Vermont in November: How to Enjoy Stick Season Like a Local

Vermont in November is an enchanting in-between season when the trees drop their autumn finery and the fallen leaves blanket the ground. Frost blankets the fields most mornings, and if we’re lucky, we’ll be blessed with a few early snowstorms.

Lake Paran during stick season in Vermont. — This is why we call it ‘stick season’ in Vermont.

This is what we call stick season in Vermont, and it’s such a peaceful time to visit. While the bright colors of October have disappeared by early November, there are still shades of rusty orange and yellows in the November woods.

November is also one of the most affordable times to visit, as the hotels and restaurants take a breather from the busy fall tourist season and the even busier winter ski season.

Is Vermont in November worth visiting?

Vermont in November is beautiful and affordable, but whether you should visit depends on your intentions when you get here.

Looking for a peaceful (and affordable) cabin getaway? November is a perfect time to visit.

Want fewer crowds and a more locals-only feel to your vacation? November has you covered!

Are you planning to move here and want to see what it’s like outside of the idyllic postcard-perfect scenery? Yeah, you should come in November.

You will not find beautiful fall foliage or reliable snow for skiing.

Instead, you’ll embrace a more subdued Vermont. The smell of wood smoke. Hiking trails covered with crunchy leaves. Wool sweaters. Cider donuts. Flannel sheets. And perhaps the slowing down that you didn’t know you needed.

Weather In Vermont In November – How Cold Does It Get?

Tara wearing a cozy hat and a down vest. — A cozy hat and a down vest are November staples for me.

November is a fickle season in Vermont. A season of rogue snowstorms and random warm days. One morning, you’ll be enjoying the last of the fall foliage, and the next, you’ll be scraping the ice off your windshield.

The average high temperature in Vermont in November is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low is 31.

You may not want to spend the whole day outdoors in November, but if you book your stay at a cozy cabin or inn with a fireplace, you can have the best of both worlds — a crisp fall day exploring the outdoors in Vermont, followed by a cozy evening sipping your favorite beverage in front of the fire.

Layers will be your best friends on a November trip to Vermont. Bring your cozy sweaters and scarves, as well as a heavy jacket. Good walking shoes are a must — bonus if they’re waterproof.

Is November Too Late For Fall Foliage In Vermont?

Beech trees hang on through November at Lake Shaftsbury State Park in southern Vermont.

The beech and oak leaves will usually hang on through November, but for the most part, the leaves are on the ground, and the Green Mountains feel more grey than anything else. To really experience Vermont’s fall foliage, I recommend visiting during the first two weeks of October.

I live in Southern Vermont, and I have found some lingering foliage in November. It’s beautiful, but it’s nothing to write home about (or plan a trip around).

Does It Snow In Vermont In November?

Last year's first snow of the season was in mid-November in southern Vermont. — Last year’s first snow of the season was in mid-November.

Almost always! If finding snow is important to you, I recommend visiting the higher elevations in the Green Mountains, like Killington and Stowe. Northern areas along the Canadian border and the Northeast Kingdom also get snow pretty early in the season.

Here in southern Vermont, we usually get a few good snowfalls in November, but it melts pretty quickly until we move into December.

Can You Ski In Vermont In November?

Many of Vermont’s ski resorts open in Late November, but nothing is for certain; opening days are based on the temperatures and the amount of natural snowfall. Here are the projected November openings for Vermont ski areas in 2025:

Killington Resort	November 21, 2025
Mount Snow	November 22, 2025
Okemo Mountain Resort	November 22, 2025
Stowe Mountain	November 22, 2025
Stratton Mountain	November 26, 2025
Jay Peak	November 28, 2025
Magic Mountain	November 29, 2025

Vermont in November: Hiking

I love to hike in Vermont year-round, and November is gorgeous in the Green Mountains. You do have to take some precautions when hiking in the November woods.

Deer rifle season takes place in November each year (this year it’s November 15 – November 30, 2025). Here are some tips for hiking safely during hunting season in Vermont.

Be sure to hike with the 10 essentials and be prepared for icy conditions, especially in the higher elevations. I start packing Microspikes into my backpack in early November, since conditions at the trailhead are often milder than those in the high peaks of the Green Mountains.

Microspikes slide over your boots and add traction on icy trails. They are great for winter hiking, which often includes hiking in November.

Where to Hike in November in Vermont

My favorite November hiking trails in Vermont are actually lower-elevation trails. Here are a few of the hikes I love to tackle each November.

Shelburne Farms, Shelburne (no dogs): 10 miles of beautiful walking trails where you can enjoy gorgeous views and farm animals.
Red Rocks Park, South Burlington: 100 acres of beautiful trails on Lake Champlain in South Burlington.
Lowell Lake, Londonderry: A 3.2-mile loop around one of southern Vermont’s prettiest lakes.
Equinox Pond, Manchester: The pond loop is a short .75-mile loop. Combine it with a trip to the Northshire Bookstore!
West River Trail, Jamaica: I like to park outside of Jamaica State Park and meander on this riverside rail trail. It’s 3.5 miles to Ball Mountain Dam, but you can turn around whenever you like.
South Shore Trail, Westmore: Lake Willoughby is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vermont, but not in November! Hike this two-mile loop and you’ll likely have the views to yourself.

More Things to Do in Vermont in November

I love getting outside in Vermont year-round, but there’s more to Vermont than outdoor adventures. Here are a few other ideas for exploring Vermont in November.

Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Meal

All the flavors of fall are on display in November. Enjoy cozy comfort foods that celebrate the harvest. There are so many fantastic restaurants in Vermont, and I’m always discovering new spots.

Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order. I always recommend making reservations.

Hen of the Wood, Waterbury: Often listed among the best restaurants in Vermont, Hen of the Wood offers an authentic Vermont dining experience from start to finish. We love the Waterbury location, but there’s one in Burlington, too.
SoLo Farm and Table, South Londonderry: With seasonal meats and vegetables, many raised or grown onsite, this is special-occasion dining at its very best.
Cloudland Farm, Pomfret: While Cloudland Farm features a limited menu, available Thursday through Saturday, it’s absolutely worth checking out.
Blue Paddle Bistro, South Hero: Unpretentious food cooked that never disappoints. A must-stop for anyone visiting the Islands.
24 Carrot at Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford: We just discovered this gem, featuring Vermont meats, cheese, and other delights. Come for dinner or stay in the romantic, adult-only inn.

Take a Covered Bridge Tour

The Arlington Covered Bridge in Vermont. — The Arlington Green Covered Bridge in November.

I’m a sucker for Vermont’s covered bridges, and I visit them in every season. My favorites are the bridges in Bennington County and in Montgomery (the covered bridge capital of Vermont). There are 100 covered bridges in Vermont, and November is the perfect time to explore them.

Enjoy Vermont Craft Beers, Spirits, or Ciders

Enjoying a flight at Burlington Beer Company.

Vermont’s craft beverage is big business, with more breweries per capita than any other state, and cideries and distilleries sprouting up all over the state.

The state is arguably home to some of the finest beers in the world, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Head to Vermont in November and take the Vermont Brewery Challenge.

All you have to do to participate is download the Vermont Brewers’ Association app, visit Vermont breweries, and have your passport digitally stamped while you are there.

Additional benefits include great-tasting beers, live music, and yummy food.

Here’s an overview of the Vermont Cider Trail and some great Vermont distilleries.

Shop Local

An antique store on Main Street in Bennington, Vermont.

This year, November 29th is Small Business Saturday, but you don’t have to wait to shop local and find incredible Vermont gifts for everyone on your list. Vermont is full of historic downtowns, not to mention galleries, gift shops, craft centers, and other whimsical spots to find the perfect holiday gift.

I love shopping on Church Street in Burlington, but I also frequent Brattleboro (so many galleries), Woodstock (gift shops galore), Manchester (designer outlets and Northshire Bookstore), and Montpelier. Come to Vermont in November. You’ve got options!

Plan a Spa Day in Vermont

A women relaxes at a spa in Vermont. — Nothing like a spa day when you’re already on vacation!

November is the perfect time to find some amazing deals on lodging in Vermont, and it’s a great time to plan a girls’ getaway or spa weekend with someone you love. Here are some ideas for your perfect spa weekend in Vermont.

Mountaintop Resort in Chittenden. Set high in the mountains of Central Vermont on 700 idyllic acres, Mountaintop Inn & Resort is a secret getaway you can only find in Vermont. Accommodations are luxurious, the cuisine is artfully created, and the spa treatments are beyond relaxing. Spa and salon services include a pool and hot tub, massages, scrubs, and facials.

Woodstock Inn & Resort. The Woodstock Inn & Resort is a luxurious slice of heaven in one of Vermont’s most picturesque towns. The resort features 142 scrumptious rooms, four distinct restaurants, and recreation opportunities. The spa is a premier wellness retreat, with restorative massages, facials, and body treatments, plus whirlpool tubs, an outdoor pool, and a cedar sauna. Special sugar season packages are available.

Topnotch Resort in Stowe. Head to the mountain town of Stowe and the newly renovated Topnotch Resort, located on 120 pristine acres at the base of Mt. Mansfield. Spa amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, and fitness rooms. Spa treatments include body wraps, massages, facials, skincare, salon services, cupping, and couples treatments.

Vermont in November: 2025 Events

Forest of Lights at VINS — A Forest of Lights returns to VINS in late November. Photo credit: VINS

Plan your trip around one of these November events. It’s just a sampling of the live music and theater you can find throughout the state.

November 1, 2025: Broadway in Brattleboro at the Latchis Theater. This one-night-only celebration of the arts will highlight the gift of youth arts education, the power of creativity, and the endless possibilities for the future, featuring stories and songs from Broadway performers, as well as New England Youth Theatre alumni and students.

November 6, 2025: Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival Concert in Burlington. GMCMF Artistic Director Elizabeth Chang & pianist Jiyan Sun perform this free concert at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

November 7 & 8, 2025: 5th Annual Holiday Artisan Gift Show in Rutland. Featuring unique and handmade items, free admission, and a hot beverage bar with cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, and sweet treats.

November 8, 2025: Leroy Preston and the Unknown Blues Band at Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph. Founding member of Grammy-award-winning western swing group Asleep at the Wheel, Leroy Preston plays a variety of music, including swing, honky-tonk country, and jazzy blues tunes.

November 12, 2025: Natalie Merchant Acoustic Autumn Tour at Spruce Peak Arts in Stowe. Over her forty-year career, Natalie Merchant has earned recognition as one of America’s most respected recording artists, drawing audiences with her captivating performances and intentional songwriting.

November 13, 2025: Dark Star Orchestra at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. Performing to critical acclaim for nearly 30 years and over 3300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience.

November 14-16, 2025: A Gilded Age Murder Mystery at the Wilburton. Inspired by a society scandal that rocked Manchester, Vermont, and Chicago in 1904, The Wilburton’s latest original, history-inspired murder mystery, The Runaway Debutante, is an elegant, immersive weekend of music, mayhem, and murder!

November 16, 2025: Newfane Fall Makers Market in Newfane. From jewelry, photography, and home décor to clothing, pottery, and art, there’s something for everyone. Support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind pieces to add charm to your life. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or treating yourself, come enjoy a day of creativity, community, and fun.

November 21, 2025: A Forest of Lights opens at VINS in Quechee. Experience winter magic as thousands of lights transform the VINS Nature Center into an enchanted wonderland. Stroll through spectacular displays featuring this year’s new attractions: the Sparkle Dome, Fiery Tower, Dancing Lights Pavilion, and Under the Black Light Sea.

November 28-30, 2025: A Family Thanksgiving at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. Celebrate the season with a Thanksgiving weekend full of history, tradition, and hands-on fun for all ages. Guests can step back in time with a display of foods from a 1890s Thanksgiving table and enjoy the aroma of dishes cooking in the Historic Farmhouse kitchen.

Have I convinced you to visit Vermont in November? If you’re craving a reset that involves quiet walks in the woods, local food, and beautiful scenery without the crowds, November is the perfect time to plan a Vermont getaway!