Things to Do in Burlington in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Burlington
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Late spring warmth without summer crowds - you'll find Burlington's waterfront and Church Street Marketplace pleasantly busy but not overwhelming, with locals and visitors mixing comfortably. Restaurant patios open for the season and you can actually get a table without waiting.
- Lake Champlain finally warms up enough for water activities - the lake temperature climbs to around 13-16°C (55-61°F) by late May, making kayaking and paddleboarding genuinely enjoyable rather than an endurance test. Sailboat charters start their full season schedules.
- Peak bloom season for Burlington's extensive bike path gardens and Shelburne Farms landscapes - the 12.4 km (7.7 mile) waterfront bike path becomes absolutely stunning with flowering trees and perennials. You're catching Vermont at its most photogenic before the deep green sameness of summer.
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations ends mid-month - early May still offers 15-20% lower rates than June through August, particularly Sunday through Thursday. Book before Memorial Day weekend when summer pricing kicks in across the board.
Considerations
- Weather genuinely swings wildly day to day - you might see 24°C (75°F) and sunny on Tuesday, then 12°C (54°F) with drizzle on Wednesday. Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast off the lake. Pack layers because morning temperatures in the 9°C (48°F) range feel surprisingly cold when the wind comes off the water.
- Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2026) creates a pricing and crowd spike - accommodation rates jump 30-40% for that long weekend, and popular restaurants book out days in advance. If you're visiting that specific weekend, you're essentially paying peak summer prices without guaranteed summer weather.
- Some seasonal attractions haven't fully opened yet - certain farms, orchards, and outdoor venues operate on limited schedules until June. The ferry to New York runs reduced frequency until late May, which affects day trip planning if you're considering a Plattsburgh or Adirondacks excursion.
Best Activities in May
Lake Champlain Waterfront Cycling and Kayaking
May is when Burlington's waterfront truly comes alive without the July-August congestion. The Burlington Bike Path runs 12.4 km (7.7 miles) along the lake with dedicated lanes, and you'll share it with locals doing their evening rides rather than tourist crowds. The lake temperature reaches 13-16°C (55-61°F) by late May, making paddling comfortable in a light wetsuit or splash jacket. Mornings tend to be calmer on the water before afternoon breezes pick up around 2pm. The 70% humidity actually feels pleasant when you're moving along the shoreline.
Shelburne Farms and Champlain Valley Agricultural Tours
The 1,400-acre Shelburne Farms hits peak beauty in May when lambs are born, fields turn brilliant green, and the historic farm buildings open for full touring. The Children's Farmyard operates daily by early May, and the walking trails through the property (5-8 km or 3-5 miles of options) are mud-free by mid-month. May weather is perfect for the 1-2 hour guided farm walks - cool enough that you're comfortable walking but warm enough that outdoor activities feel pleasant. The farm-to-table lunch at the Inn typically features spring vegetables and early season produce.
Church Street Marketplace Food and Brewery Walking Routes
Burlington's craft brewery scene is nationally recognized, and May offers perfect walking weather to connect multiple tasting rooms without overheating. The compact downtown means you can hit 4-5 breweries within 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of walking. Church Street Marketplace pedestrian zone comes alive in May with outdoor seating, street performers returning for the season, and locals celebrating the end of winter. The 19°C (66°F) highs make afternoon brewery hopping comfortable, and evenings around 13°C (55°F) are ideal for sitting outside with a pint. Most breweries offer 4-beer flights for 12-16 USD.
Mount Mansfield and Green Mountain Hiking
Late May is the sweet spot for lower elevation trails in the Green Mountains - snow has melted from trails below 610 m (2,000 ft) but higher peaks still have dramatic snow-capped views. Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 1,339 m (4,393 ft), requires experience and proper gear if you're going above treeline, but the Sunset Ridge Trail and other mid-elevation routes offer spectacular views with moderate effort. Trails are less crowded than summer, and the 19°C (66°F) valley temperatures mean you're hiking in comfortable 13-16°C (55-61°F) conditions at elevation. Black flies haven't emerged in force yet, which is genuinely significant for Vermont hiking.
Lake Champlain Sunset Cruises and Sailing Charters
May evenings on Lake Champlain offer stunning light without the haze that builds up in July and August. Sunset cruises run 1.5-2 hours and catch the Adirondacks across the lake in perfect relief. The water is calm most evenings, and that 70% humidity creates dramatic cloud formations. By late May, sunset happens around 8pm, giving you a full day of activities before an evening cruise. Temperatures drop to 13-15°C (55-59°F) on the water after sunset, so you'll want a fleece or jacket, but it's not the bone-chilling cold of April cruises.
Vermont Artisan Cheese Trail and Farm Visits
May is spring cheese season in Vermont when many creameries release fresh chevre and early-season aged varieties. The Vermont Cheese Trail connects dozens of producers within 32-48 km (20-30 miles) of Burlington, and May weather makes for perfect rural driving with green hillsides and farm animals visible from the road. Most creameries offer free or low-cost tastings (5-10 USD), and you're often meeting the actual cheesemakers. The cool May temperatures mean cheese travels well in your car between stops, unlike July when everything melts immediately.
May Events & Festivals
Burlington Farmers Market Opening Weekend
The City Hall Park Farmers Market opens for the season in early May, typically the first or second Saturday. This is when Burlington genuinely celebrates spring - locals turn out in force for the first fresh greens, early season vegetables, maple products from the just-finished sugaring season, and artisan goods. Live music, prepared food vendors, and a genuine community atmosphere. Hours run 8:30am-2pm and it gets busy between 10am-noon.
Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations
Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2026) marks the unofficial start of summer in Burlington. Waterfront parks host community events, restaurants fully open their patios, and locals flood the bike path and beaches. The Burlington Harbor hosts boat parades and sailing demonstrations. Worth noting this is when pricing jumps and crowds surge, so if you're seeking quieter Burlington, avoid this specific weekend.