Things to Do in Burlington in October

October Weather in Burlington

19°C (66°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak foliage season - maple trees reach maximum red and orange intensity between October 8-18, creating spectacular views along the Champlain Bikeway and Mount Philo State Park trails
Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 19°C (66°F) are ideal for the 3.2 km (2-mile) climb up Mount Philo without overheating, while cool mornings at 8°C (46°F) keep bugs minimal on forest trails
Apple harvest season at Shelburne Orchards and other local farms - fresh cider, pick-your-own apples, and harvest festivals run through October 31st with peak variety availability
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 25-40% from summer peaks, and many waterfront properties offer fall packages before winter closures

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) in a single day, requiring layered clothing and indoor backup plans for outdoor activities
Lake Champlain water temperature drops to 12°C (54°F) by late October, making swimming uncomfortable without wetsuits and causing many water sports rentals to close after Columbus Day
Shorter daylight hours - sunset by 6:30pm limits afternoon activities, and many seasonal attractions close after October 15th including some ferry routes and outdoor concerts

Best Activities in October

Lake Champlain Scenic Cruises and Island Tours

October offers crystal-clear visibility across Lake Champlain with fall foliage reflecting in calm waters. The lake's shoreline maples and birches create a natural amphitheater of color best viewed from the water. Cool temperatures make deck viewing comfortable, and fewer summer crowds mean better photo opportunities. Water is still navigable before winter restrictions begin.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as many operators reduce schedules after Columbus Day. Tours typically cost $35-65 CAD per person for 2-3 hour cruises. Look for heated cabin boats and afternoon departures for warmest conditions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Vermont Craft Brewery and Distillery Tours

Burlington's craft beverage scene peaks in October with harvest-themed releases and Oktoberfest celebrations. Cool weather makes walking between downtown breweries comfortable, and many locations offer seasonal pumpkin ales and maple-infused spirits. Fall harvest ingredients create unique tasting opportunities not available other times of year.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well with the compact downtown brewery district within 1.6 km (1 mile). Guided tours typically cost $75-120 CAD including tastings and transportation. Book weekend tours 2 weeks ahead. Reference booking widget for current brewery tour packages.

Champlain Valley Farm and Orchard Experiences

Peak apple harvest season brings pick-your-own orchards, cider making demonstrations, and pumpkin patches to full activity. The Champlain Valley's microclimates create extended growing seasons, with varieties like Honeycrisp and Northern Spy at peak ripeness. Cool October mornings are perfect for outdoor farm activities without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Most orchards operate on drop-in basis, but wagon rides and cider making workshops require advance booking. Farm experience packages typically cost $25-45 CAD per person. Weekend activities book fastest - reserve hayrides and special events 1-2 weeks ahead.

Green Mountain Foliage Hiking Tours

October delivers peak foliage conditions on trails like Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump, with visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles) on clear days. Cool temperatures of 19°C (66°F) make strenuous climbs comfortable, while morning frost at 8°C (46°F) creates dramatic mist effects in valleys. Hardwood forests reach maximum color intensity mid-month.

Booking Tip: Guided hiking tours typically cost $85-140 CAD for full-day experiences including transportation. Book 10-14 days ahead for peak foliage weekends. Self-guided options available with detailed trail maps. Look for tours including warm lunch and foliage timing guarantees.

Burlington Waterfront and Bike Path Cycling

The 12.9 km (8-mile) Burlington Bike Path offers spectacular lakefront views with fall colors reflecting off Lake Champlain. October's cool temperatures make cycling comfortable for longer distances, and reduced summer crowds mean easier path access. Many sections connect to covered bridges and historic sites perfect for fall photography.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $35-55 CAD per day with discounts for multi-day rentals. Electric bike tours cost $75-95 CAD for half-day guided experiences. Book bike rentals 3-5 days ahead for weekend availability. Many rental shops close after October 31st.

Shelburne Museum and Historic Estate Tours

October brings special fall programming to Vermont's premier museum complex, including harvest demonstrations and historic craft workshops. Cool weather makes the extensive 18-hectare (45-acre) outdoor museum comfortable to explore, and fall gardens showcase heritage varieties of vegetables and flowers used in colonial New England.

Booking Tip: Museum admission typically costs $25-35 CAD with guided tour upgrades available. Special October programming requires advance registration - book 1-2 weeks ahead. Multi-day passes offer good value for extended exploration. Check current seasonal exhibits in booking section.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival

Annual pumpkin launching competition featuring homemade catapults and trebuchets. Includes local food vendors, craft demonstrations, and family activities celebrating Vermont's agricultural heritage.

Early October

Burlington Oktoberfest

German-style beer festival featuring local breweries, traditional music, and seasonal foods. Takes place in downtown Burlington with indoor and outdoor venues depending on weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - start with base layer for 8°C (46°F) mornings, add fleece for midday 19°C (66°F) temperatures, removable as weather warms

Waterproof hiking boots for 76 mm (3.0 inches) monthly rainfall and wet fallen leaves on trails that become slippery

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers typical 10 days per month, usually lasting 30-45 minutes

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can drop to 3°C (37°F) on clear nights

Camera with extra batteries - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll want extensive foliage photos

Sunglasses for bright October sun reflecting off Lake Champlain and autumn leaves - UV index still reaches 4

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread for leaf-covered sidewalks and paths that become slick when wet

Light wool sweater or fleece for indoor venues - many historic buildings have minimal heating in shoulder season

Day pack for hiking with capacity for removed layers as temperatures rise during afternoon activities

Insider Knowledge

Peak foliage timing varies by elevation - monitor Vermont's official foliage report online and adjust plans within 2-3 days of arrival for best color viewing

Many seasonal restaurants and attractions close abruptly after Canadian Thanksgiving weekend - confirm operating hours before making plans, especially for waterfront establishments

Local apple varieties like Northern Spy and Esopus Spitzenberg are only available at pick-your-own orchards in October and don't appear in grocery stores

Lake Champlain ferries reduce schedules after October 15th - if planning New York excursions, verify current sailing times as summer schedules end without warning

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - packing only light fall clothing then being unprepared for 8°C (46°F) morning temperatures or sudden evening drops

Assuming summer water activities remain available - most boat rentals, swimming areas, and waterfront concessions close by mid-October due to 12°C (54°F) water temperatures

Not booking accommodations early enough - October foliage season sees 60-70% hotel occupancy despite being shoulder season, with best lake view rooms filling first