Montpelier - When to Visit

When to Visit Montpelier

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Montpelier Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -17°C -4°C 7°C 19°C 32°C Rainfall (mm) 0 5 10 Jan Jan: -1.0°C high, -12.0°C low, 3mm rain Feb Feb: 1.0°C high, -11.0°C low, 3mm rain Mar Mar: 5.0°C high, -6.0°C low, 3mm rain Apr Apr: 12.0°C high, 1.0°C low, 3mm rain May May: 19.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 3mm rain Jun Jun: 24.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 3mm rain Jul Jul: 27.0°C high, 16.0°C low, 3mm rain Aug Aug: 26.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 3mm rain Sep Sep: 22.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 3mm rain Oct Oct: 15.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 3mm rain Nov Nov: 7.0°C high, -2.0°C low, 3mm rain Dec Dec: 2.0°C high, -7.0°C low, 3mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Montpelier experiences a classic northern continental climate with four distinct seasons and pretty dramatic temperature swings throughout the year. Winters are genuinely cold—we're talking well below freezing from December through February—while summers are comfortably warm without being oppressive. The transition seasons of spring and fall bring that quintessential New England weather variability, where you might need a winter coat one day and just a light jacket the next. What's interesting about the data here is the consistently low precipitation throughout the year (around 0.1 inches monthly), which likely represents snowfall in the colder months rather than rain. The humidity holds fairly steady at 70% year-round, which feels quite different depending on the temperature—barely noticeable in winter but adding a bit of weight to those summer afternoons. The temperature range is substantial, spanning from January lows of -12°C to July highs of 27°C, so you're really getting the full four-season experience. Spring arrives gradually, with May finally pushing into comfortable territory, while fall sees a steady decline from September's pleasant warmth into November's chill. This kind of climate means you need to pack thoughtfully depending on when you visit, and honestly, layering becomes your best friend for much of the year. The low precipitation is worth noting—Montpelier tends to be relatively dry compared to other northeastern cities, though those winter months obviously bring snow that isn't fully captured in these rainfall figures.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
Montpelier isn't really a beach destination, but if you're looking for lakeside relaxation, July and August offer the warmest weather (26-27°C) for swimming and lounging by Vermont's lakes and swimming holes.
Cultural Exploration
September through October is ideal—you'll get comfortable temperatures (15-22°C), the famous fall foliage, and access to all the museums, galleries, and state house tours without the summer tourist rush.
Adventure & Hiking
Late May through September offers the best hiking conditions with temperatures ranging from 19-27°C, though early fall (September-October) gives you the bonus of spectacular foliage on the trails.
Budget Travel
November through March sees the lowest tourist numbers (outside of ski season), with cheaper accommodations, though you'll need to embrace the cold and plan around potential snow.

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What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

Reusable water bottle
Vermont has excellent tap water, and you'll want to stay hydrated whether hiking in summer or dealing with dry winter indoor heating.
Comfortable walking shoes
Montpelier is a walkable city with hilly terrain, and you'll likely do a fair bit of exploring on foot regardless of season.
Daypack or backpack
Essential for carrying layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, plus useful for farmers market hauls and day trips.
Sunglasses
Useful year-round, but especially important in winter when sun reflects intensely off snow.
Moisturizer and lip balm
The combination of low humidity in winter and indoor heating can really dry out your skin.
Portable phone charger
Cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll want your phone ready for photos and navigation.

Spring (Mar-May)

Clothing
Medium-weight jacket, Long-sleeve shirts, Jeans or long pants, Sweater or fleece, Rain jacket
Footwear
Waterproof boots or shoes with good traction for muddy conditions
Accessories
Light gloves for early mornings, Scarf, Umbrella
Layering Tip
Spring weather is unpredictable, so pack layers you can add or remove as temperatures swing from chilly mornings to mild afternoons.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Clothing
T-shirts and short-sleeve shirts, Shorts, Light pants, Light sweater for evenings, Sun hat
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, hiking boots if planning trail adventures
Accessories
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Light rain jacket
Layering Tip
Summer is straightforward—light clothing for warm days, but always bring a layer for cooler evenings and air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Clothing
Medium to heavy jacket, Long-sleeve shirts, Sweaters and fleeces, Long pants, Warm hat by November
Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes or boots, waterproof options for later in season
Accessories
Warm gloves for late fall, Scarf, Beanie or warm hat
Layering Tip
Fall requires serious layering strategy as temperatures drop steadily—start with a base layer and build up, especially for early morning and evening.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Clothing
Heavy winter coat, Thermal underwear, Wool or fleece sweaters, Insulated pants, Warm socks
Footwear
Insulated, waterproof winter boots with excellent traction for snow and ice
Accessories
Warm winter gloves or mittens, Thick scarf, Insulated hat covering ears, Hand warmers
Layering Tip
Winter demands serious cold-weather gear—think thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell to handle sub-zero temperatures.
Plug Type
Type A/B (two or three flat pins)
Voltage
120V, 60Hz
Adapter Note
International visitors will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for devices not rated for 120V

Skip These Items

Hair dryer (most accommodations provide these) Beach towels (not really a beach destination, and hotels provide towels) Excessive formal wear (Montpelier is pretty casual, even nice restaurants are relaxed) Large umbrella (a compact one is fine, but you can buy locally if needed) Too many books (there are excellent bookstores and libraries if you need reading material)

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is the coldest month in Montpelier, with temperatures regularly dipping well below freezing. You're looking at a proper winter experience with snow on the ground and the kind of cold that requires serious bundling up. It's a quiet time for tourism unless you're here for winter sports in the nearby mountains.

-1°C (30°F) High
-12°C (10°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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February

February continues the deep winter cold, though you might notice the days getting slightly longer. Temperatures remain well below freezing, and snow is still very much part of the landscape. It's actually one of the quietest months for visitors, which means you'll have the city largely to yourself.

1°C (34°F) High
-11°C (12°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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March

March brings the first hints of spring, though winter definitely hasn't released its grip yet. You'll still see plenty of cold days and likely some snow, but temperatures are starting their slow climb upward. It's that transitional period where weather can be quite unpredictable.

5°C (41°F) High
-6°C (21°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

April is proper spring territory, with temperatures finally climbing above freezing consistently. The landscape starts greening up, though you'll still want warm layers for those chilly mornings and evenings. It's mud season in Vermont, which locals know well—things can get pretty sloppy as snow melts.

12°C (54°F) High
1°C (34°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May brings genuinely pleasant weather as spring fully establishes itself. Temperatures reach comfortable levels, trees are fully leafed out, and the city comes alive with outdoor activities. It's a lovely time to visit before the summer crowds arrive, though you'll still want a jacket for cooler evenings.

19°C (66°F) High
7°C (45°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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June

June offers some of the most comfortable weather of the year, with warm days and mild nights. The city is fully in summer mode with farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Tourist numbers pick up, but it's not overwhelming, and the weather is generally cooperative for outdoor exploration.

24°C (75°F) High
13°C (55°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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July

July brings the warmest temperatures of the year, though it's still quite pleasant compared to many American cities. The humidity at 70% is noticeable but not oppressive, and you'll have long daylight hours for exploring. This is peak tourist season, so popular spots will be busier.

27°C (81°F) High
16°C (61°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
High Crowds
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August

August maintains those warm summer temperatures with just a slight cooling from July's peak. It's still prime time for outdoor activities, swimming, and enjoying Vermont's natural beauty. Tourist numbers remain high, particularly around weekends, as families squeeze in last summer trips.

26°C (79°F) High
15°C (59°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
High Crowds
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September

September is genuinely lovely—you get warm days with cooler nights, and early fall colors start appearing toward month's end. The summer crowds thin out after Labor Day, but weather remains cooperative for most outdoor activities. Many locals consider this one of the best months to be here.

22°C (72°F) High
11°C (52°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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October

October is peak foliage season, when Vermont's famous fall colors are at their most spectacular. Temperatures cool noticeably but remain comfortable for outdoor activities with proper layering. This is actually one of the busiest tourist months despite the cooler weather, as leaf-peepers flood the region.

15°C (59°F) High
6°C (43°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
High Crowds
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November

November marks the transition into winter, with temperatures dropping steadily and the first snow often arriving. The fall colors are gone, and things get pretty gray before the snow cover arrives. Tourist numbers drop significantly, and many seasonal attractions close for the winter.

7°C (45°F) High
-2°C (28°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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December

December brings full winter conditions with temperatures well below freezing and snow becoming a regular feature. The holiday season brings some festive charm to downtown, but overall tourist numbers are low. It's the beginning of ski season in nearby mountains, which draws winter sports enthusiasts to the region.

2°C (36°F) High
-7°C (19°F) Low
0.1in (2.5mm) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

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