Things to Do in Burlington in July

July Weather in Burlington

27°C (81°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer festival season - Burlington Discover Jazz Festival runs for 10 days in early July with 200+ free outdoor performances across the city
Lake Champlain reaches perfect swimming temperature at 21°C (70°F) - warmest water of the year with 14+ hours of daylight for extended beach time
Farmers markets hit peak season with Vermont corn, blueberries, and tomatoes at their absolute best - Saturdays at City Hall Park feature 40+ local vendors
Outdoor dining patios are in full swing with extended hours until 11pm, plus food trucks line up along Battery Park waterfront every evening

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices jump 40-60% compared to shoulder months, and waterfront restaurants require reservations 3-4 days ahead
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days per month, typically 2-4pm, which can disrupt outdoor lake activities and hiking plans
Downtown parking becomes scarce during festival weekends - expect to park 0.8km (0.5 miles) from Church Street and walk

Best Activities in July

Lake Champlain Island Cycling Tours

July offers the best cycling conditions with 14+ hours of daylight and minimal wind on the Champlain Islands. The ferry connections run every 30 minutes, and you'll have warm weather perfect for stopping at waterfront cafes. Morning rides (7-11am) avoid afternoon storms and offer the calmest lake views.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $35-45/day for hybrids. Book island ferry bike passes 5-7 days ahead through Lake Champlain Transportation - July weekends sell out. Look for operators offering island maps and ferry timing guidance.

Shelburne Museum and Farms Experience

July is peak blooming season for the museum's heritage gardens, plus the working farm demonstrates traditional Vermont haying and dairy operations. Indoor exhibits provide perfect refuge during afternoon thunderstorms, and extended summer hours (9am-6pm) give you flexibility around weather.

Booking Tip: Combo tickets for museum and farm typically cost $28-35 for adults. Purchase online 3-4 days ahead for July weekends. Look for packages including historic Round Barn tours and seasonal demonstrations.

Burlington Brewery Trail Walking Tours

July's warm evenings are perfect for outdoor beer gardens, and Vermont's craft brewing scene is at peak capacity with seasonal summer ales and outdoor festivals. The downtown brewery district keeps all patios open until 11pm, and you can walk between 5 breweries within 0.4km (0.25 miles).

Booking Tip: Self-guided brewery trails cost $15-25 for tasting maps. Guided group tours typically run $45-65 per person. Book weekend tours 7-10 days ahead - they often include food pairings and behind-the-scenes access.

Adirondack Mountains Day Hiking

July offers the most stable weather windows for crossing Lake Champlain to hike the Adirondacks. Morning ferry rides (8am departure) get you to trailheads by 10am, avoiding afternoon storms. Trails like Mount Philo (244m/800ft elevation) provide perfect half-day hikes with lake views.

Booking Tip: Ferry and shuttle packages typically cost $25-35 per person. Book hiking shuttles from ferry terminals 5-7 days ahead in July. Look for operators providing trail maps, weather updates, and return ferry coordination.

Church Street Marketplace Food Tours

July brings peak Vermont produce season to downtown restaurants, with outdoor seating available until 11pm most nights. The pedestrian marketplace hosts evening food vendors 5-9pm daily, and restaurant patios serve locally-sourced summer menus featuring corn, berries, and lake fish.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost $55-75 per person and last 3 hours. Book 4-6 days ahead for July dates. Look for tours including both restaurants and farmers market vendors, with indoor backup options for stormy days.

Lake Champlain Sunset Sailing

July offers the latest sunsets of the year (8:25pm) with warm evening temperatures perfect for 2-3 hour sailing trips. Afternoon thunderstorms typically clear by 5pm, leaving calm waters and dramatic skies for evening departures. The Adirondack mountain backdrop is most visible in July's clear air.

Booking Tip: Evening sailing trips typically cost $65-95 per person for 2.5-hour tours. Book 7-10 days ahead for July weekends, especially Friday and Saturday sunset sails. Look for operators offering covered areas and rescheduling policies for storms.

July Events & Festivals

Early July (first and second weeks)

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

Vermont's largest music festival features 200+ performances across 10 days, with free outdoor concerts in Battery Park, paid headline shows at Flynn Theater, and jazz brunches at waterfront restaurants. Evening shows run until 11pm with food vendors and craft beer gardens.

Mid July

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

Annual celebration featuring 40+ Vermont cheese makers with tastings, pairing workshops, and artisan demonstrations. Held at Shelburne Farms with lake views and includes beer and wine pairings from local producers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - July thunderstorms are intense but brief, lasting 20-45 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during peak hours (11am-3pm) with strong reflection off Lake Champlain

Layered clothing system: t-shirts for 27°C (81°F) afternoons, light sweater for 19°C (66°F) morning ferry rides and lake breezes

Waterproof phone case - essential for lake activities and sudden afternoon storms that can soak you in minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - Church Street Marketplace cobblestones get slippery when wet

Light fleece or zip-up hoodie - lake breezes can drop temperature 5-8°C (9-14°F) in the evening even during warm days

Quick-dry shorts and shirts for outdoor activities - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry after rain or lake activities

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes peak in July around Lake Champlain wetlands and hiking trails

Daypack with waterproof compartment - for ferry rides, farmer's market purchases, and protecting electronics during storms

Sunglasses with UV protection - essential for lake activities where water reflection intensifies sun exposure

Insider Knowledge

Local swimming spots: North Beach opens at 10am but locals hit Leddy Park Beach by 8am to avoid crowds and get the best parking within 50m (164ft) of the water

Storm timing strategy: Most July thunderstorms hit between 2-4pm, so plan indoor museum visits or brewery tours during this window rather than fighting the weather

Ferry hack: Buy round-trip tickets to New York islands in advance online - saves $8-12 per person and guarantees bike space during peak July weekend traffic

Farmers market insider knowledge: Saturday City Hall Park market vendors start selling 'seconds' (slightly imperfect produce) at 50% off after 1pm - perfect for visitors cooking in rental kitchens

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking waterfront restaurant dinner for 7pm without reservations - July demand means you'll wait 60-90 minutes or get turned away entirely

Planning all-day outdoor activities without checking afternoon storm forecasts - July storms are predictable but intense, ruining hiking gear and outdoor plans

Driving downtown during Jazz Festival weekend evenings - traffic backs up 2.4km (1.5 miles) and parking fills by 6pm, walk or use hotel shuttles instead