Early winter · Weather & things to do
Vermont in December
Vermont cools off: highs slip to 30°F (-1°C), from 42°F in November, with lows of 17°F (-9°C) and about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 37/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 30°F (-1°C)
- Avg low
- 17°F (-9°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.7 in (93 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 37/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 30°F (-1°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 17°F (-9°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Only about 8 h 39 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 39 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 42/100 in November to 37/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 17°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.7 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Vermont in December
With highs near 30°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Stowe Recreation Path
5.3-mile paved path along the West Branch River with mountain views and footbridges.
Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road
4.5-mile gravel road to near the summit of Vermont's highest peak, with a short ridge walk on top.
Prohibition Pig
Smoked meats, fried chicken and a deep Vermont tap list in downtown Waterbury.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 30°F.
Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Single-lane 1844 covered bridge, locally called Emily's Bridge, on a quiet back road outside Stowe.
The Alchemist Brewery
Stowe taproom and shop of the brewery behind Heady Topper and Focal Banger.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in December
- Stowe in December~8 mi · highs 30°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Woodstock in December~65 mi · highs 33°F, 3.7 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- White Mountains in December~66 mi · highs 11°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 11°C (19°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Montréal in December~81 mi · highs 28°F, 3.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~394 m to Vermont's ~245 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Vermont in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Vermont?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 37/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 30°F (-1°C) and 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain or snow. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Vermont in December?
Average highs are 30°F (-1°C) and average lows 17°F (-9°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Vermont in December?
Some: about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 45.3 in (1150 mm).
What should I pack for Vermont in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 17°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.7 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Vermont in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.