Things to Do in Burlington in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Burlington
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage season - September brings the transition from summer greens to early autumn colors, particularly stunning along the Lake Champlain waterfront and in nearby mountain areas. Daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make outdoor exploration genuinely comfortable without summer's heat or winter's bite.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Labor Day weekend - accommodation rates typically drop 20-30% compared to peak summer months, and you'll find better availability at popular lakefront properties. Most attractions maintain full operating hours through mid-September before transitioning to fall schedules.
- Harvest season transforms the food scene - local farmers markets overflow with peak-season produce, apple orchards open for picking, and restaurants feature seasonal menus highlighting Vermont ingredients. The South End Art Hop continues monthly, and brewery patios remain open with comfortable evening temperatures.
- Crowd levels drop significantly after the first weekend - you'll actually get tables at Church Street restaurants without waits, the Burlington Bike Path becomes pleasantly uncrowded, and Lake Champlain beaches offer peaceful sunset viewing. University of Vermont students return mid-month, adding energy without overwhelming tourist infrastructure.
Considerations
- Weather variability requires flexible planning - those 10 rainy days are genuinely unpredictable, and you might experience 22°C (72°F) sunshine one day and 14°C (57°F) drizzle the next. The 8-degree temperature swing between day and night means layering becomes essential, not optional.
- Some seasonal businesses begin closing after Labor Day - certain lakefront concessions, tour operators, and seasonal restaurants reduce hours or close entirely by mid-September. Ferry schedules to New York start transitioning to fall timetables, with fewer daily crossings available.
- September sits in the awkward gap between summer water activities and peak foliage season - Lake Champlain water temperatures drop to around 18°C (64°F), making swimming less appealing, while the spectacular fall colors typically peak in early October. You'll catch early foliage hints but not the full show.
Best Activities in September
Lake Champlain Sunset Cruises and Waterfront Activities
September offers ideal conditions for experiencing Lake Champlain without summer crowds. The 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures make deck time comfortable, and the lower sun angle at sunset creates spectacular lighting across the Adirondacks. Water remains calm most days, though those 10 rainy days mean checking forecasts before booking. Evening cruises typically depart around 6:30pm as sunset moves earlier through the month.
Burlington Bike Path and Waterfront Trail Cycling
The 12.9 km (8-mile) Burlington Bike Path becomes genuinely pleasant in September after summer's heat subsides. That 70% humidity feels manageable at 22°C (72°F) rather than oppressive, and you'll encounter far fewer pedestrians and cyclists than peak summer months. Early morning rides around 8-9am offer the clearest weather windows before potential afternoon showers. The path connects multiple parks, beaches, and the ECHO Lake Aquarium.
Apple Orchard Visits and Farm Experience Tours
September marks peak apple season across Champlain Valley orchards within 16-32 km (10-20 miles) of Burlington. Early varieties like McIntosh and Gala reach peak ripeness, and orchards offer pick-your-own experiences alongside cider tastings and farm markets. The 14-22°C (57-72°F) temperature range makes walking through orchards comfortable, though bringing layers for cooler mornings proves essential. Most orchards operate weekends through September, with some offering weekday hours.
Church Street Marketplace and Downtown Food Tours
September weather makes exploring Burlington's pedestrian marketplace genuinely enjoyable - that 22°C (72°F) high means comfortable walking without summer's heat driving everyone indoors. The marketplace hosts local musicians and street performers through September, and restaurants maintain outdoor seating through month's end. Food tours typically cover 0.8-1.6 km (0.5-1 mile) over 2-3 hours, sampling Vermont cheeses, craft beers, maple products, and local specialties.
Shelburne Museum and Historic Site Visits
September offers ideal conditions for exploring Burlington's outdoor museums and historic sites - comfortable temperatures for walking extensive grounds without summer's crowds or heat. Shelburne Museum's 18 hectares (45 acres) require 3-4 hours minimum, and September's weather makes this genuinely pleasant. The museum features 39 exhibition buildings showcasing American folk art, quilts, and New England heritage. Indoor galleries provide backup options during those 10 rainy days.
Craft Brewery Tours and Tasting Experiences
Burlington's brewery scene thrives in September as patios remain open but crowds thin after summer peak. The city hosts numerous craft breweries within walking or short cycling distance of downtown, many offering tours showcasing Vermont's farm-to-glass brewing culture. That 70% humidity actually enhances beer tasting experiences compared to winter's dry indoor air. Evening temperatures around 16-18°C (61-64°F) make outdoor beer garden seating comfortable with a light layer.
September Events & Festivals
Vermont City Marathon Weekend
Takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, not September - this city actually has relatively few major September festivals. The South End Art Hop continues its monthly first Friday schedule through September, featuring open studios, galleries, and food vendors in Burlington's creative district. Free to attend, runs roughly 5-8pm.
Champlain Valley Fair
Vermont's largest agricultural fair typically runs late August into early September in nearby Essex Junction, about 16 km (10 miles) from Burlington. Features traditional fair attractions including livestock exhibitions, midway rides, local food vendors, and evening concerts. Fair dates vary annually but usually span 10 days ending Labor Day weekend.