Vermont in February

Fall foliage season runs from late September through mid-October, and it's exactly as spectacular as everyone says. Peak colors typically hit northern Vermont first, around October 1st, then move south over the following two weeks. But here's what no one tells you — this is also the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Hotels book months in advance, and leaf-peeper traffic can turn a 30-minute drive into a two-hour ordeal. Summer offers the sweet spot for most visitors. June through August brings warm days perfect for hiking, swimming in Lake Champlain, and exploring farmers markets. Temperatures rarely exceed 80°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also when most attractions and restaurants operate full schedules. Winter transforms Vermont into a completely different destination. Ski season runs December through March, with the best snow typically falling in January and February. But unless you're here to ski, winter can feel limiting — many attractions close, and mountain roads become treacherous. Spring arrives slowly, with mud season lasting through April. Many back roads become impassable, and attractions operate limited hours. But if you can handle the uncertainty, April and May offer lower prices and the chance to see Vermont waking up from winter.