Things to Do in Burlington in November

November Weather in Burlington

5°C (41°F) High Temp

-6°C (21°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak fall foliage season in October
Perfect pre-holiday shopping at local artisan markets and Church Street Marketplace without summer crowds
Early ski conditions at nearby Stowe (45 km/28 miles) and Sugarbush (65 km/40 miles) with fresh powder
Cozy indoor brewery scene reaches peak seasonal beer production - maple stouts and winter ales debut

Considerations

Lake Champlain winds create brutal wind chill - feels 8-12°C (15-20°F) colder than actual temperature
Unpredictable weather switches between rain, sleet, and snow within hours
Many seasonal outdoor attractions close by November 15th including Echo Leahy Center lake activities

Best Activities in November

Lake Champlain Scenic Drives

November transforms Lake Champlain shoreline into dramatic winter landscape. Morning drives offer best visibility before afternoon weather systems roll in. Route 2 north to Grand Isle provides stunning lake views without leaf-peeping crowds. Perfect timing as most foliage tourists have left but winter beauty emerges.

Booking Tip: Self-drive activity - rent AWD vehicle for weather conditions. Plan 3-4 hour round trips, departing by 10am before afternoon weather changes. Gas stations every 15-20 km (9-12 miles) along route.

Craft Brewery Tours

Burlington's brewery scene peaks in November as winter seasonal beers launch. Indoor warmth essential during cold snaps. Local breweries offer tours and tastings featuring maple-infused winter ales unique to Vermont. November timing perfect as harvest ingredients are freshest.

Booking Tip: Book brewery tours 5-7 days ahead through local operators. Tours typically run ฿800-1,200 ($25-35) per person including tastings. Most run 2-3 hours with indoor/heated transport between locations.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill Day Trips

Apple cider production reaches peak quality in November using late-harvest apples. Located 45 km (28 miles) from Burlington, mill offers warm cider tastings and cider donut making perfect for cold November days. Fresh cider available only through November before spring.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically ฿1,500-2,200 ($45-65) including transport and tastings. Book through local tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Mill closes December through March, making November final opportunity.

Early Season Skiing Preparation

Stowe Mountain Resort and Sugarbush typically open mid-November with artificial snow supplementing natural accumulation. November offers uncrowded slopes and discounted lift tickets before holiday crowds arrive. Fresh powder days common by month's end.

Booking Tip: Ski packages range ฿3,500-5,500 ($100-160) per day including equipment rental. Book accommodations at base lodges 14-21 days ahead as November pricing 40% lower than December-January peak season.

Shelburne Museum Indoor Exhibitions

Indoor museum complex perfect for November weather unpredictability. Extensive American folk art collection housed in climate-controlled buildings. November special exhibitions often feature winter and holiday themes. Less crowded than summer peak season.

Booking Tip: Museum passes ฿600-900 ($18-25) per person. Open daily except Wednesdays in November. Plan 3-4 hours for full experience. Heated shuttle runs between buildings during cold weather.

Maple Sugar Farm Tours

November timing ideal for learning maple syrup production before spring tapping season. Many farms offer educational tours showing traditional and modern production methods. Tastings feature various maple grades produced from previous spring's harvest.

Booking Tip: Farm tours typically ฿500-800 ($15-23) per person including tastings. Most operate weekends only in November. Book directly with farms 3-5 days ahead as group sizes limited during off-season.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Burlington Holiday Market Preview Weekend

Church Street Marketplace transforms into artisan market featuring local Vermont crafters. Indoor heated tents provide shelter from November weather while showcasing handmade goods perfect for early holiday shopping.

Mid November

Vermont International Film Festival Pre-Events

Local theaters host preview screenings and filmmaker meetups leading up to main festival. Cozy indoor venues perfect for November weather with special focus on Vermont-made documentaries.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof jacket rated to -15°C (5°F) - Lake Champlain wind chill drops perceived temperature significantly

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - sidewalks become icy, especially near lake areas

Thermal base layers (merino wool preferred) - indoor heating varies widely in older Vermont buildings

Warm hat covering ears - wind chill off Lake Champlain causes rapid heat loss from head

Waterproof gloves plus liner gloves - for outdoor activities and photography in cold conditions

Scarf or neck gaiter - essential protection from lake winds when walking downtown areas

Sunglasses - UV reflects off early snow cover, and UV index still reaches 2-3 on clear days

Lip balm with SPF - cold dry air and wind cause rapid chapping

Small umbrella - rain/sleet transitions happen quickly throughout November

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster than normal

Insider Knowledge

Lake Champlain creates microclimate - weather can differ drastically between waterfront and inland areas just 2-3 km (1-2 miles) apart

Many restaurants offer 'mud season' menus in November featuring hearty winter dishes at reduced prices before ski season premium pricing begins

Church Street Marketplace shops stay open later on Friday/Saturday nights in November for early holiday shopping - locals avoid December crowds this way

Vermont state parks offer free November admission but most facilities close - great for hiking but bring your own water and snacks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Lake Champlain wind chill effect - tourists dress for temperature but not 15-25 km/h (10-15 mph) constant winds

Assuming ski resorts are fully operational - many lifts and services don't open until December, November offers limited terrain

Planning too many outdoor activities - weather changes hourly in November, always have indoor backup plans ready