Things to Do in Burlington in March

March Weather in Burlington

16°C (61°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Maple syrup season peaks - local sugarhouses offer fresh maple products and tours from early to mid-March, with warm days and freezing nights creating perfect sap flow conditions
Significantly lower accommodation costs - hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer and fall foliage seasons, with excellent availability at premium properties
Fewer crowds at indoor attractions - museums, breweries, and restaurants operate at comfortable capacity with shorter wait times and more personalized service
Perfect weather for brewery touring - cool temperatures ideal for indoor tastings, with many local breweries releasing special spring ales and hosting events

Considerations

Mud season makes many hiking trails impassable - popular trails like Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump are muddy, icy, and potentially dangerous from snowmelt
Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can vary 20°C (36°F) in a single day, making outdoor planning challenging with potential for late-season snowstorms
Limited outdoor dining and seasonal businesses still closed - many lakefront restaurants, outdoor markets, and seasonal attractions don't open until May

Best Activities in March

Vermont Maple Sugarhouse Tours

March is peak maple syrup season when sugarhouses across Chittenden County offer tours, tastings, and fresh products. The temperature swings between freezing nights and warm days (above 4°C/40°F) create perfect sap flow conditions. Many sugarhouses offer pancake breakfasts and educational tours showing the boiling process.

Booking Tip: Most sugarhouses operate on weekends only and don't require advance booking, but call ahead as operations depend on weather conditions. Expect to pay $8-15 for tours with tastings. Peak activity occurs mid-March when sap runs are strongest.

Brewery and Distillery Indoor Tours

Burlington's craft brewery scene is perfect for March's cool weather. The temperature range is ideal for indoor tastings, and many breweries release spring seasonal beers. Magic Hat, Switchback, and smaller craft breweries offer tours and tastings in comfortable indoor settings while outdoor seating isn't viable.

Booking Tip: Most brewery tours cost $10-20 and include 3-4 tastings. Book weekend tours 1-2 weeks ahead as they're popular with locals during the quiet season. Many offer food pairings and behind-the-scenes access that's less crowded than summer months.

Lake Champlain Indoor Cultural Experiences

With outdoor lake activities still too cold (water temperature around 4°C/39°F), focus on lake-adjacent indoor attractions like ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, which offers interactive exhibits about lake ecology. The Shelburne Museum's indoor exhibits are also perfect for March weather.

Booking Tip: Museum admission typically runs $15-25 for adults. March offers the advantage of smaller crowds and more attention from staff. Some museums offer local resident discounts - ask if you're staying locally for extended periods.

Vermont Cheese Trail Indoor Tastings

March is ideal for visiting Vermont's renowned cheese makers as production ramps up for spring and summer seasons. Many creameries offer indoor tours and tastings showcasing aged cheeses from previous seasons alongside fresh spring production.

Booking Tip: Cheese tastings typically cost $5-15 per person. Most creameries within 32 km (20 miles) of Burlington welcome walk-ins, but larger operations like Cabot require advance booking for tours. Expect to spend 1-2 hours per location.

Shelburne Farms Winter/Spring Programs

This working farm offers educational programs about sustainable agriculture, cheese making, and farm life that continue through March. The indoor activities include artisan bread making classes and cheese aging tours, while outdoor programs showcase maple sugaring and early spring farm operations.

Booking Tip: Programs range from $20-60 per person depending on duration and activities included. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend programs. The working farm setting provides authentic Vermont agricultural experiences without weather dependency.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March, weekends primarily

Vermont Maple Festival

While the main state festival is in St. Albans, many Burlington-area sugarhouses host their own maple celebrations throughout March with live music, pancake breakfasts, and demonstrations of traditional maple syrup making techniques

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - essential for navigating muddy sidewalks and the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Burlington Bike Path which can be slushy

Layering system with base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell - temperature swings of 20°C (36°F) in a day require adaptability

Lightweight rain jacket - March sees rain on 10 days, often mixed with wet snow that standard umbrellas can't handle

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6, and snow reflection can cause unexpected burns on sunny days

Slip-on indoor shoes - many restaurants and breweries prefer customers remove wet/muddy boots at entrances

Small backpack or day bag - indoor attractions require carrying layers as you move between heated and unheated spaces

Wool socks and synthetic moisture-wicking materials - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity conditions

Compact umbrella - useful for the frequent light rain showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Hand warmers - outdoor activities like maple sugarhouse visits can involve standing in unheated barns at 2°C (36°F)

Casual waterproof gloves - needed for outdoor portions of farm visits and walking between venues

Insider Knowledge

Many sugarhouses operate on 'honor system' sales - bring cash for maple syrup purchases as credit card systems aren't always available at smaller operations

Book accommodations near downtown Church Street rather than lakefront properties - many lakefront restaurants and attractions remain closed, while downtown stays active year-round

Local grocery stores like City Market stock fresh maple products from nearby sugarhouses at 30-40% less than tourist shops - buy authentic Vermont maple syrup at local prices

March is when many restaurants introduce spring menus featuring local maple ingredients and early season produce from greenhouse operations - perfect time for farm-to-table dining

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor hiking or lake activities - trails are muddy and potentially dangerous, while Lake Champlain remains too cold for water sports

Expecting summer/fall operational hours - many seasonal attractions, farmers markets, and outdoor dining options remain closed until May

Underdressing for rapid weather changes - March weather can shift from sunny and 16°C (61°F) to wet snow and 2°C (36°F) within hours