Things to Do in Burlington in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
November Weather in Burlington
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
44°F (7°C)
High Temp
32°F (0°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Near-freezing temperatures, pack warm layers
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Lake Champlain in November broods, slate-gray and sky-wide, with the Adirondacks across the water shading to a deep, smoky blue. The lakewalk belongs to fleece-jacketed dog walkers. The wind carries a clean, metallic bite. It tastes like the season turning.
- + Burlington's restaurants swing hard toward comfort. Maple-glazed pork belly steams at Hen of the Wood. Roasting roots and wood smoke drift from the open kitchen. Every taproom pours darker, maltier ales that taste of caramel and toasted bread.
- + Rooms that fetch $400 in October now cost a fraction. You can book a weekend at Hotel Vermont or Willard Street Inn without six months' notice. Staff have time to talk.
- + November light is the city's quiet glory. The sun hangs low. Long shadows stripe Church Street. Red brick glows warm and golden before the sun drops behind the lake at 4:30 PM.
Considerations
- − Days are short. Sunset slides past 4:30 PM by late November. Outdoor sightseeing ends by mid-afternoon. If you crave long, leisurely daylight, skip this month.
- − That 'variable' forecast means 50°F (10°C) and sunny one afternoon, 28°F (-2°C) and sleet the next morning. Deep freeze waits until December. Pack for three seasons.
- − Summer energy has packed up. Paddleboard rentals are gone. Creemee stands are shuttered. Community sailboats sit in dry dock. The city turns inward.
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
Burlington in November drops the last leaf and pulls on a quieter coat. The air hovers just above freezing. Your breath turns to a small white cloud. Summer crowds have vanished from the waterfront. Leaf-peepers have gone. Lake Champlain lies slate-gray under cold wind. Oak leaves rattle along Battery Street. Locals reclaim the city. Seek warmth inside the breweries and bookshops. Hear acorns crunch underfoot on Church Street Marketplace. Menus swap salads for slow-cooked stews. Events are scarce. The reward is pace. November is for craft, for cozy rooms, for looking inward.
Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour
foodA guided tour through the heart of Burlington's craft beer culture moves beyond the tasting flight to explain the alchemy behind it. You will hear the hiss of carbon dioxide from fermentation tanks, smell the earthy, toasted grain in the mash tun, and feel the warmth of a busy taproom as you sample a curated selection of local brews. The tour provides context and stories that transform a simple pint into a deeper understanding of the city's character.
It has a structured, educational entry into the lore and science of Burlington's defining industry, turning casual drinkers into informed enthusiasts.
Insider tip: Book for a late afternoon tour. Finishing as the early November dusk falls makes the final, warm pub feel welcoming.
This month: The cooler weather makes the warmth of the brewery interiors and the rich, malty profiles of seasonal porters and stouts appealing.
Small Group 5-Day Tour Vacation Package in Vermont
guided_experienceThis complete package is a deep immersion into Vermont, using Burlington as a home base for explorations that stretch across the region. Over five days, you will see frost-tipped fields in the Champlain Valley, hear the clang of a blacksmith's hammer in a historic village, and taste the sharp, complex flavors of aged cheddar at a working dairy farm. It is designed for those who wish to experience the state's autumnal shift into early winter without the logistical burden of planning each leg.
It efficiently delivers the classic Vermont experience, from its pastoral landscapes to its artisanal foodways, all under guided care.
Insider tip: Pack layers. Moving from a heated van to a windy hilltop overlook in November requires quick adaptation to changing conditions.
Awesome Scavenger Hunt: Burlington Beauty
otherThis self-guided adventure turns the streets of Burlington into a puzzle to be solved, encouraging you to notice architectural details and public art you might otherwise rush past. You will follow clues on your phone that lead you to hear the carillon bells from a church tower, feel the textured bronze of a waterfront statue, and see the city from vantage points slightly off the main drags. It is part tour, part game, good for families or small groups with a competitive spirit.
It provides a flexible, engaging framework to explore Burlington at your own pace, rewarding curiosity with discovery.
Insider tip: Start on the Church Street Marketplace. The density of landmarks and cafes there offers easy clues and convenient pit stops.
This month: The activity is entirely outdoors, so dress for cold fingers and wear sturdy shoes for potentially damp or icy sidewalks.
Burlington's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour
walking_tourThis narrated walking tour uses Burlington's historical layers to tell tales of its spectral residents, with the early nightfall of November providing an appropriately atmospheric backdrop. Using a smartphone app, you will walk shadowy lanes near the waterfront, hearing stories of lake captains and former innkeepers, while feeling the chill of the evening air off the lake. The experience is less about manufactured fright and more about connecting the city's past with its present geography in an eerie light.
It has a unique, after-hours perspective on Burlington's history, where folklore and architecture intertwine.
Insider tip: Download the tour and all content fully before leaving your hotel or rental to avoid relying on spotty outdoor data connections in the cold.
This month: The tour operates regardless of weather, but a clear, cold night with a bare-branched silhouette against the sky amplifies the mood.
Where to Stay in Burlington in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early November
Vermont International Film Festival (Partial Run)
The respected festival often slides into early November. Catch documentaries and indies at Main Street Landing Film House or the Flynn. Directors attend. Crowds are local students, professors, artists. Q&A sessions run sharp and insightful.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Burlington Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Parking is easy. The garage under City Hall Park, a competitive sport in summer and fall, has plenty of spaces. Street parking on the avenues just off Church Street is almost always available. No stress.
The best local breakfast is not in a restaurant. It is at the Burlington Farmers Market, which moves indoors to the Memorial Auditorium for the winter. Hit it Saturday morning for a hot maple sausage sandwich grilled right there, surrounded by fresh bread and cut flowers. Eat standing.
Want the lake without the freeze? Head to the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. The aquarium and science center stays warm, entertains for an hour or two, and its top-floor cafe delivers the best panoramic views of the water through huge windows. Bring coffee.
Sunday mornings in November are quiet and lovely. Grab a coffee and walk to the waterfront to watch the Coast Guard cutter moored there, or browse the used bookstores on lower Church Street that open late. Feels like yours alone.
Avoid These Mistakes
Never underestimate the feels-like temperature. That 44°F (7°C) high can feel like 30°F (-1°C) once the wind whips off the lake. Dress for the wind.
Do not cram the schedule. With early sunset you get one major outdoor activity and one indoor evening plan. A July pace equals frustration. Slow down.
Always book dinner. Hotels sit empty. But locals dine out relentlessly once the weather turns, and spots like Honey Road or the Guild Tavern fill up fast on weekends. Reserve early.
Explore More Activities in Burlington
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Burlington.
See All Burlington Tours on Viator