Things to Do in Burlington in August

August Weather in Burlington

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer warmth - Lake Champlain reaches 23°C (73°F), perfect for swimming and water sports without wetsuits
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival and multiple farmers markets showcase peak harvest season with corn, tomatoes, and stone fruits
Longest daylight hours (14+ hours) mean outdoor activities from 6am to 8pm with warm evenings perfect for lakefront dining
Tourism infrastructure runs at full capacity - all seasonal restaurants, ferry routes, and outdoor venues are open with extended hours

Considerations

Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices 40-60% higher than shoulder months, with weekend lakefront hotels booking solid
Popular attractions like Shelburne Farms and Church Street Marketplace experience heaviest crowds, especially weekends 11am-4pm
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive quickly off Lake Champlain - locals know to plan indoor backup activities after 2pm most days

Best Activities in August

Lake Champlain Island Hopping Tours

August water temperatures of 23°C (73°F) make this ideal for swimming stops at Grand Isle and South Hero. Clear summer weather provides stunning views of the Adirondacks across the water. Ferry schedules run every 30 minutes during peak season versus hourly in shoulder months.

Booking Tip: Book ferry passages 2-3 days ahead for vehicles, walk-ons rarely wait. Day passes cost $15-25 per person. Look for operators offering bicycle rentals on islands for full exploration. See current tour options in booking section below.

Burlington Bike Path Food Tours

The 12.9km (8-mile) lakefront path connects multiple breweries and farm-to-table restaurants during their peak season. August means outdoor seating is guaranteed, and local ingredients are at summer peak. Evening tours benefit from 8pm sunset timing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well with bike rentals at $25-40 per day. Guided food tours typically $75-95 per person, book 7-10 days ahead. Choose tours that include 3+ stops with tastings. Check booking widget for current guided options.

Shelburne Farms Walking Tours

Working dairy farm operations are most active in August heat, with early morning milking tours at 6:30am showcasing cheese-making process. The 538-hectare (1,400-acre) property offers cooler lakeside trails when afternoon temperatures peak. Farm-to-table dinners use peak harvest ingredients.

Booking Tip: Morning tours fill quickly - book 10-14 days ahead online. Entry costs $12-18 adults, $6-10 children. Walking tours included with admission, specialty cheese-making demos cost extra $15-25. Current tour times in booking section.

Champlain Valley Wine Trail Cycling

August marks peak grape development season across 15+ vineyards within 32km (20 miles) of Burlington. Warm days and cool Lake Champlain breezes create perfect cycling weather. Most vineyards extend tasting hours until 7pm during summer months.

Booking Tip: Rent hybrid bikes $30-45 per day with route maps included. Self-guided works well, or join group tours $85-120 per person including tastings and transport. Book weekend tours 2 weeks ahead. See current cycling tour options below.

Adirondack Sunset Sailing Charters

August evening winds on Lake Champlain are most consistent (8-12 knots) from 4-8pm, perfect for sailing. The late summer sunset at 7:45-8:00pm provides golden hour photography of mountains. Water temperature allows comfortable swimming stops during longer charters.

Booking Tip: 2-3 hour charters cost $200-400 for groups up to 6 people. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend slots, weekdays often available same-week. Look for USCG-certified captains and insured vessels. Current sailing options in booking widget.

Green Mountain Forest Bathing Walks

August heat makes higher elevation forest trails around Mount Philo and Little River State Park ideal for Japanese-inspired forest therapy. Canopy provides natural cooling 3-5°C (5-9°F) below open areas. Peak wildflower season includes native trilliums and jack-in-the-pulpit.

Booking Tip: Guided forest therapy sessions cost $35-50 per person for 2-3 hours. Self-guided works with trail maps from visitor centers. Start early morning or after 5pm to avoid peak heat. Check current guided nature walk options in booking section.

August Events & Festivals

Early August

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

Annual celebration of Vermont's artisan cheese makers with tastings from 40+ local producers, live music, and cheese-making demonstrations. Features exclusive releases only available at the festival.

Early to Mid August

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

Multi-venue jazz performances throughout downtown Burlington and lakefront venues. Free outdoor concerts in Battery Park with Lake Champlain backdrop, plus ticketed indoor shows at Flynn Center.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly over the lake and last 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with reflection off Lake Champlain intensifying exposure

Moisture-wicking layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - lakefront paths can be wet from morning dew until 10am

Light sweater for evening - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) even after warm days

Quick-dry shorts or pants for water activities - lake access points have limited changing facilities

Hat with chin strap - afternoon breezes off Lake Champlain average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph)

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes peak in early evening near wetland areas

Reusable water bottle - August heat requires frequent hydration, many venues have refill stations

Casual outdoor dining attire - most restaurants extend patio seating during August evenings

Insider Knowledge

Visit Church Street Marketplace before 10am or after 6pm to avoid peak crowds and find easier parking in surrounding streets

Lake Champlain water temperature peaks in late August - plan swimming activities for the third and fourth weeks for warmest conditions

Local farmers markets on Saturday (City Hall Park) and Tuesday (downtown) offer better prices and selection than touristy waterfront vendors

Book accommodations with air conditioning - many historic inns rely on fans only, uncomfortable during August heat waves above 30°C (86°F)

Avoid These Mistakes

Not booking restaurant reservations for lakefront dining - popular spots like ECHO Center area fill up by 5pm on weekends

Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup plans - afternoon storms are unpredictable but frequent in August

Driving to popular attractions instead of walking or biking - parking fills quickly and costs $15-25 per day downtown