Things to Do in Burlington in September

September Weather in Burlington

25°C (77°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season with maple trees displaying brilliant reds and oranges throughout Shelburne Road and Mount Philo State Park - colors typically peak September 20-30
Comfortable hiking weather with temperatures ideal for the 5.6 km (3.5 mile) Burlington Bike Path and 1,214 m (3,985 ft) Mount Mansfield summit hikes without summer heat exhaustion
Apple harvest season means fresh cider, pick-your-own orchards like Shelburne Orchards operating at peak capacity, and apple festivals throughout Champlain Valley
Lake Champlain water temperature still warm at 18-20°C (64-68°F) from summer heating, perfect for kayaking and final swimming opportunities before winter

Considerations

Leaf-peeping crowds drive accommodation prices up 40-60% during peak foliage weeks (September 20-30), requiring bookings 6-8 weeks in advance
Unpredictable weather swings from 12°C (54°F) mornings to 26°C (79°F) afternoons, making packing challenging for outdoor activities
Shorter daylight hours with sunset moving from 7:15pm to 6:45pm throughout the month, limiting evening outdoor activity time

Best Activities in September

Lake Champlain Kayaking and Island Tours

September offers the best Lake Champlain paddling conditions with warm water temperatures 18-20°C (64-68°F), minimal summer motorboat traffic, and stunning shoreline foliage reflection. Morning mist creates dramatic photography opportunities, while afternoon winds typically stay under 15 km/h (9 mph). Water clarity is at its annual peak after summer algae die-off.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through certified paddle sports operators. Tours typically cost $65-95 USD for half-day trips. Look for operators providing dry bags and weather contingency plans. Early morning tours (8am-12pm) offer calmest conditions and best wildlife spotting.

Mount Mansfield and Green Mountains Hiking

Perfect hiking temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) with peak foliage creating spectacular mountain vistas. The 3.2 km (2 mile) Sunset Ridge Trail offers manageable elevation gain 457 m (1,500 ft) without summer heat stress. September's stable weather patterns mean fewer trail closures and optimal visibility for Green Mountain panoramas.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is popular, but guided nature tours cost $45-75 USD per person. Book accommodations in Stowe or Waterbury 4-6 weeks ahead for foliage season. Check Vermont State Parks website for current trail conditions and parking fees $4-6 USD per vehicle.

Shelburne Farms and Champlain Valley Agritourism

September harvest season showcases Vermont's agricultural heritage with apple picking, farm-to-table dining, and artisan cheese tastings. Shelburne Farms' 567-hectare (1,400-acre) property offers wagon rides through working farmland with Lake Champlain backdrop. Cool temperatures make walking tours comfortable, and harvest activities are at peak operation.

Booking Tip: Farm tours cost $12-18 USD for adults, with combo packages including meals ranging $45-65 USD. Book weekend tours 2-3 weeks ahead during harvest season. Many farms offer pick-your-own pricing $8-12 USD per bag. Visit mid-week for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

Burlington Bike Path and Causeway Cycling

The 12.9 km (8 mile) Burlington Bike Path offers ideal September cycling with cool morning temperatures, reduced tourist foot traffic, and stunning foliage along Lake Champlain shoreline. The 4.8 km (3 mile) Island Line Rail Trail causeway extends into the lake, providing unique water-surrounded cycling experience with 360-degree mountain views.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost $25-40 USD per day from local shops near the waterfront. E-bike rentals run $40-60 USD daily. No advance booking needed for self-guided rides, but reserve e-bikes 2-3 days ahead during foliage season. Allow 3-4 hours for full path with photo stops.

Craft Brewery and Distillery Tours

September marks harvest season for local hops and grains, with breweries releasing fresh hop ales and seasonal pumpkin beers. Cool weather makes brewery walking tours comfortable, and many establishments offer heated outdoor seating with foliage views. Vermont's craft beverage density is highest in the Burlington area with 15+ breweries within 16 km (10 miles).

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost $8-15 USD with tasting flights $12-20 USD. Many offer food pairings for $25-35 USD. Self-guided brewery walks work well, but designated driver services cost $30-50 USD per group. Weekend tours book up during foliage season - reserve 1-2 weeks ahead.

Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Festival Events

September brings perfect weather for outdoor festivals and farmers markets with comfortable walking temperatures and minimal rain interference. The pedestrian marketplace hosts live music, artisan vendors, and harvest celebrations. Waterfront Park events take advantage of the last warm Lake Champlain weather before winter.

Booking Tip: Most marketplace events are free, with food vendors charging $8-15 USD per item. Paid concerts range $15-45 USD for tickets. Check local event calendars as September schedules vary by weekend. Parking downtown costs $2-4 USD per hour - consider walking from nearby neighborhoods.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

Annual celebration of Vermont's artisan cheese industry featuring 40+ local cheesemakers, tastings, and educational workshops. Set in Shelburne Museum grounds with fall foliage backdrop, offering perfect September weather for outdoor sampling and live music.

Early September

Champlain Valley Fair

Traditional county fair featuring agricultural exhibits, local food vendors, and midway attractions. September timing coincides with harvest season, showcasing Vermont's farming heritage with apple cider, maple products, and livestock competitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential: lightweight base layer, fleece or wool mid-layer, and packable down jacket for 15°C (59°F) morning-to-afternoon temperature swings

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread for potentially muddy trails and wet leaves on 1,214 m (3,985 ft) mountain hikes

Packable rain jacket for 10 rainy days averaging 76 mm (3.0 inches) total - afternoon showers typically last 30-45 minutes

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite moderate UV index 5 - reflection off Lake Champlain and mountain snow increases exposure

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F) at higher elevations

Moisture-wicking hiking socks and backup pair - 70% humidity plus rain creates damp conditions in boots

Portable phone charger for GPS navigation and foliage photography - cold weather drains batteries 25% faster

Insulated water bottle to maintain drink temperature during 6-8 hour outdoor activities in variable conditions

Cash in small bills for farmers markets, cider stands, and park entrance fees - many rural vendors don't accept cards

Camera with extra memory cards - peak foliage creates once-yearly photographic opportunities requiring significant storage

Insider Knowledge

Peak foliage timing varies by elevation - lower Lake Champlain areas peak September 25-30, while Mount Mansfield summit peaks September 15-20, allowing multiple viewing windows

Local Vermonters avoid Route 100 on weekends during foliage season - use Route 116 through Hinesburg or Route 2A for less crowded scenic drives with equally stunning views

Many Burlington restaurants source directly from September harvest - ask servers about daily specials featuring just-picked apples, winter squash, and local maple syrup pairings

Lake Champlain Islands offer the same foliage views as mainland with 60% fewer crowds - take the 20-minute ferry from Charlotte for day trips to South Hero Island

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature variation - packing only summer clothes for 'warm' September days, then freezing during 15°C (59°F) morning hikes or evening lake activities

Booking accommodations too late for foliage season - quality options within 32 km (20 miles) of Burlington fill up 6-8 weeks ahead, forcing expensive last-minute bookings

Assuming all outdoor activities run in light rain - many boat tours and organized hikes cancel for safety, leaving gaps in tightly planned itineraries without weather alternatives