Retirement Lists

Climate in Burlington, Vermont

View of the Burlington Marketplace, a blocks-long pedestrians-only shopping and entertainment street in downtown Burlington, Vermont.
Photo by Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Burlington climate

Burlington's seasons reward a prepared home and flexible outdoor plan

NWS Burlington provides local climate records and snowfall history. Recent seasons recorded 63.1, 70.7, 72.8, 60.8, and 75.7 inches from 2020 to 2021 through 2024 to 2025. The older NWS extremes sheet lists an 80.3-inch annual normal but does not clearly identify the normal period in its visible text.

Snow, ice, heating, winter parking, sidewalks, power, lake conditions, rain, and indoor alternatives affect retirement more than one summer afternoon. Use current NOAA or NWS normals for precise climate cards and inspect the home during the season that requires the most work.

Living through the seasons

Summers are the easier season. Winter comfort deserves a closer look.

Overall Comfort
Moderate

2.5 / 5

Average Summer High
77°F

Mild · 77°F

Days Above 90°F
1 day/year

Excellent

Summer Feel
Excellent

4.8 / 5

Average Winter Low
12°F / -11°C

Poor

Days Below Freezing
153 days/year

Poor

Winter Feel
Poor

1 / 5

The shape of the year

Humidity, comfortable months, and sunshine show how the seasons differ.

Humidity
81%

Poor

Comfortable Months
4 months

Poor

Solar Exposure
1288 peak sun hrs/yr

Poor

Air, allergies, and weather

Air quality and allergies shape day to day comfort. The best months and weather risks help with timing.

Air and allergies

Air Quality
Excellent

4.9 / 5

Allergy Levels
Poor

Current AQI

Checking…

Current PM2.5

Checking…

Timing and weather

Long Term Fine Particle Pollution
4.8 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Excellent · 4.8 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Best Months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Toughest Months
Jan, Feb, Dec
Heat Risk
Low

Very Good

Drought Risk
Low - Medium (0.2-0.4)
Weather Volatility
Moderate

3.4 / 5

Burlington in everyday life

Could Burlington work for you?

What may work well

  • The snowfall record makes winter planning concrete.
  • Waterfront and parks provide seasonal variety.
  • City services and indoor culture can carry difficult weather days.

What to think about

  • Snow and ice affect mobility and cost.
  • Some precise current climate normals need a documented table.
  • Lake, flood, power, and winter access are property and route questions.

Choose Burlington for the full weather year

  1. Inspect heat and envelope

    Review heating, insulation, windows, roof, gutters, stairs, parking, snow service, power, and indoor air.

  2. Try snow routes

    Drive and walk to care, groceries, transit, waterfront, and home during snow or ice and note time, footing, and energy.

  3. Use current climate records

    Keep the source station and normal period visible and replace older figures with current NOAA or NWS tables where available.

  4. Balance indoor and outdoor life

    Pair beaches, Greenway, parks, and lake access with libraries, culture, exercise, meals, and home plans.

Questions retirees ask

How much snow does Burlington get?

Recent NWS seasons ranged from 60.8 to 75.7 inches between 2020 to 2021 and 2024 to 2025. Use a current dated normal for a longer comparison.

What should a Burlington home handle?

Heat, insulation, snow, ice, roof, gutters, stairs, parking, power, flood exposure, and a comfortable indoor plan.

Can a retiree enjoy the waterfront year-round?

Waterfront access is a strong asset, but snow, ice, lake conditions, wind, parking, and trail clearing change the practical experience.

Why keep the climate period visible?

Normals and station records describe a defined period and location. Older extremes should not be presented as current citywide averages without a date.

Burlington's climate suits someone who accepts real winter maintenance and values a strong indoor and outdoor city life. Choose the home around heat, snow, sidewalks, power, care, and repeatable routes.

Sources

Climate comfort helps estimate how practical daily life may feel across the year, especially for heat, humidity, cold, and seasonal constraints.

Seasonal timing, health conditions, air conditioning, air quality, and elevation can change the lived experience.

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How this city research is made

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