St. Patrick’s Day in Vermont usually brings a mix of lingering winter chill and the first hints of spring. Daytime highs often hit the 30s or low 40s Fahrenheit, but nights still dip well below freezing.
Snow on the ground? Pretty common, especially in the northern and higher elevation spots. Southern valleys sometimes show off patches of bare ground by mid-March.
This time of year can turn on a dime. One day, you might get mild sunshine and melting snow, but the next could surprise you with fresh flurries or a cold snap.
That unpredictability really shapes how you plan celebrations. Whether you’re heading to a parade, eating maple treats like sugar on snow, or exploring Vermont’s small-town events, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast.
Knowing what the weather usually looks like in mid-March helps you prepare for both outdoor festivities and travel. Historical averages and climate patterns show how Vermont’s St. Patrick’s Day blends late-winter weather with the start of spring celebrations.
Typical Weather Patterns on St. Patrick’s Day in Vermont
Vermont’s mid-March weather usually means cool temperatures, a chance of lingering snow, and skies that change fast. You should plan for both winter and early spring conditions.
Average Temperatures and Precipitation
On St. Patrick’s Day, Vermont’s daytime highs usually land between the upper 30s and mid-40s °F (3–7 °C). Nighttime lows often drop into the 20s °F (-6 to -2 °C), so mornings and evenings feel much colder than afternoons.
Precipitation happens often in March. You might see light rain, freezing rain, or snow, depending on where you are and the time of day.
Higher elevations in the Green Mountains stay colder, so snow or mixed precipitation happens more often there. Lower valleys like Burlington or Bennington get more cold rain.
March usually brings 2–3 inches of precipitation across most of Vermont. Since temperatures hover near freezing, even a small change can flip conditions from rain to snow.
Likelihood of Snowfall
Snow still shows up regularly on St. Patrick’s Day in Vermont. Average March snowfall ranges from 10–20 inches in valleys to over 25 inches in the mountains.
By mid-March, snow cover usually sticks around in rural and higher elevation areas. You should expect a decent chance of snow showers, especially if you’re in the northern or central parts of the state.
In Burlington, historical records often show measurable snow on or near March 17. Even if new snow doesn’t fall, leftover snowpack is common.
Ski resorts usually stay open, and trails remain snow-covered. If you’re traveling, watch for icy spots in the morning and evening—overnight refreezing makes things slick.
Clear Skies and Sunshine Trends
March brings longer daylight hours in Vermont, but skies often stay cloudy. On St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll usually see partly to mostly cloudy conditions instead of clear skies.
Sunshine breaks through at times, but those blue-sky stretches don’t last long. Vermont averages about 40–50% of possible sunshine during March.
You might get a mix of bright spells and overcast periods all in one day. Clear skies show up more after a cold front moves through, when drier air arrives.
Those clear periods usually come with colder temperatures at night. If you’re hoping for outdoor celebrations, be ready for shifting light all day.
Historical Weather Data for Mid-March
Vermont’s mid-March weather flips between winter and early spring. You’ll get wide swings in temperature, occasional snow, and the chance of mild days that hint at the next season.
Temperature Ranges Over the Years
Average highs in mid-March usually land in the upper 30s to low 40s °F. Lows often dip into the teens or 20s, depending on where you are.
For example, Burlington averages about 41°F high / 24°F low. Montpelier sees 40°F high / 18°F low. Higher up, like at Mount Mansfield, highs hover near 30°F and lows around 16°F.
These numbers show that St. Patrick’s Day still feels wintry, especially in the mountains. Snowpack usually remains in northern and central areas, while southern valleys might thaw a bit more during the day.
Notable Weather Events
Past St. Patrick’s Days in Vermont have brought both snowstorms and mild spells. Some years brought flurries, while others warmed up into the 40s under clear skies.
Mid-March storms sometimes dropped several inches of snow, making travel and parades tricky. Warm years occasionally pushed temperatures into the 50s in southern towns, creating slushy roads and faster snowmelt.
This time of year is unpredictable. You might wake up to icy mornings and enjoy a milder afternoon, or see a calm day followed by a quick-moving storm system.
Comparing Recent Years
Recent years have shown the same back-and-forth: cold snaps, then milder breaks. Sometimes, St. Patrick’s Day highs stay in the 20s with light snow. Other years, you get near-normal 40s and dry skies.
One year, Vermont had its coldest March 17 in over a decade, with highs stuck in the 20s. The next year, things bounced back to average, with highs in the low 40s and no big storms.
Vermont’s mid-March weather can change fast. If you plan to be outside, you should prepare for both lingering winter chill and that first taste of spring warmth.
How Weather Impacts St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
In Vermont, mid-March weather swings quickly between late-winter cold and early-spring thaw. These changes affect how you join parades, outdoor gatherings, and other holiday events.
Outdoor Parades and Festivities
Vermont’s St. Patrick’s Day parade usually faces brisk conditions, with highs in the 30s or low 40s °F. Cold winds can make things feel even chillier, especially if you’re standing along the route.
Dressing in layers, with a warm coat, hat, and gloves, keeps you comfortable while still showing off your green. Snow isn’t unusual in March, which adds challenges for parade organizers.
Crews may need to clear streets, and sidewalks can get slippery. If you’re planning to attend, sturdy boots with good traction beat lighter shoes every time.
When snow or freezing rain is in the forecast, crowds tend to shrink. Smaller turnouts can mean shorter events, but at least you get a better view.
On milder years, when temps climb closer to 50 °F, bigger groups show up for music, food vendors, and family activities outside.
Adjusting Plans for Rain or Snow
Rain happens often in mid-March, and even a light shower can put a damper on outdoor celebrations. If you want to watch a parade or join a street festival, bring a waterproof jacket—umbrellas don’t help much when it’s windy.
Snowfall, while less frequent than in January or February, still pops up. A few inches can delay travel into downtown areas or force last-minute changes to parade routes.
Organizers sometimes shorten programs or move music and dancing indoors to community halls or pubs. You can stay ahead by checking the local forecast the night before.
Having a backup plan, like indoor dining or visiting cultural events, makes sure you still enjoy the holiday even if the weather shifts suddenly.
St. Patrick’s Day Events and Traditions in Vermont
Vermont celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with lively public parades and smaller cultural gatherings. The events highlight Irish heritage through music, dance, and traditions that reflect the state’s strong Irish-American roots.
Major Parades and Festivals
The biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in Vermont happen in Burlington and Rutland. You’ll see marching bands, community groups, and floats decked out in green.
Families, students, and visitors fill the streets to watch performances and soak up the festive vibe. In Burlington, the parade usually runs along Church Street Marketplace, so it’s easy to combine the event with shopping or dining.
Rutland’s parade is smaller but has a dedicated crowd, with lots of local schools and civic groups joining in. Many towns also host smaller gatherings, like community breakfasts or pub events, where you can enjoy Irish food and drink.
These festivals are more relaxed and give you a chance to celebrate in a low-key way.
Key features of parades and festivals include:
- Bagpipe and drum performances
- Floats with Irish symbols
- Local school bands and dancers
- Family-friendly viewing areas
Irish Heritage and Cultural Activities
Beyond parades, you can dive into Vermont’s Irish heritage with music, dance, and storytelling. The Montpelier Irish Heritage Festival stands out for its traditional Irish music sessions, step dancing, and cultural workshops.
Irish dance performances bring energy, with both kids and adults taking the stage. The rhythmic footwork and lively tunes make for an authentic experience.
You might also find workshops on Celtic crafts or history talks about the Irish community in Vermont. Local pubs and community centers often host live Irish music nights, featuring fiddles, flutes, and classic ballads.
These gatherings offer a more intimate holiday experience compared to big parades. If you’re looking for something quieter, you can check out cultural lectures, film screenings, or small concerts focused on Irish heritage.
These events add context and depth, helping you see how Irish culture shapes Vermont’s history.
Popular Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Vermont
On March 17, you’ll find lively nightlife and family events all over Vermont. Some towns host parades and live music, while others focus on traditional food, Irish dance, and community gatherings.
Best Pubs and Restaurants
If you want a real pub atmosphere, Burlington and Rutland have some of the best spots. In Burlington, Church Street pubs usually serve Guinness on tap, Irish whiskey flights, and staples like corned beef and cabbage.
Many places bring in live Irish bands or host sing-alongs, which makes for a festive but laid-back scene. Rutland’s downtown has smaller taverns that go all-out with green decorations and hearty food specials.
Ski towns like Killington and Stowe get in on the fun, mixing après-ski with St. Patrick’s Day specials. You might find green beer, live DJs, or outdoor tents with heaters if you want to celebrate after a day on the slopes.
If you’d rather have a quieter meal, Montpelier’s Irish Heritage Festival teams up with local restaurants to serve Irish-inspired dishes. These spots focus more on music and culture than late-night parties.
Family-Friendly Venues
For families, parades are the main event. Burlington’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings floats, marching bands, and community groups through downtown, making it a safe and festive pick for all ages.
Rutland also hosts a smaller parade with a welcoming, local feel. Montpelier’s Irish Heritage Festival offers storytelling, step dancing, and music workshops that appeal to both kids and adults.
You can expect daytime schedules, which makes these events easier for families with younger children. Some community centers and libraries in Vermont host craft activities, Irish dance lessons, or history talks.
These venues skip the bar scene and give you a chance to learn while celebrating. Families often enjoy these quieter settings before heading out to watch a parade.
Travel Tips for Visiting Vermont Around St. Patrick’s Day
Temperatures in mid-March swing between freezing nights and cool afternoons. Conditions can flip quickly between snow, rain, and mud.
Local parades and small-town events also bring extra traffic and parking headaches, especially in Burlington and Montpelier.
What to Pack for the Weather
March in Vermont feels like a guessing game. Most days, highs hover in the upper 30s or low 40s °F. Nights? They usually drop into the 20s °F.
You’ll probably see snow, but rain and slush show up just as often. So, you’ve got to be ready for anything.
Pack layered clothing you can swap out as the weather changes:
- Base layer: thermal or a moisture-wicking shirt
- Insulating layer: fleece or a light sweater
- Outer layer: waterproof jacket or shell
You’ll want waterproof boots with solid traction. Side streets and those rural roads can get muddy fast, and icy patches still linger on sidewalks.
Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a scarf for those chilly mornings. But honestly, a lighter cap comes in handy when the sun finally makes an appearance.
Sunglasses? Absolutely, because the sun bouncing off leftover snow can be blinding. Planning to hike or wander outside? Trekking poles really help if the trails get slick.
Getting Around During Festivities
St. Patrick’s Day events usually pop up in downtown spots. Burlington’s Church Street and Montpelier’s Main Street sometimes close off to cars, and crowds fill the sidewalks.
It’s honestly easier if you park a few blocks away and just walk in. You’ll avoid the worst of the congestion that way.
Outside the bigger towns, public transit doesn’t really cut it. Renting a car gives you way more freedom.
Just remember, secondary roads may be muddy during “mud season,” especially out in the countryside. I’d say a vehicle with all-wheel drive makes things less stressful.
If you’re driving, keep an ice scraper and a small shovel in your trunk. Late-season snow squalls still show up sometimes, and plows can leave piles along the curb.
Give yourself extra travel time. Parades and detours can really slow things down.
You’ll find taxis and rideshares in Burlington, but in smaller towns, they’re hit-or-miss. If you’re hoping to check out pubs or breweries, it’s smarter to set up your ride ahead of time so you’re not stuck.