Thanksgiving in Vermont really feels like the start of winter. You’ll notice chilly days with average highs in the low to mid-40s Fahrenheit and lows dropping into the 20s. Snow showers get more likely, especially in the mountains. Some years, you get crisp, dry air—perfect for a holiday walk. Other years, early snow arrives and suddenly, travel plans shift.
You’ll see a mix of weather around Thanksgiving—cloudy skies, short days, and the chance of rain or snow depending on where you are. The valleys might stay a bit milder, but the northern and higher spots usually get colder, snowier weather.
This time of year feels unpredictable. Thanksgiving week can swing from calm and crisp to snowy and challenging.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Vermont
Late November in Vermont usually brings cold days, frequent precipitation, and a real chance of early-season snow. Days get short, with sunset arriving well before dinner.
Weather can flip quickly from rain to snow, especially as you go up in elevation or if a storm rolls through.
Average Temperatures in Late November
By Thanksgiving, winter-like weather has settled in. In lower valleys like Burlington and Bennington, average daytime highs sit between 33°F and 40°F.
Up in the Green Mountains, highs often hover right around freezing.
At night, lows usually fall into the 20s°F. In the mountain towns, it’s not weird to see temperatures dip into the teens.
Plan for below-freezing mornings and chilly evenings, especially if you’re out after dark.
Wind makes it feel even colder. Northwest winds blow through a lot this time of year, and gusts can push the wind chill down into the teens.
If you’re heading outside, layers and a wind-resistant jacket make a big difference.
Precipitation Patterns During Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving week tends to bring unsettled weather across Vermont. November averages 3 to 4 inches of precipitation, which can fall as rain, snow, or a mix.
Cold fronts sweep through the Northeast and often spark light rain or freezing rain in the valleys. The mountains usually get snow, even when it’s just rain down below.
If you’re traveling, expect wet or slick roads, especially in the morning or overnight when temperatures drop. Freezing rain is less common than snow but can make driving seriously hazardous.
Snowfall Likelihood and Accumulation
Snow can show up pretty much anywhere in Vermont around Thanksgiving, though totals really depend on location. Burlington usually sees about 7–9 inches of snow in November.
Towns in the Northeast Kingdom or along the Green Mountains often average 12–15 inches or even more.
Storms from the Great Lakes or coastal systems sometimes deliver the first big snow of the season. One storm can drop several inches, especially in the higher spots.
If you’re traveling for the holiday, be ready for snow-covered roads. Even a couple inches makes a difference, especially with holiday traffic.
Ski areas in southern and central Vermont usually open around Thanksgiving, relying on both natural and man-made snow.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
By late November, days in Vermont get short. Sunrise happens around 6:50–7:00 a.m. and sunset comes early, near 4:15–4:25 p.m.
That’s just over 9 hours of daylight—one of the shortest stretches all year.
If you’re traveling, try to finish longer drives during daylight. Roads can get icy after dark.
Early sunsets also change outdoor plans. Hiking, sightseeing, or even running errands is easier if you start earlier.
Thanksgiving gatherings often stretch into the evening, so you’ll probably be driving home in the dark and cold.
Clear Skies and Cloud Cover Trends
Late November usually brings more cloud cover than blue sky in Vermont, but you’ll still get some sunshine now and then.
Weather varies a lot depending on where you are, so knowing the odds of clear or cloudy days helps you plan.
Chance of Clear or Partly Cloudy Days
In Burlington, you see the sky overcast or mostly cloudy about half the time in November. Around Thanksgiving, there’s a 45%–50% chance of clear or partly cloudy skies.
November 3 actually ends up being the clearest day on average.
Clouds show up more often as November goes on. Early in the month, you have a better shot at sun, but by Thanksgiving, it’s cloudier with more overcast days.
Snowfall also gets more frequent at the end of the month. So, a bright, sunny Thanksgiving? It’s possible, but you can’t count on it.
| Condition | Early November | Late November |
|---|---|---|
| Clear / Partly Cloudy | ~50% | ~45% |
| Mostly Cloudy / Overcast | ~49% | ~55% |
Regional Differences in Sky Conditions
You’ll notice different sky conditions depending on where you are. The Champlain Valley, including Burlington, usually gets more breaks in the clouds.
The Green Mountains tend to hold onto low clouds and fog longer, especially when it’s cold.
Eastern Vermont, near the Connecticut River, often deals with more persistent clouds. The valleys trap moisture and slow down clearing.
Staying in Stowe or another ski town? Skies can be all over the place. Snowfall brings overcast weather, but after a storm, you might get a stunning clear day with great visibility.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Cloud cover really changes how outdoor plans feel at Thanksgiving. Hiking or walking trails is nicer on partly cloudy days, when you get a little sun to balance the chill.
If you’re out for a scenic drive or snapping photos, clear skies make Vermont’s mountains and lakes pop.
Overcast weather can make things look muted and cut down on visibility, especially up high.
For skiing or snowboarding, clouds aren’t much of a problem. Fresh snow usually comes with cloudy skies, and after a storm, partly cloudy days can mean bright, beautiful conditions on the slopes.
Weather Variability and Regional Differences
Thanksgiving weather in Vermont shifts a lot depending on where you are. Latitude and elevation change the temperature, snowfall, and travel conditions.
Northern vs Southern Vermont Weather
Northern Vermont gets colder by late November. Burlington often stays in the upper 30s °F for highs, with lows in the 20s.
Snow falls more often here, and some years, early-season snow sticks around.
Southern Vermont—think Bennington or Brattleboro—runs a bit warmer. Highs usually reach the low 40s, and overnight lows hover near freezing.
Snow still happens, but you’ll see more rain events than up north.
Traveling just 50–100 miles can totally change your experience.
| Region | Typical Highs (°F) | Typical Lows (°F) | Precipitation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Vermont | 35–38 | 22–28 | Snow or mixed |
| Southern Vermont | 40–43 | 30–33 | Rain or snow |
If you’re driving north, expect colder, icier roads.
Mountain Areas Compared to Valleys
Elevation matters a lot in Vermont’s Thanksgiving weather. Mountain towns like Stowe or Killington often have snow on the ground by late November.
Daytime highs up there are usually in the upper 20s to low 30s °F. Nighttime lows can drop into the teens, making roads icy.
Valley areas—along Lake Champlain or in the Connecticut River Valley—stay milder. Highs reach the upper 30s or low 40s, and snow is less reliable.
Rain shows up more in southern valleys.
The difference between mountains and valleys can be pretty dramatic. Ski areas may already have real snow, while towns just a short drive away are still bare.
If you’re traveling, expect sharper temperature drops and more winter-like weather as you climb in elevation.
Travel Considerations for Thanksgiving in Vermont
Traveling in Vermont around Thanksgiving depends on road conditions, the timing of storms, and how you prepare. Cold, mixed precipitation and holiday traffic can all slow things down.
Road Conditions and Safety
Late November usually brings the first taste of winter driving. Roads can be wet, icy, or covered in snow, depending on the weather.
Mountain passes, like those near Stowe or Killington, often get slick even when the valleys are clear.
You’ll run into reduced visibility during snow showers and need to watch for black ice, especially in the morning and evening.
Rural highways and secondary roads get plowed less often than the interstates, so build in extra time if you’re heading outside Burlington or Montpelier.
Locals switch to winter tires by early November. You’ll notice better traction on steep or winding roads.
Keep an emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight in your car just in case.
Weather-Related Travel Delays
Thanksgiving week in Vermont can bring anything—snow, freezing rain, or just cold rain. Weather models often don’t agree until a day or two before, so predicting exact conditions is tough.
Even a small storm can slow traffic if it hits during peak travel.
Air travel sometimes gets delayed, too. Burlington International Airport is small, so even minor storms can cause problems.
Connecting through bigger airports like Boston or New York? Weather there can delay your Vermont flight, too.
On the roads, just a few inches of snow can cause backups on I-89 and I-91. Freezing rain is even worse, since it creates ice that plows and salt can’t fix quickly.
Check forecasts daily and tweak your departure time to avoid the worst.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Try to arrive a day early if you can. This gives you a buffer if storms pop up and helps you skip the busiest traffic.
Leaving early in the morning is usually safer, since road crews clear highways overnight.
Book your lodging ahead of time, especially near ski towns like Stowe or Killington. Thanksgiving often kicks off the ski season, so places fill up fast.
Keep an eye on National Weather Service updates and local Vermont forecasts. Apps are handy, but local radio and state highway reports often have better road info.
If you’re driving far, map out alternate routes in case mountain roads close.
Pack warm clothes, gloves, and boots. If you need to stop or walk in the snow, you’ll be glad you did.
A little prep goes a long way when Vermont’s Thanksgiving weather keeps you guessing.
How to Prepare for Vermont’s Thanksgiving Weather
Late November in Vermont means cold temps, short days, and a mix of rain and snow. Conditions can flip from morning to evening.
Dressing in layers and having the right gear just makes everything easier.
What to Pack for Your Visit
Expect daytime highs in the 30s to low 40s °F (around 4–7 °C). Nights are colder and often dip below freezing.
Snow is possible, especially in the mountains. Valleys might get cold rain.
Bring layered clothing so you can adjust as needed:
- A waterproof outer jacket
- Insulated mid-layers like fleece or wool
- Thermal base layers
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
Footwear matters. Pack waterproof boots with good traction since sidewalks and trails can be wet, icy, or slushy.
Throw in an extra pair of socks—wet feet are no fun.
If you’re skiing or hiking, bring gear for cold-weather activity.
Sunglasses help too, since snow glare can be intense even on cloudy days.
Staying Comfortable Indoors and Outdoors
Heating systems in Vermont homes and rentals really dry out the air. Honestly, I always keep a small travel humidifier or just a reusable water bottle nearby, so I can stay hydrated and avoid that annoying dry skin.
Indoors, you should definitely pack comfortable loungewear and slippers. Wood floors and tile? They get cold, fast.
Most inns and cabins encourage you to relax, so you’ll be glad you brought some warm layers for evenings inside.
When you head outdoors, stick with a layering system so you don’t overheat but still stay warm. Something like: thermal shirt, fleece jacket, insulated coat, then a waterproof shell.
If you’re driving, toss a car emergency kit in your trunk, with a blanket, flashlight, and ice scraper. Roads can flip from just wet to icy in no time, especially after sunset up in the mountains.
Thanksgiving Weather: Historical Trends and Notable Years
Thanksgiving in Vermont? It’s unpredictable. Some years bring mild autumn days, while others hit you with heavy snow or bitter cold. Your travel and outdoor plans really depend on whether it feels more like early winter or if late fall hangs on a bit longer.
Noteworthy Thanksgiving Weather Events
Vermont’s Thanksgiving weather has surprised people more than once. In 1989, a coastal storm dumped heavy snow across New England. Some areas in Vermont got over half a foot, which slowed down travel and delayed a lot of holiday gatherings.
1987 stands out too. Northern New England, Vermont included, saw double-digit snowfall totals in some mountain towns. The wind made driving even tougher, especially out in the rural spots.
Cold snaps have made their mark as well. Take the 1950 Great Appalachian Storm—Vermont got hit with frigid temperatures and strong winds. The biggest snow missed the state, but the storm still made things rough.
Thanksgiving in Vermont really can bring anything, from wild snowstorms to sudden cold fronts. It keeps travel and local traditions interesting, that’s for sure.
Recent Thanksgiving Weather Patterns
In the past few decades, Vermont has seen milder Thanksgiving weather compared to what folks experienced in the mid-20th century.
These days, valley towns often reach the upper 30s or low 40s °F in late November. The mountain areas, though, usually stay colder.
Snow still shows up, but big storms on Thanksgiving itself don’t happen as much. Some years, you’ll just get a few snow showers, which definitely makes traveling around the state a bit easier.
Temperature records tell a story of gradual warming. Since the 1970s, Vermont’s late-November averages have climbed by several degrees.
This warming means rain or mixed precipitation pops up more often during the holiday, especially down in the southern counties.
Still, don’t count out snow entirely. Even in warmer years, higher spots like the Green Mountains usually pick up some measurable accumulation.
That wintry feeling sticks around for a lot of Vermont, no matter what the averages say.