Things to Do in Burlington in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Burlington
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage season - the maple trees along the waterfront and in the surrounding hills hit their absolute best color from early to mid-October, with the reds and golds typically peaking around October 10-15. Church Street becomes a tunnel of color, and the drive up Mount Philo (about 20 minutes south) offers views you'd normally pay admission for elsewhere.
- Shoulder season pricing without the crowds - hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to summer peak, and you can actually get dinner reservations at Honey Road or Hen of the Wood without booking weeks ahead. The Church Street Marketplace has breathing room, and the bike path along Lake Champlain feels like your own private trail most weekday mornings.
- Festival season concentration - October packs in the Burlington Book Festival (early October), Vermont International Film Festival (mid-October), and various harvest celebrations at surrounding farms and cideries. The city's cultural calendar is unusually dense this month, probably because everyone knows the weather window is closing.
- Ideal hiking and cycling weather - those 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures are perfect for physical activity without overheating. The humidity drops from summer's oppressive levels, and trails around Mount Mansfield (45 minutes east) or the Champlain Islands are in prime condition before mud season hits. UV index of 8 still requires sun protection, but you won't be melting by noon.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability increases significantly - that 'variable' forecast isn't being coy. You might get a 20°C (68°F) sunny day perfect for kayaking, followed by a 10°C (50°F) drizzly afternoon that keeps you indoors. The 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month, making outdoor planning a bit of a gamble. Locals just accept this and layer accordingly.
- Shorter daylight hours cutting into evening activities - sunset moves from around 6:30pm early October to 5:45pm by month's end. That waterfront golden hour you're planning? It happens earlier than you think, and by 6pm it's legitimately dark. Evening bike rides need lights, and those sunset lake cruises book up fast because the window is narrow.
- Some seasonal businesses start closing - a handful of waterfront ice cream shops, boat rental operations, and outdoor tour companies either reduce hours or close entirely after Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October). The ferry to New York runs on reduced schedule, and some farm stands that were open daily in September shift to weekends-only.
Best Activities in October
Lake Champlain Waterfront Cycling and Walking
The 12.9 km (8-mile) Burlington Bike Path from Oakledge Park to the Winooski River is outstanding in October. The cooler temperatures mean you can actually exert yourself without overheating, and the fall colors along the route peak mid-month. Early morning (7-9am) offers the best light and fewest crowds. The path is paved and flat, suitable for all fitness levels. October's lower humidity makes this infinitely more pleasant than summer cycling, when the 70% humidity you'll still encounter feels manageable rather than oppressive.
Shelburne Farms and Local Cidery Tours
October is peak harvest season, making farm and cidery visits genuinely interesting rather than just photo opportunities. Shelburne Farms (10 km/6 miles south) offers walking trails with Lake Champlain views and their famous cheddar cheese production. The surrounding cideries - particularly in the Champlain Islands - are pressing apples throughout October, and many offer tastings and tours. The weather is ideal for wandering orchards, and you'll see actual agricultural activity rather than just gift shops. Weekend afternoons (1-4pm) are busiest, so weekday mornings offer more intimate experiences.
Mount Mansfield and Stowe Area Hiking
Vermont's highest peak at 1,339 m (4,393 ft) is about 45 minutes east of Burlington and offers the state's most dramatic fall foliage views. October weather is ideal for the ascent - cool enough to hike comfortably but before snowfall closes upper trails (usually late October/early November). The Sunset Ridge Trail (4.8 km/3 miles one-way, moderate-strenuous) is the classic route. Start early (7-8am) to avoid afternoon clouds that often roll in by 2-3pm. That UV index of 8 is deceptive at elevation - you'll burn faster than you expect.
Church Street Marketplace and Local Brewery Circuit
Burlington's pedestrian-only downtown core becomes particularly appealing in October when the summer tourist crush subsides but businesses remain fully operational. The brewery scene here is legitimately world-class - Zero Gravity, Foam Brewers, and others are within walking distance of each other. October releases often include seasonal pumpkin and harvest ales. The 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures make walking between locations comfortable, and the fall colors along Church Street create an unusually photogenic urban environment. Thursday-Saturday evenings (5-8pm) have the best energy without summer's overwhelming crowds.
Lake Champlain Sunset Cruises
The lake takes on completely different character in October - fewer boats, clearer air, and that slanting autumn light that photographers obsess over. Sunset cruises run shorter routes than summer (90 minutes versus 2+ hours) because of earlier darkness, but the experience is more intimate with smaller groups. The surrounding mountains show peak foliage, and you'll often see the Adirondacks across the lake in New York with unusual clarity. Book for mid-October if possible - the color contrast between foliage and blue water is remarkable. Bring layers - lake temperatures drop faster than air temperatures, and that 70% humidity feels different on water.
Champlain Islands Scenic Drive and Kayaking
The islands north of Burlington (connected by bridges and causeways) offer some of Vermont's most underrated October scenery. The 43 km (27-mile) Island Line loop takes 90 minutes of driving but deserves half a day with stops. Kayak rentals are still available early October (most close mid-month), and paddling the protected bays when the maples are peak color is worth the cool water temperature. The variable October weather actually works in your favor here - dramatic cloud formations over the lake create constantly changing light. Weekday mornings offer near-solitude at popular spots like Sand Bar State Park.
October Events & Festivals
Burlington Book Festival
Multi-day literary event featuring author readings, panel discussions, and book signings throughout downtown venues. The festival has grown significantly in recent years and now attracts regional and national authors. Most events are free or low-cost (5-15 USD), with some premium author dinners running higher. The Church Street Marketplace becomes the festival hub, with outdoor reading tents (weather permitting) and pop-up bookshops. Worth attending even if you're not a serious reader - the people-watching and downtown energy are excellent.
Vermont International Film Festival
Ten-day film festival screening independent, documentary, and international films across multiple Burlington venues. The festival typically shows 80-100 films with filmmaker Q&A sessions. Individual screening tickets run 12-15 USD, while festival passes offer better value at 100-150 USD for unlimited access. The festival coincides with peak foliage, so visiting filmmakers and attendees often extend trips for leaf-peeping. Evening screenings (7-9pm) are most popular, but afternoon matinees offer easier parking and smaller crowds.
Harvest Festivals at Regional Farms
Multiple farms within 30 minutes of Burlington host weekend harvest celebrations throughout October - apple pressing demonstrations, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and local food vendors. These aren't manufactured tourist attractions but actual working farms celebrating the end of growing season. Shelburne Farms, nearby orchards, and Champlain Islands farms each host their own versions. Admission typically 10-20 USD per family, with individual activities priced separately. Weekend afternoons (12-4pm) have the most activities running simultaneously.