Things to Do in Burlington in January

January Weather in Burlington

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-11°C (12°F) Low Temp

46 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak winter sports season - Smugglers' Notch and Stowe receive 152-203 cm (60-80 inches) of fresh powder by January, creating perfect skiing conditions just 45 minutes from downtown
Dramatic Lake Champlain ice formations - The lake partially freezes creating stunning ice caves and shelves near Oakledge Park, visible on clear days with temperatures below -7°C (19°F) for 5+ consecutive days
Burlington Winter Festival (mid-January) transforms Church Street Marketplace into an outdoor winter wonderland with ice sculptures, local craft beer tastings, and live music - attendance peaks around 15,000-20,000 visitors
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from peak summer pricing - Luxury lakefront properties average $89-129/night in January versus $200-350/night in July-August

Considerations

Brutal windchill factor near Lake Champlain - Temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than actual temperature due to lake effect winds, making outdoor activities uncomfortable for more than 20-30 minutes
Limited ferry service to Lake Champlain islands - Ferry runs reduced to 3-4 times daily versus hourly summer service, and cancellations occur 20-25% of January days due to ice conditions
Many seasonal attractions closed - Shelburne Farms, ECHO Leahy Center outdoor exhibits, and waterfront bike paths have limited hours or weather-dependent closures

Best Activities in January

Stowe Mountain Resort Skiing

January delivers Vermont's most reliable snow conditions with 30-46 cm (12-18 inches) average snowfall. Morning temperatures of -9°C (15°F) create perfect powder that doesn't get icy until afternoon. Weekday lift tickets cost 35% less than weekend rates, and crowds are minimal compared to holiday periods.

Booking Tip: Book lift tickets online 7-10 days ahead for 20-25% savings. Equipment rental packages typically cost $45-65/day. Look for midweek packages that include lodging. See current ski tour options in booking section below.

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Tours

When lake temperatures drop below -1°C (30°F) for 10+ consecutive days, guided ice fishing becomes possible on Malletts Bay and Colchester areas. January offers 15-20 cm (6-8 inch) ice thickness, perfect for targeting lake trout and northern pike. Morning sessions (7am-11am) have highest success rates.

Booking Tip: Licensed guides provide all equipment and heated shelters. Tours typically cost $125-175 per person for 4-hour sessions. Book 14-21 days ahead as only 3-4 operators run winter programs. Check current ice conditions through local guides in booking section below.

Church Street Marketplace Winter Shopping

Indoor heated pedestrian mall becomes a cozy refuge during January's harsh weather. Local Vermont artisan shops offer 30-40% winter clearance sales on maple products, craft goods, and winter clothing. Connected by covered walkways to avoid -11°C (12°F) outdoor temperatures.

Booking Tip: Visit midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for best selection and personal service. Many shops offer hot cider or coffee to browsers. Food court provides warm meal options. No advance booking needed for shopping, but restaurant reservations recommended for dinner.

Ben & Jerry's Factory Winter Tours

Factory tours continue year-round with special winter flavor productions visible in January. Indoor facility stays warm at 21°C (70°F) while showcasing seasonal flavors like Peppermint Bark. 30-minute tours include samples and cost significantly less than summer peak pricing.

Booking Tip: Tours run every 30 minutes, 10am-5pm daily except holidays. Tickets cost $4-6 per adult with group discounts available. Book same-day tickets online or at door - rarely sells out in January. Located 48 km (30 miles) south in Waterbury.

Smugglers' Notch Snowshoeing Trails

Resort maintains 24 km (15 miles) of dedicated snowshoe trails through pristine Vermont forests. January's consistent snow cover of 61-91 cm (24-36 inches) creates ideal conditions. Trails range from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) loops to challenging 6.4 km (4 mile) backcountry routes.

Booking Tip: Snowshoe rentals cost $18-25/day at resort base lodge. Guided moonlight tours (available during full moon periods) cost $35-45 per person. Self-guided trail maps provided free. Book accommodations with trail access packages for best value. See current winter activity options in booking section below.

Vermont Brewery Winter Warming Tours

Burlington's craft brewery scene peaks in winter with special seasonal brews and heated tasting rooms. January features winter warmer ales, coffee stouts, and barrel-aged releases. Most breweries within 1.6 km (1 mile) of downtown offer guided tastings and food pairings.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $12-18 per person with 4-5 beer samples. Many offer winter package deals combining multiple breweries. Uber/Lyft reliable for brewery hopping to avoid driving in snow. Book weekend tours 5-7 days ahead. See current food and drink tours in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Burlington Winter Festival

Annual celebration featuring professional ice sculptors, outdoor beer garden with warming fires, live music on heated stages, and family activities. Local restaurants offer special winter menus and hot drink specials. Takes place along Church Street Marketplace with activities spread across 4 city blocks.

Late January

Stowe Winter Carnival

Week-long celebration 48 km (30 miles) from Burlington featuring snow sculpture competitions, ski jumping demonstrations, and traditional Vermont winter activities. Includes torchlight ski parades and winter sports competitions dating back to 1921.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -18°C (0°F) - Essential for walking on icy sidewalks and snow depths of 30-61 cm (12-24 inches)

Layered clothing system - Base layer, insulating layer, waterproof shell for temperatures ranging from -11°C to -1°C (12°F to 30°F) daily

Warm hat covering ears - Wind chill near Lake Champlain makes temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than actual

Waterproof gloves with grip - Ice and snow make surfaces slippery, need dexterity for phone use in cold

Thermal underwear - Indoor heating varies, and outdoor activities require base layer warmth

Sunglasses - Snow reflection intensifies UV rays despite low winter sun angle

Lip balm with SPF - Dry winter air and snow reflection cause chapping within hours

Portable phone charger - Cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster than normal

Ice cleats or yaktrax for shoes - Sidewalks and parking lots frequently icy, especially mornings

Heavy winter coat rated to -18°C (0°F) - Not just ski jacket, need urban winter warmth for walking between venues

Insider Knowledge

Download Green Mountain Transit app - Bus schedules change frequently due to snow, and heated bus stops are marked on digital maps

Lake Champlain creates its own microclimate - Weather can be 3-5°C (5-9°F) different between waterfront and inland areas just 1.6 km (1 mile) away

Most locals shop for winter gear at Al's French Frys or local hardware stores rather than tourist shops - better prices and gear suited for actual Vermont winters

Vermont restaurants often close Monday-Tuesday in January due to low tourist volume - call ahead even for popular downtown spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold Lake Champlain wind makes outdoor activities - Visitors plan 2-hour waterfront walks but can only handle 20-30 minutes in actual conditions

Assuming all winter activities are available daily - Ice fishing, some ski trails, and ferry services depend on daily weather conditions and safety checks

Booking summer-weight accommodations - Some budget hotels reduce heating to save costs, and lakefront properties can be 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder inside