews

Wearing cotton for hiking - 70% humidity makes cotton dangerous when wet, synthetic or merino wool essential for comfort and safety