Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Vermont in January
This is the coldest month in Vermont: highs average 24°F (-4°C) and lows 8°F (-13°C), with about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Avg low
- 8°F (-13°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 95%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~9 h
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 24°F (-4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 8°F (-13°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.5 in (63 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September.
- Comfort improves from 37/100 in December to 41/100.
- Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 8°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Vermont in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Working cider mill selling fresh cider and warm cider donuts since 1974.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 24°F.
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.
Billings Farm & Museum
Working dairy farm and museum on the edge of Woodstock, tied to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller park.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 24°F.
Prohibition Pig
Smoked meats, fried chicken and a deep Vermont tap list in downtown Waterbury.
Why now A cozy break on a 24°F day.
Ben & Jerry's Factory
Short factory tour with a tasting, plus the flavor graveyard on the hill.
Nearby in January
- Stowe in January~8 mi · highs 24°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Woodstock in January~65 mi · highs 28°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- White Mountains in January~66 mi · highs 5°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 11°C (19°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Montréal in January~81 mi · highs 21°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Vermont?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September. Expect highs of 24°F (-4°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow. Our New England Fall Foliage route recommends Sep – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Vermont in January?
Average highs are 24°F (-4°C) and average lows 8°F (-13°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Vermont in January?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 8°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Vermont in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.