Things to Do in Burlington in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Burlington
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring transition weather means comfortable daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F) without the summer heat - perfect for walking the waterfront and exploring downtown without breaking a sweat
- Lake Champlain is starting to wake up after winter freeze, with boat tours resuming operations and waterfront restaurants opening their patios - you'll catch that exciting shoulder season energy as the city comes alive
- Cherry and magnolia blossoms typically peak in late April, transforming Burlington into a photographer's dream - the Intervale and Oakledge Park are particularly stunning during this brief 10-14 day window
- Accommodation prices are 25-35% lower than summer peak season, and you'll actually get tables at popular restaurants without advance reservations - the sweet spot before Memorial Day crowds arrive
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 18°C (64°F) and sunny one day, then 4°C (39°F) with rain the next, making it tricky to plan outdoor activities more than 48 hours ahead
- Lake Champlain is still quite cold at around 7-10°C (45-50°F), so swimming and water sports are pretty much off the table unless you're particularly hardy or have a wetsuit
- Some seasonal attractions are still in transition mode - a few lakeside venues might not be fully operational until May, and hiking trails at higher elevations can still have muddy, partly frozen sections
Best Activities in April
Church Street Marketplace Food Tours
April is actually ideal for exploring Burlington's food scene because restaurants are eager for business after the slow winter months, and you'll get better service and attention. The temperature is perfect for walking between stops - not too hot, not freezing. Local specialties like Vermont cheddar, maple creemees, and farm-to-table cuisine are at their spring menu changeover, so chefs are experimenting with new dishes. The 70% humidity might sound high, but it's comfortable at these temperatures.
Lake Champlain Sunset Cruises
Late April sees boat tours resuming operations after winter storage, and you'll find smaller crowds and more attentive crew. Sunset cruises are particularly magical because the sun sets around 7:45-8:00 PM, giving you golden hour light over the Adirondacks. Bring layers though - even if it's 11°C (52°F) on land, it drops to around 7°C (45°F) on the water with wind chill. The lake is calm in April, with fewer motorboats than summer.
Shelburne Farms Walking Tours
The 1,400-acre working farm is absolutely gorgeous in April when lambs are being born and maple sugaring season is wrapping up. You might catch the tail end of sugar-on-snow demonstrations if you visit early in the month. The grounds are muddy in spots, but passable with decent shoes. The Children's Farmyard opens for the season in mid-April, and the cheese-making facility runs full production. At 11°C (52°F), it's perfect walking weather without the summer heat.
Burlington Bike Path Cycling
The 12.5 km (7.8 mile) waterfront path is freshly cleared of winter debris by April and offers stunning lake views with the Adirondacks as backdrop. Early morning rides around 8-9 AM give you the path almost to yourself, and temperatures are crisp but manageable at 5-7°C (41-45°F). By afternoon it warms to 10-11°C (50-52°F). The path is completely flat, making it perfect for casual riders. Watch for the occasional rainy day - the path drains well but can have puddles.
Vermont Craft Brewery Tours
Burlington's craft beer scene is legendary, and April is perfect for brewery hopping because you're walking between locations in comfortable weather without summer's heat and crowds. The city has 8-10 breweries within 3 km (2 miles) of downtown. Most offer free tastings or flights for 8-12 USD. The South End Arts District brewery cluster is particularly walkable. Indoor spaces mean weather doesn't matter much, but the walk between stops is actually pleasant in April.
Mount Philo State Park Hiking
This 30-minute hike to the summit gives you panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks from 300 m (980 ft) elevation. The park officially opens for the season in mid-April, though the exact date varies with snowmelt. The trail can be muddy and have icy patches in early April, so waterproof hiking boots are essential. By late April it's usually clear. The moderate 1.2 km (0.75 mile) climb is perfect for casual hikers, and the summit is noticeably cooler - bring an extra layer.
April Events & Festivals
Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
Late March into early April, Vermont sugarhouses open their doors for free tours and tastings. While the official weekend is usually the last weekend of March, many sugarhouses continue operations into early April depending on weather. You'll see maple syrup production in action, taste sugar-on-snow, and buy fresh syrup directly from producers. Several sugarhouses are within 30-40 minutes of Burlington.
Spring Gallery Walk
First Friday of every month, including April, the South End Arts District hosts an evening gallery walk from 5-8 PM. About 30 studios and galleries open their doors with artist demonstrations, new exhibitions, and often wine and snacks. It's free to attend and gives you insight into Burlington's creative community. The neighborhood is walkable, and April weather is typically cooperative for the outdoor portions.