Things to Do in Burlington in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Burlington
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Late winter pricing without peak season crowds - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to February school vacation weeks, and you can actually get dinner reservations at Church Street restaurants without booking days ahead
- Maple sugaring season is in full swing - sugarhouses throughout Chittenden County are open for tours and tastings, with fresh maple creemees appearing at stands by mid-month when temperatures start their swing above freezing during the day
- Stronger UV index (reaching 8 by late March) means genuinely pleasant outdoor conditions on clear days - you'll find locals and students filling Church Street Marketplace patios whenever it hits 10°C (50°F) or above, which happens more frequently as the month progresses
- Lake Champlain ice-out typically occurs in early to mid-March, creating spectacular ice shelf formations along the waterfront and opening up the Burlington Bike Path for walking and cycling by month's end - you might catch the dramatic transition period with ice floes still visible
Considerations
- March is genuinely unpredictable - you could see a 15°C (59°F) sunny day followed by a snowstorm dropping 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) the next day, which makes planning outdoor activities frustrating and means you need to pack for three seasons simultaneously
- Mud season is beginning, particularly in the latter half of March - many hiking trails in the Green Mountains become impassable or severely damaged by foot traffic, and Vermont trail etiquette strongly discourages hiking muddy trails (you'll see trailhead signs requesting you stay off)
- The city looks genuinely tired after a long winter - snowbanks along streets are grey and crusty, many businesses are doing maintenance before spring tourist season kicks in, and the landscape is that awkward brown-and-white patchwork that's not quite winter, not quite spring
Best Activities in March
Sugarhouse Tours and Maple Tastings
March is THE month for Vermont maple production, and several sugarhouses within 16-24 km (10-15 miles) of Burlington offer tours during active boiling. You'll see the entire process from tapping to finished syrup, and the steam-filled sugarhouses are genuinely atmospheric on cold March days. Late March is particularly good because production is peaking and you'll catch warmer days that make the rural drive more pleasant. Many places offer maple creemees (soft-serve ice cream with maple syrup) once temperatures consistently hit 5°C (41°F) or above.
Burlington Waterfront and Bike Path Exploration
The 12.9 km (8-mile) Burlington Bike Path becomes increasingly accessible through March as snow clears, though you'll want to check conditions - early March might still have ice patches, but by late March it's typically clear. The waterfront is spectacular during ice-out when you can see massive ice formations breaking up on Lake Champlain. Dress warmly (windchill off the lake drops the feels-like temperature by 5-8°C) but on sunny days with that UV index of 8, it's genuinely pleasant. Locals start emerging for waterfront walks whenever it hits double digits Celsius.
Church Street Marketplace and Indoor Shopping
Burlington's pedestrian-only marketplace is open year-round and March is actually ideal for experiencing it like a local - fewer tourists, and you'll see Vermonters doing their actual shopping rather than vacation browsing. The variable weather means you can duck into the dozens of shops, cafes, and galleries when it's cold or snowing, then emerge for outdoor wandering when the sun comes out. Street performers start returning by late March. The surrounding blocks have Vermont-made goods shops that are worth the time when you need indoor activities.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Burlington has earned its reputation as a craft beer destination, and March is perfect for brewery visits - indoor activities for variable weather days, and the tasting rooms are lively with locals but not overwhelmed with summer tourists. Several breweries offer tours showing the production process. The South End Arts District has multiple breweries within walking distance (about 1.6 km or 1 mile total), making a brewery walk feasible even in March weather if you dress appropriately.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
This lakeside science center focusing on Lake Champlain ecology is genuinely interesting and perfect for those inevitable March days when weather turns nasty. The aquarium has over 100 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians native to the region, plus interactive exhibits about the lake's history and ecosystem. It's popular with families but not overwhelmingly crowded in March. The building has excellent lake views from the upper floors, and you can watch weather roll across the lake in comfort.
Shelburne Museum Day Trips
Located 11 km (7 miles) south of Burlington, this 18-hectare (45-acre) museum campus with 39 buildings housing American folk art and historical collections typically opens for the season in mid to late March (call ahead to confirm exact opening date for 2026). Early season visits mean you'll have the grounds nearly to yourself. The indoor galleries are perfect for March's variable weather, and the outdoor walking between buildings is manageable with proper layering. Late March visits offer the best chance of comfortable outdoor exploration.
March Events & Festivals
Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
Statewide event where sugarhouses open their doors for free tours, tastings, and demonstrations of maple syrup production. Over 100 producers participate across Vermont, with several within easy driving distance of Burlington. You'll see the boiling process in action, taste fresh syrup at different grades, and many places offer maple treats and products. It's genuinely popular with locals and gives you an authentic Vermont experience.
UVM Spring Semester Activities
University of Vermont students return from spring break mid-March, bringing energy back to downtown Burlington and Church Street. While not a formal event, it affects the city's vibe considerably - restaurants and bars get busier, and there are often campus cultural events, performances, and speakers that are open to the public. Check UVM's events calendar for specific performances or lectures during your visit.