If you’re planning a trip to Vermont for Independence Day, you’ll want to know what kind of weather to expect. Most years, you’ll get warm afternoons in the 75°F to 80°F range, then evenings cool off into the 50s and low 60s.
This kind of balance makes it great for outdoor celebrations, fireworks, and relaxing by the lake or up in the mountains.
It’s smart to prep for summer showers, too. July is one of Vermont’s wetter months, and you might see quick bursts of rain or a thunderstorm, especially as the day winds down.
These storms usually don’t last long, but, honestly, they can mess with your plans if you aren’t ready.
Sunlight lingers well into the evening, so you get plenty of time for barbecues, parades, or hiking before fireworks kick off.
With those long daylight hours and moderate humidity, the holiday just feels welcoming, though the weather can change fast up north.
It helps to know the patterns, so you can squeeze the most out of every minute outside.
Typical Temperatures on Independence Day
Independence Day in Vermont often brings warm afternoons and cool evenings, and you’ll notice a difference between the mountains and the valley towns.
You’ll get that classic summer warmth, but how the day feels really depends on where you are and whether you’re out in the sun or hanging out after dark.
Average Highs and Lows in Early July
Early July is about as warm as Vermont gets all year. Most towns see daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 80s °F.
Some years, you’ll see temps hit the mid-80s °F, especially down in the valleys.
Average temperatures around July 4:
- Burlington: High ~81°F, Low ~62°F
- Bennington: High ~79°F, Low ~58°F
- Newport: High ~76°F, Low ~57°F
You’ll feel comfortable warmth during the day, but not the kind of heat that’s miserable.
Nights cool off, so it’s usually easy to sleep—even without air conditioning.
Regional Temperature Variations
Location really changes the temperature game. The Champlain Valley (think Burlington) usually gets the warmest weather, with higher highs and milder nights.
Lake Champlain actually helps keep things a little more moderate.
In southern Vermont, like Bennington, it’s often a few degrees cooler than Burlington during the day.
Sheltered valleys can feel warmer, though, if there’s not much breeze.
Head north to the Northeast Kingdom—places like Newport—and you’ll find things are cooler overall.
Highs stay in the mid-70s °F, and nights can easily drop into the 50s °F.
If you’re planning to be outside up there, you’ll want to pack an extra layer for the evening.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Vermont’s summer climate brings a big swing between day and night.
Afternoon highs near 80°F can drop by 20°F or more once the sun goes down.
Daytime hours feel warm and pleasant, especially if the sky’s clear.
Humidity usually stays moderate, but sometimes it gets muggy for a day or two.
At night, most places cool into the upper 50s to low 60s °F.
If you’re up in the mountains, it gets even chillier.
Camping or heading out for fireworks? You’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater after dark.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
July in Vermont brings warm days, but you’ll also get a steady chance of showers.
Rain is pretty common this time of year, and afternoon thunderstorms can pop up fast.
You’re looking at a mix of sunny skies and passing rain, with humidity that just feels like a classic New England summer.
Chance of Rain on July 4th
There’s a fair shot you’ll run into rain on Independence Day in Vermont.
July averages more wet days than most other months.
On average, you’ll see 10 to 12 days with measurable rainfall in July.
So, odds of rain on July 4th? Pretty close to one in three.
Showers tend to be scattered, so one town might get soaked while the next stays dry.
Timing matters, too. July showers in Vermont often show up in the afternoon or evening.
If you’re planning a parade or fireworks, keep in mind the risk of rain rises as the day goes on.
Average July Rainfall Totals
July is definitely one of Vermont’s wetter months, with 3 to 4 inches of rainfall on average.
Mountain areas, like the Green Mountains, usually get more rain than the valleys.
Here’s a quick look at typical July rainfall:
| Location | Avg. July Rainfall | Rainy Days (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | ~3.5 inches | 11 days |
| Bennington | ~4.0 inches | 12 days |
| Newport | ~3.7 inches | 11 days |
Most of that rain comes in short bursts, not long, soaking storms.
You’ll probably deal with wet grass and some damp evenings, but all-day washouts are rare.
Thunderstorm Frequency
Thunderstorms show up a lot in Vermont during July.
Warm, humid air builds up over the day, and the mountains help trigger afternoon storms.
Expect several thunderstorms during the month.
Some years bring more action than others.
Most storms are quick and hit just one area, but they can dump heavy rain, bring gusty winds, and throw in some lightning.
Thunderstorms hit most often between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
If you’re outside on July 4th, keep an eye on the sky in the late afternoon.
Fireworks sometimes get delayed for a passing storm.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Vermont during early July can really shape how warm it feels.
Moisture in the air affects how comfortable you are and how your body handles the heat.
Relative Humidity in Early July
Burlington, one of the main weather spots in Vermont, usually sees average morning humidity in July around 78%, and afternoon humidity drops to about 53%.
This shift is pretty normal—cool mornings hold more moisture, and afternoons dry out as things warm up.
Mornings tend to feel damp, especially if you’re near lakes or rivers.
By midday, it’s less heavy, though still humid compared to other places.
Here’s what July looks like in Burlington:
| Time of Day | Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | ~78% |
| 1 PM | ~53% |
Afternoons might feel more comfortable, but humidity still lingers enough to affect outdoor plans.
Long hikes or festivals? Mornings can feel sticky, and evenings often bring back the dampness as things cool off.
Heat Index and Perceived Temperature
When humidity and summer heat combine, the heat index starts to matter.
Early July highs in Vermont usually reach the upper 70s to low 80s °F.
With humidity, it can feel several degrees warmer than the thermometer shows.
Say it’s 82°F with 55% humidity—it’ll feel closer to 85–87°F.
Hotter days that hit the mid-80s can feel like 90°F.
Your body cools itself by sweating, but high humidity slows that down.
You might notice sweat just sticking around, making any activity feel more tiring.
To stay comfortable, you’ll want to:
- Drink water often
- Find shade during the afternoon
- Wear light, breathable clothes
Little things like these help you deal with both the real temperature and the sticky air.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Early July in Vermont means long days, bright skies, and stronger sun exposure than most of the year.
You’ll get tons of daylight, steady sunshine, and UV levels that you shouldn’t ignore if you’re outside a lot.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Vermont usually sees 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day in early July.
It’s the sunniest stretch of the year, and skies are often clearer than in spring or fall.
Clouds show up, sure, but summer brings more steady sun.
In Burlington, July averages about 10.2 hours of sunshine, making it one of the best months for being outside.
Even on partly cloudy days, the sun is strong enough for long stretches of light.
July’s good for hiking, boating, or checking out local festivals.
Length of Daylight Around July 4th
Around Independence Day, Vermont gets some of its longest daylight hours.
The sun rises before 5:20 a.m. and doesn’t set until almost 8:40 p.m.
That’s about 15 hours and 20 minutes of daylight to play with.
You can spend full days outside and not need lights until late.
Sunset lingers, with twilight hanging around past 9 p.m.—perfect for evening get-togethers or fireworks.
By mid-July, the days start to shorten, but it’s barely noticeable.
You’ll still have over 15 hours of daylight through the first half of the month.
Typical UV Index Readings
The UV Index in Vermont during early July is usually 6 to 8 on clear days—that’s considered high.
Unprotected skin can burn in just 20 minutes during midday.
UV strength peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so plan for shade or protective clothes if you’re out then.
Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is a must for long activities.
Compared to the South, Vermont’s UV isn’t as intense, but it’s still strong enough to cause problems.
With such long daylight, your total exposure adds up, so sun safety really matters.
Wind and Visibility Conditions
Early July in Vermont usually brings light, steady winds and good visibility.
Passing showers or storms can shake things up briefly, but most days are stable for outdoor fun or travel.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Expect light to moderate breezes around Independence Day.
Average wind speeds in July hover near 5 mph (8 km/h)—pretty calm by Vermont standards.
Winds usually come from the west or northwest, though mountains and valleys can change things up locally.
Mornings often feel still, and afternoons pick up a bit as the sun heats things up.
This daytime heating stirs the air, but gusts rarely get strong enough to mess with your plans.
Thunderstorms, though, can ramp up the wind for a bit.
A passing storm might bring gusts over 20–30 mph, but that’s usually quick and only in one spot.
If you’re out on Lake Champlain or hiking a ridge, just know winds can feel stronger in open spots.
Average Visibility in July
Visibility in Vermont in July is usually 6–10 miles or more on clear days.
The air feels humid, but haze doesn’t usually block your mountain views.
It’s a good time for sightseeing or snapping photos.
Morning fog can show up in low areas, especially near water.
These fog patches might drop visibility to less than a mile, but they burn off by mid-morning.
Showers and storms can briefly cut visibility down, sometimes under a mile while it rains hard.
Otherwise, you’ll get reliable, clear views across most of the state.
Weather Variability and Historical Extremes
Early July in Vermont usually feels warm and comfortable, but the weather here can swing from one year to the next.
Rainfall, thunderstorms, and even rare cold snaps have all shaped how Independence Day weather turns out.
Year-to-Year Fluctuations
In early July, you’ll usually see daytime highs climbing into the upper 70s or low 80s °F. Nights tend to cool off, dropping back into the upper 50s or low 60s °F.
But honestly, those averages don’t tell the whole story. Some years swing wildly, and the weather can feel completely different from one July to the next.
Take Burlington, for instance. Some holiday weeks sizzle near 90°F, while others barely break 70°F with clouds and rain hanging around. Bennington and Newport show this same back-and-forth, though Newport usually stays a bit cooler.
Rainfall definitely plays a part too. July usually brings about 3–4 inches of rain, making it one of Vermont’s wetter months. Some summers, you’ll barely notice a sprinkle, but other years, thunderstorms seem to show up just to ruin your picnic.
Humidity? That’s a wildcard. Burlington gets its share of muggy July days, but Newport, for whatever reason, often feels a lot less sticky. That difference can really change how hot the air feels, even if the thermometer says otherwise.
Notable Weather Events Near Independence Day
A few Independence Day periods in Vermont really stand out for unusual conditions. Some years, strong thunderstorms have swept in right on the holiday, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and enough lightning to delay fireworks.
Heat waves sometimes show up, too. Temperatures can jump into the mid-90s °F, making parades and outdoor get-togethers pretty uncomfortable.
Every now and then, cold fronts push through and flip things around. Highs have barely made it into the upper 60s °F, so evenings end up chilly enough that you might want a jacket.
These wild swings in weather really make you wonder what you’ll get each year.
You don’t have to worry about snow in July, but heavy rain can still cause trouble. Localized flooding sometimes pops up, especially in valleys or close to rivers.
If you’re planning something outside, it’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast. That way, you won’t get caught off guard.