Burlington, Vermont – As Christmas travel plans ramp up across Vermont, weather conditions late this week could add complications for drivers and flyers preparing for trips during the Dec 19–Dec 23 window. While overall temperatures are expected to trend above normal, Vermont remains firmly in a zone where mixed precipitation can quickly impact travel.
Quiet conditions Sunday give way to a more active pattern by midweek. According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, moisture spreading into the region late Thursday into Friday could fall as rain, wet snow, or freezing rain, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Northern and higher-elevation areas are most likely to see wintry impacts first.
Burlington and the Champlain Valley may lean more toward rain at times, but colder air nearby means conditions could change quickly. Roads including I-89, Route 7, and mountain passes east of the valley may develop slick spots, particularly during the overnight hours when surface temperatures dip. Travelers heading toward ski country or crossing into New Hampshire and New York should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions.
Holiday air travel could also be affected if precipitation coincides with peak departure times at Burlington International Airport. According to Vermont Agency of Transportation guidance, drivers should build extra time into plans, monitor plow activity, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of mixed precipitation if possible.
Even with milder-than-average temperatures later in the week, nighttime icing remains a concern. Travelers are urged to pack emergency kits, keep phones charged, and let others know their routes and expected arrival times.
This Christmas travel period is shaping up to reward flexibility and preparation, especially for those traveling late week or early in the morning.
