When you think of Halloween in Vermont, you probably imagine crisp air, early sunsets, and that last splash of fall color before winter takes over. Most years, late October brings daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, but evenings often slip into the 40s. So, yeah, you’ll want a jacket for trick-or-treating or any outdoor plans.
The weather can flip fast. Some years feel pretty mild, while others hit you with chilly winds or even a light frost by the end of the month. The mix of mountain valleys and lake influence means your experience depends a lot on where you end up spending the holiday.
This blend of cool nights, changing skies, and fading leaves makes Halloween in Vermont feel a bit special. Whether you’re heading to a parade, hopping on a haunted hayride, or just wandering old streets, knowing what kind of weather to expect definitely helps you prep for the season.
Typical Halloween Weather in Vermont
Late October in Vermont brings cool days, chilly evenings, and those first hints of winter. Temperatures can swing a lot, and you might see rain, with early sunsets that really shape how late you can stay outside.
Average Temperature for Late October
By Halloween, highs in Vermont usually land somewhere between the upper 40s and mid-50s °F. At night, it’s not surprising to see temps fall into the 30s. Sometimes, you get a frost or even a light freeze before October ends.
In Burlington, which stays a bit warmer than most places, the average high on October 31 is about 52°F, with lows around 36°F. Higher up in towns like Stowe or Killington, it’s a few degrees colder.
Warm spells pop up, but honestly, they’re not the norm. A mild Halloween could hit the 60s, and in rare years, even the 70s. But cold snaps can keep highs stuck in the 40s, so sometimes you really do need coats and gloves.
Precipitation Trends Near Halloween
Rain shows up pretty often in Vermont during late October. The state usually gets 3 to 4 inches of precipitation for the month, and Halloween often falls right in the middle of unsettled weather.
You’ve got about a 25–35% chance of measurable rain on October 31. Light showers happen more than big downpours, but a steady rain isn’t off the table. Snow’s rare this early, but if a cold front moves in, the higher elevations could see flurries.
Leaves on the ground can soak up moisture, making sidewalks and driveways slippery. If you’re driving, remember that wet roads plus early darkness can make things tricky.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
By late October, the days get short fast in Vermont. Sunrise is around 7:20 a.m., and sunset happens before 6:00 p.m. On Halloween, the sun usually goes down between 5:40 and 5:50 p.m. in Burlington. In the northeast, it’s even earlier.
So, trick-or-treating starts in twilight and slips into full darkness pretty quickly. Street lights really matter, especially in rural areas where there’s not much artificial light.
The moon’s phase changes every year, but late October nights are often pretty dark. You’ll want flashlights or reflective gear if you’re out after sunset.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Late October in Vermont feels cool and damp, which can affect how comfortable you are, how you travel, and what you do outside. Moist air and fog can really change the vibe around Halloween.
Relative Humidity Levels in October
Expect moderate to high humidity in late October. In the mornings, average relative humidity usually sits between 75% and 85%, dropping to about 55% to 65% in the afternoon. Cool air can’t hold as much moisture, so it feels damper than summer.
Humidity shifts depending on where you are. Valleys might feel a little less humid in the afternoon, but mountains tend to hang onto moisture all day. That can make higher spots feel even chillier, especially with some wind.
If you’re planning to be outside in the evening, layering up helps. Higher humidity makes cold air feel colder, so you’ll want to dress for both the chill and the damp.
Fog and Visibility Concerns
Fog is pretty common in Vermont during late October, especially early in the morning and at night. Cold nights followed by warmer days create fog that settles in valleys, along rivers, and across low roads.
Visibility can drop fast, sometimes to less than a quarter mile. This makes driving and outdoor events tricky, especially around dawn and dusk.
If you’re traveling, give yourself extra time and use low beams in fog. For hiking or photos, expect fog to stick around in shady valleys but lift quicker in open or higher places.
Fog also adds to that damp chill, with fine droplets settling on everything. Evenings can feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Regional Weather Variations Across Vermont
Weather in Vermont really depends on where you are. Elevation, latitude, and local geography all change how cold it feels, how much rain or snow you might get, and how fast the leaves disappear.
Northern vs. Southern Vermont Conditions
Northern Vermont usually runs cooler than the south in late October. Towns up near the Canadian border, like Newport, often see nighttime lows at or below freezing, with daytime highs in the low to mid-50s °F. Frost is pretty common, and you might even catch some early snow showers.
In southern spots like Brattleboro or Bennington, it’s a little milder. Highs can reach the upper 50s °F, and nights tend to stay in the upper 30s to low 40s °F. There’s a bit less rain than in central Vermont, but showers still show up.
Comparison at a glance:
| Region | Typical Highs (°F) | Typical Lows (°F) | Precipitation Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Vermont | 50–55 | 30–35 | More frost, chance of early snow |
| Southern Vermont | 55–60 | 38–42 | Milder nights, lighter rainfall |
So, you’ll probably want heavier layers up north, while a lighter jacket might do the trick farther south.
Mountain and Valley Differences
The Green Mountains create some sharp contrasts in late October weather. Higher spots like Killington or Stowe cool off fast after sunset. Nighttime temps often drop into the 20s °F, and sometimes you’ll see snow on the peaks before Halloween. Wind feels stronger up high, so it’s colder than the thermometer says.
Valleys like the Connecticut River Valley and Champlain Valley stay warmer and more sheltered. Highs there reach the mid to upper 50s °F, with nights in the upper 30s. Rain is more common than snow, though the odd flurry can show up late in the month.
If you’re hiking or driving mountain passes, expect colder, wetter, and windier weather than in nearby towns. Valley communities usually get milder conditions, and fall colors hang on a bit longer.
Comparing Halloween Weather to Other Seasons
Halloween weather in Vermont feels like a turning point. Nights get colder, days are shorter, and you start to sense winter is on the way, even though you still get a taste of autumn’s milder side.
Early Autumn Weather Patterns
In September, highs usually hit the upper 60s to low 70s °F, with nights in the 40s. Outdoor activities are still comfy, and the foliage is at its peak. By early October, things cool off, with highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 30s or 40s.
Halloween lands in this late autumn stretch. Expect evenings in the 40s or 50s °F, but some years drop into the 30s. Showers can happen, but big storms aren’t typical. Compared to September, the air feels crisper and more unpredictable.
This change means you’ll probably need a jacket or layers for outdoor stuff. Late October can swing from mild afternoons to chilly nights, so it’s tough to plan for perfect weather.
Transition to Winter Weather
By November, Vermont starts sliding into winter. Average highs drop into the 40s °F, and nighttime lows hit the 20s or 30s. Snow becomes a real possibility in the mountains, while valleys might still see cold rain.
Comparing Halloween to November, you really notice how fast things change. Just a week or two later, frost is everywhere, and the landscape loses its color. People call it “stick season,” when bare trees and cool days take over.
Winter settles in by December, with highs rarely above freezing and snowstorms showing up often. Halloween ends up being one of the last chances for moderately nice weather before the long cold stretch.
Historical Extremes and Unusual Events
Vermont’s Halloween weather doesn’t always follow the script. Some years brought late-season heatwaves, while others surprised everyone with early snow, catching both locals and visitors off guard.
Past Heatwaves in Late October
Vermont is famous for chilly autumns, but late October heat has happened. Burlington, for example, has hit the upper 70s °F during the last week of October. High pressure from the south pulls in that unseasonably warm air.
These warm spells are rare, but you remember them. They can delay peak foliage in the valleys or give you extra days for hiking and festivals. Farmers might like the extra time before frost, but plants can get confused as they prep for winter.
If you’re planning outdoor Halloween fun, a heatwave can really change things. Costumes for cold nights can get uncomfortable, and pumpkins don’t last as long in the warmth. Even though it’s not common, these heatwaves are part of Vermont’s late October story.
Early Snowfalls and Frost Occurrences
Late October cold snaps leave a mark, too. Higher towns like Stowe or Killington have seen measurable snow before Halloween. Some years, snow piles up several inches, making roads slick and forcing people to break out winter gear early.
Frost is even more likely. Temps can dip into the 20s °F at night, especially in valleys and rural spots. That usually ends the growing season for gardens and farms, and it can make roads icy if they’re untreated.
If you’re traveling, early snow or frost can change your plans fast. You might need to drive more carefully or move events indoors. These early winter signs remind you that Vermont’s weather can turn on a dime, even before November hits.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Halloween in Vermont
Vermont’s fall gives you crisp air, colorful leaves, and a mix of mild days with cool nights. Weather can flip quickly, so it pays to plan ahead if you want to make the most of outdoor events and fall traditions.
Best Time to Visit Vermont for Fall Activities
If you’re chasing peak foliage, you’ll want to visit Vermont in mid to late October. By the time Halloween rolls around, the northern regions have usually lost their brightest colors, but valleys and southern towns still show off late-season leaves.
This window also brings pumpkin festivals, haunted attractions, and small-town trick-or-treating. Honestly, it feels like the perfect blend of scenery and celebration.
After peak foliage, crowds thin out. That makes it way easier to snag a room at an inn or bed-and-breakfast.
You’ll notice shorter lines at corn mazes and haunted trails too. Southern Vermont, especially places like Brattleboro or Ludlow, tends to hang onto its colors a bit longer, so you get more autumn for your effort.
Once the leaves drop, Vermont slips into what locals call “stick season.” The landscape looks bare, sure, but there’s a certain quiet beauty to it.
If you’re someone who likes fewer tourists and better lodging deals, late October into early November might actually be your sweet spot.
What to Pack for Halloween Weather
Vermont’s Halloween weather keeps you guessing. Some evenings linger in the 60s, but nights can drop into the 40s.
Rain happens, so it’s smart to prep for changing conditions. Toss in a light rain jacket or a compact umbrella, especially if you’ll be out after dark.
Layers save the day. Bring a mix of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket so you can swap things out as the temps change.
Comfortable shoes matter more than you’d think for trick-or-treating, haunted hayrides, or just wandering around small towns.
If you’re dressing up, think about comfort and practicality. Breathable fabrics work if it’s warm, but stash some thermal layers for chilly nights.
Gloves and hats aren’t always a must, but having them in your bag means you won’t get caught off guard if it suddenly gets cold, especially in rural spots.
Seasonal Overview: Vermont’s Year-Round Climate
Vermont’s climate shifts in some pretty dramatic ways, swinging from cold, snowy winters to warm, humid summers. The mountains and valleys mix things up, so you’ll notice local differences.
Winter drags on with lots of snow. Spring brings wet spells, and summers feel mild to warm, with humidity that sneaks up on you now and then.
Spring Weather and Rains
Spring shows up late in Vermont, at least compared to a lot of other places. Snow sometimes sticks around into April, especially up in the Green Mountains.
By May, daytime temps usually climb into the 60s, though the nights still feel cool.
Rain picks up through the season. Burlington averages about 3.1 inches in May, while Bennington gets closer to 3.4 inches.
These rains help melt the last of the snow and fill up rivers and lakes.
You’ll run into muddy roads and trails in the countryside. Locals actually call it “mud season,” and it can slow you down if you’re driving or hiking.
Still, the rain and warmer temps bring out early wildflowers and turn everything greener.
Cloudy skies are pretty common, with clear weather only 44–47% of the time in April.
By late May, the days stretch out, almost hitting 15 hours of daylight near the solstice. That extra light makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors, even if you have to dodge a few showers.
Summer Weather and Warmth
Summer rolls in with a comfortable warmth, especially once June kicks off. In northern towns like Newport, highs usually sit in the low 70s °F. If you head south to places like Bennington, temperatures climb into the upper 70s °F.
July? Yeah, it’s usually the hottest. Burlington averages around 81°F during the day.
Humidity picks up in July and August. Burlington gets about 6 to 7 muggy days in July, but southern Vermont tends to see a few more.
Nights cool off, dropping into the 50s or low 60s °F, so you can actually sleep without sweating.
Rainfall doesn’t change much, with 3 to 3.7 inches per month falling in most spots. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up pretty often, but they don’t usually stick around for long.
You’ll notice more clear skies, with 60% or more of days partly clear in July and August. That’s probably why summer feels perfect for hiking, camping, or hanging out at the lake.
Long daylight hours—often above 15 hours in June—mean there’s plenty of time to get outside and explore.