Thinking about a Memorial Day trip to Vermont? You’ll need to be ready for spring weather that can flip pretty quickly. Daytime highs usually land in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, but evenings cool off fast, often dropping into the 40s or 50s. That mix of gentle warmth and leftover chill makes Vermont perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to hiking those lush Green Mountain trails.
Rain pops up often in late May, and you might get caught in a quick shower with little warning. Snow doesn’t really happen by this time, but you might spot the last stubborn patches clinging to higher peaks.
If you know these patterns, you’ll pack smarter and avoid surprises. Vermont’s landscape is varied, so the weather can feel totally different depending on where you are.
A sunny afternoon in Burlington might feel almost summery, but up in the Northeast Kingdom, it can stay gray and cool. Knowing these regional quirks really helps you get the most out of your Memorial Day weekend.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Vermont
Late May in Vermont brings a classic spring vibe. You’ll get mild or even warm afternoons, cool nights, and longer daylight hours. Rain showers still pop up, but the air usually feels less humid compared to the summer months.
Average High and Low Temperatures
By Memorial Day, Vermont feels a world away from winter. In Burlington, the average high is about 68°F. The average low hovers near 49°F.
Bennington sits in a similar range, with highs around 67°F and lows near 46°F. Up north in Newport, you’ll see cooler numbers—highs near 64°F and lows around 43°F.
You’ll want layers. Afternoons often feel fine in short sleeves, but mornings and evenings call for a light jacket.
Forget about snow, but don’t forget your raincoat. Burlington averages about 3.1 inches of rainfall in May and gets around 11 days of measurable precipitation. Memorial Day weekend is actually one of the wetter stretches of spring, so waterproof gear helps.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Memorial Day lands close to the longest days of the year. Vermont gets nearly 15 hours of daylight by late May. Burlington clocks in at about 14.9 hours of daylight on average.
All that sunlight means more time for outdoor activities—hiking, biking, or maybe just wandering through small towns. Sunrises come early, often before 5:20 a.m., and sunsets linger until close to 8:30 p.m.
Clear skies aren’t a guarantee, but they do happen. NOAA says Burlington has about a 47% chance of clearer skies in May. Newport’s a bit lower at 43%. So, you’ll probably get a mix of sun and clouds over the holiday.
Humidity Levels
Humidity usually stays low in Vermont around Memorial Day. Dew points rarely reach muggy territory. In Burlington, the odds of a muggy day in May are only 0.4 days on average, according to NOAA.
That keeps the air comfortable, even when the temps sneak into the upper 60s or low 70s. July and August get sticky, but late May is much easier to enjoy outside.
Mornings feel crisp, afternoons pleasant, and evenings cool—no heavy, sticky air. It’s a great setup for staying outdoors all day.
Precipitation Patterns Around Memorial Day
Late May in Vermont often brings unsettled weather. Some years, you’ll get light to moderate rainfall, while other years stay mostly dry except for a few scattered showers.
Clouds play a big role in how the weekend feels. Gray skies are just as likely as clear, sunny stretches.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Memorial Day sits in a transition zone between spring rains and early summer warmth. NOAA’s long-term data says Vermont averages 3 to 4 inches of precipitation in May, spread out over many days.
On Memorial Day itself, you’ve got a fair shot at running into a shower. In the Northeast and New England, rain falls on roughly one-third to one-half of Memorial Days. In Vermont, this usually means light rain or passing showers, not all-day downpours.
Heavier rain can happen, but it’s not the norm. A washout of over half an inch in a day is possible, just not typical. Most of the time, you’ll see brief rain and then a break of dry weather.
If you’re hosting a cookout or picnic, have a canopy or indoor backup ready. Quick showers won’t ruin your plans if you’re prepared.
Chance of Clear or Cloudy Skies
Even when rain is rare, clouds stick around in Vermont during late May. Skies are often partly to mostly cloudy, with the sun poking through here and there. Spring storm systems still swing through the region.
Some years, high pressure settles in and you’ll get bright skies with mild temps in the 60s or 70s.
Cloudy stretches happen just as often. They don’t always bring rain but can keep things cooler, especially in the morning and evening.
If you’re traveling, plan for mixed skies. Bring layers for cool, cloudy spells, but don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen—when the sun comes out, it’s strong.
Snowfall Possibility in Late May
Snow rarely shows up in Vermont during the last week of May, but it’s not totally impossible. Most years, it’s too warm for snow to stick, but the higher peaks and odd weather systems can still surprise you.
Historical Snowfall Data
By late May, Vermont’s towns and valleys usually enjoy highs in the mid-60s °F and lows in the mid-40s °F. NOAA climate data backs this up, making snow pretty unlikely for most spots.
Still, records show that measurable snow has fallen in May, especially in the Green Mountains. Places like Killington or Jay Peak might still have snow on ski trails or see a quick flurry at night.
On average, Vermont gets about 2 snowfall days in May, usually adding up to less than 3 inches total. Most of that happens early in the month, but late-May snow does show up in the higher elevations. Mount Mansfield, for example, has reported snow even when nearby towns just get rain.
Elevation really matters here. Lower valleys are almost always snow-free by Memorial Day, but peaks above 3,000 feet can still catch a dusting if the weather lines up just right.
Unusual Weather Events
Every now and then, a cold front brings late snow to Vermont. Arctic air dipping south in May can mix with leftover moisture, and—just like that—you get a short-lived snowfall, even near the end of the month.
These aren’t common, but they’re part of Vermont’s climate story. Rare Memorial Day storms have left the mountains with a thin coat of snow, while valleys just saw cold rain.
Late-season snow melts fast because the ground is warm and the sun’s high in the sky. If you’re hiking or heading to the mountains, you might run into slick trails or leftover snow patches.
It’s a reminder that Vermont’s spring weather can flip on you, so always plan for the possibility of cold, wet mountain conditions.
Regional Variations Across Vermont
Memorial Day weather in Vermont depends a lot on where you are—latitude and elevation both play a role. Northern towns stay cooler, while the south warms up faster. Valleys often feel mild, but the mountains can stay chilly and damp.
Northern vs. Southern Vermont
Northern Vermont, including Newport, usually stays cooler around Memorial Day. Average highs reach the mid-60s °F, and lows can dip into the 40s °F. Nights feel brisk, and spring showers hang on longer here.
Southern Vermont, like Bennington, warms up quicker. Daytime highs often climb into the upper 60s or low 70s °F, and nights are milder—upper 40s or low 50s °F. Rain still happens, but not quite as often as up north.
You’ll notice the difference if you’re outdoors. A picnic in Bennington might feel warm and easy, but in Newport, you’ll want an extra layer. Packing both light jackets and short sleeves usually works best for travelers.
Mountainous and Valley Areas
Elevation really shapes Memorial Day weather. The Green Mountains run 5–10°F cooler than the valleys nearby. Snow is rare by late May, but chilly, damp mornings still happen up high. Trails might be muddy from spring melt.
Valley towns, especially near Lake Champlain or the Connecticut River, warm up earlier. Burlington, for example, sees highs near 68°F and lows around 49°F. The lake helps smooth out temperature swings, so nights don’t get quite as cold.
If you’re hiking or camping in the mountains, expect cooler, wetter weather. Valley areas usually offer more stable conditions for cycling, sightseeing, or outdoor dining. Where you spend your time really changes your experience of Vermont’s spring.
Long-Term Weather Trends and Climate Data
Looking at Memorial Day weather in Vermont over the years, you start to see some patterns. Temperature records, rainfall trends, and long-term climate shifts help you plan more confidently than just checking this year’s forecast.
Recent Years’ Memorial Day Weather
Memorial Day in Vermont usually brings mild highs and cool nights. In Burlington, NOAA’s climate normals put late May at 70°F for highs and 48°F for lows. Rain is a regular guest, with monthly averages near 3 inches.
Over the last decade, you’ve probably seen both dry and rainy Memorial Days. Some years, showers clear out fast, while others bring steady rain that lasts most of the day.
Wind speeds in late May usually stay light—5–8 mph—so outdoor events are manageable. Still, a passing cold front can knock temps back into the 50s, just to keep you on your toes.
When you look at several years of data, Memorial Day weather in Vermont leans toward comfortable but unsettled. It’s smart to prep for both sunshine and rain.
Climate Change Impacts
NOAA’s long-term data shows Vermont has warmed by about 2°F since the early 20th century. That warming affects late spring, including Memorial Day. You’ll probably notice fewer frosty nights in late May than decades ago.
Warmer air holds more moisture, so heavier rain events are more likely now. Memorial Day weekends can still be dry, but the risk of sudden, intense showers is higher than it used to be.
Snow in late May has become extremely rare in Vermont’s valleys, though the high peaks used to see flurries now and then. These days, it’s unusual to spot snow that late.
So, Memorial Day in Vermont is trending warmer and a bit wetter. You’ll still get plenty of variety, but the long-term shift is toward milder, more humid springs.
Tips for Planning Memorial Day Activities
Vermont’s weather around Memorial Day moves fast—mornings often start cool, and afternoons can climb into the 60s or 70s. Pack for both outdoor adventures and the chance of rain, and you’ll be set to enjoy the season’s best events.
Packing and Clothing Recommendations
In late May, daytime highs usually hover in the mid-60s to low 70s °F. But honestly, mornings and evenings can feel chilly, sometimes dipping into the 40s.
You’ll want to pack layers so you can adapt as the weather shifts. I always throw in a lightweight jacket or fleece for those crisp starts or when I’m out after sunset.
Rain shows up pretty often this time of year, so definitely bring a waterproof jacket and shoes that won’t mind getting wet. Maybe carry an umbrella around town, though it’s not much use if you’re out on trails or by the waterfront.
If you plan to hike or spend time on Lake Champlain, go for quick-dry clothing. It just makes life easier if you get caught in a shower.
Heading to outdoor events? You’ll appreciate comfortable walking shoes for Church Street Marketplace or the Burlington Bike Path.
For hiking, I’d recommend sturdy footwear with decent traction, since trails can still get muddy from spring snowmelt.
Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Even when it feels cool, UV levels can sneak up on you.
Popular Outdoor Events
A lot of visitors shape their weekend around the Vermont City Marathon & Relay in Burlington. The race always draws big crowds along the route.
You don’t have to run to have fun. Just watching feels lively and gives you a taste of the city’s community spirit.
Lake Champlain keeps things busy with boating, paddleboarding, and lakeside dining. The waterfront really fills up in the afternoon, especially when the weather’s nice.
You might want to bike the Burlington Bike Path. It gives you some great views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains.
Families often stop by the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory or check out hands-on art workshops at Burlington City Arts. These places add a little variety beyond just outdoor sports.
If you’re into live entertainment, maybe look up seasonal concerts or catch a local baseball or soccer game. These events usually pop up during the holiday weekend.