When is the best time to see fall foliage?

Typically late September to mid-October, with peak colors varying by elevation and region. Northern and higher elevation areas change first.

Do I need a car to visit Vermont?

Yes, a car is highly recommended for exploring beyond Burlington, as public transportation is limited in rural areas.

Is Vermont expensive to visit?

It can be, especially during peak foliage and ski seasons. Accommodation and dining prices rise during these times. Visiting in the shoulder seasons can be more affordable.

What is Vermont famous for?

Maple syrup, cheddar cheese, craft beer, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, skiing, fall foliage, and its picturesque small towns and covered bridges.

Are there bears in Vermont?

Yes, black bears are common, especially in wooded areas. Secure food and trash when camping or in rural homes to avoid attracting them.

Varies by nationality. Most international visitors need a US visa or ESTA. Check with the US Department of State.

What is the best way to see fall foliage?

Drive scenic byways like Route 100, Smugglers' Notch, and the Green Mountain Byway. Mid-September to mid-October is peak.

Is Vermont expensive?

Mid-range overall. Accommodations and dining can be pricey in tourist seasons, but budget options exist.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Vermont.

Layers are key. In winter: warm coat, hat, gloves, boots. In summer: light clothing, rain jacket, hiking shoes. Always bring insect repellent.

Are there any dangerous animals?

Black bears and moose are present but rarely aggressive. Use bear-proof containers when camping. Ticks are a bigger concern—check for Lyme disease.

Highly recommended for flexibility, especially outside Burlington. Public transit is limited.

What is the legal drinking age?

21. ID is required. Vermont has many craft breweries and distilleries.

Can I use my cell phone?

Coverage is good in towns and along highways, but spotty in remote mountainous areas. Download offline maps.

What is the time zone?

Eastern Time (ET). Daylight saving time is observed.

Are there any local festivals?

Yes, including the Vermont Maple Festival (April), Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (June), and the Vermont State Fair (September).

Is Vermont LGBTQ+ friendly?

Very welcoming. Burlington and other towns are inclusive. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009.

Vermont

StateUnited States, North America

Vermont is a STATE in United States, North America.

Vermont is a quintessential New England destination where covered bridges, red barns, and church steeples dot a landscape of rolling green mountains and pristine lakes. Known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont offers year-round appeal: brilliant fall foliage that draws leaf-peepers from around the world, world-class skiing at resorts like Stowe and Killington in winter, lush hiking trails in summer, and the famous 'mud season' of spring. Beyond its natural beauty, Vermont is celebrated for its artisanal food culture—home to more craft breweries per capita than any other state, award-winning cheddar cheese, and the iconic Ben & Jerry's ice cream. The charming small cities of Burlington (on the shores of Lake Champlain) and Montpelier (the nation's smallest state capital) offer vibrant arts scenes, farm-to-table dining, and historic downtowns. Visitors can explore the scenic Route 100 byway, tour maple sugar farms during sugaring season, or browse the numerous farmers' markets showcasing local produce. Vermont's independent spirit, commitment to sustainability, and slower pace of life create an authentic, rejuvenating travel experience.

Best time to visit Vermont

September to October for the spectacular fall foliage; December to March for skiing and winter sports; June to August for hiking, lake activities, and festivals with pleasant summer temperatures. Late April to May (mud season) and November (between foliage and ski season) are less ideal due to variable conditions and limited activities.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 4-15°C, peak foliage

Travel notes

Crowds: Very High
Prices: Peak

Best fall colors, book well in advance

Know before you go

Getting there

BTV

Burlington International Airport

International

5 km away

RUT

Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport

Domestic

0 km away

LEB

Lebanon Municipal Airport

Domestic

0 km away

MPV

Edward F. Knapp State Airport

Domestic

0 km away

MHT

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

International

180 km away

Getting around

"A car is highly recommended as public transportation is limited outside major corridors. Rental cars are available at Burlington International Airport and in larger towns. The Amtrak Vermonter train connects St. Albans, Burlington (via Essex Junction), and Brattleboro to the northeast corridor. Greyhound and Megabus provide limited intercity bus service. Local public transit exists in Burlington (Green Mountain Transit) and a few other towns. Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) operate in Burlington and some tourist areas. Taxis are available but not ubiquitous. For scenic drives, Route 100 and Route 7 are highly recommended."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities, towns, and many rural lodges

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airports and stores from $10

Calling code

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall. Use common sense in tourist areas. Winter driving requires caution.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall. Use common sense in tourist areas. Winter driving requires caution.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Vermont is one of the safest states in the U.S. with very low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in cities like Burlington, especially at night. Rural areas are generally very safe. Be cautious of wildlife on roads, particularly deer and moose, especially at dawn and dusk. During winter, roads can be hazardous due to snow and ice—ensure your vehicle has appropriate tires and carry an emergency kit. No specific tourist scams are prevalent, but always secure valuables. When hiking, stay on marked trails, be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains, and inform someone of your plans. Swimming in lakes and rivers should only be done in designated safe areas."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Vermont has excellent medical facilities, including the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington and regional hospitals in Rutland, Brattleboro, and Berlin. No special vaccinations are required for travel. Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease are a concern in wooded and grassy areas, especially from spring to fall—use insect repellent and perform tick checks after outdoor activities. Winter visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential frostbite during outdoor recreation. Travelers with allergies should be aware of high pollen counts in spring and summer. Most pharmacies are readily available in towns, and urgent care clinics operate in larger communities. Health insurance is strongly recommended as U.S. medical costs are high."

Culture

Local customs

"Vermonters value independence, privacy, and a direct, no-nonsense attitude. Dress is casual and practical, even in nicer restaurants. Tipping is standard: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping. Respect 'No Trespassing' signs on private land. The state has a strong environmental ethic—recycle when possible. Farmers' markets and local food are central to community life. During mud season (spring), it's customary to remove muddy shoes before entering homes. Vermont is politically progressive, and conversations often revolve around local issues, farming, and outdoor activities."

English

Costs and practicals

Currency

United States Dollar (USD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs $15-25 per person

Hotels

$100-200 | mid-range hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$2.50 | local bus ride ~$2.50

Cost notes

Prices higher during fall foliage and ski seasons. Budget options include hostels and camping.

Timezone

America/New_York -05:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

647,000

Area

24,923 km²

Government

U.S. State with a Governor and bicameral legislature

ISO code

US-VT

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: व्हर्मोंट, ورمانت, Vērmonta, ורמונט, バーモント州, รัฐเวอร์มอนต์, Вермонт, 佛蒙特州, ভার্মন্ট, ma Wemon, Վերմոնտ, VT, 버몬트, Vt., Fermont, वर्मांट, ვერმონტი, Vermontas, வெர்மான்ட், ܒܝܪܡܘܢܬ, US-VT, ᏣᏩᎦ, Βερμόντ, ورمونٹ, Vèrmont, Vermont, Welemoneka, Bimáá' Hahoodzo, വെര്‍മോണ്ട്, Vermonto, Vermontte, Vèmont, Vearmont, ווערמאנט, Върмонт, व्हरमाँट, فيرمونت, BTV, Berlingtan, Berlington, Berlingtona, Bjorlington, Borlington, Burlington, Burlingtun, Bērlingtona, Odzihozek, Paliten, Queen City, Skanentgraksenge, barinton, barlingtana, beollingteon, bo ling dun, brlynghtwn, brlyngtwn, brlyngtwn wrmant, Берлингтон, Берлінгтан, Берлінгтон, Бърлингтън, Бёрлингтон, Бӧрлингтон, ברלינגטון, برلنگٹن، ورمونٹ, برلينغتون, برلینگتون، ورمانت, बर्लिंग्टन, バーリントン, 伯靈頓, 벌링턴

Major HubNatureSkiingFall FoliageCraft BeerHikingHistoric TownsFarm-to-TableFamily-Friendly