Burlington, VT – Vermont enters the holiday stretch under an “equal chances” temperature forecast, but the state should still expect multiple snow opportunities between December 20 and January 2, according to NOAA’s Week 3–4 Outlook. With both Christmas and New Years inside this timeframe, a wintry setup is still favored across the Green Mountain State.
According to NOAA, Vermont sits within a broad band from Washington to New Jersey that carries equal chances of above- or below-normal temperatures. However, forecasters emphasize that Vermont’s typical late-December climate already supports frequent snowfall, meaning even slight cooling episodes may lead to light to moderate accumulations.
For precipitation, Vermont also falls within an equal-chances zone, suggesting near-normal totals. But at this time of year, normal precipitation typically means snow, especially for higher elevations. Forecasters note the potential for several disturbances to track through the region, including moisture-rich coastal systems capable of producing widespread snow or mixed precipitation depending on temperature profiles.
Communities across Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, Brattleboro, and the Upper Valley should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility, and variable precipitation types during the Dec. 20–Jan. 2 period. Mountain towns—including Stowe, Killington, and Sugarbush—are likely to see the most consistent snowfall, raising confidence in wintry holiday conditions for ski regions.
If storm timing aligns with colder air, Vermont could see a White Christmas and a snowy start to 2026. Confidence on totals will increase as individual systems develop.
Residents and holiday travelers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the period approaches.
