Weather
Vermont Thanksgiving Travel: Warmer, Drier Weather Nov. 18–24
Burlington, VT – Thanksgiving travelers across Vermont could see a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below average pre
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-11-11T05:08:08.167Z
Burlington, VT – Thanksgiving travelers across Vermont could see a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below average precipitation favored during the days leading up to the holiday.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the extended outlook for Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24, favors above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation across Vermont.
The combination suggests a relatively mild preholiday pattern, potentially limiting widespread rain and snow compared with a wetter late November period. However, occasional precipitation, colder nights and changing mountain conditions remain possible.
Burlington, South Burlington and Northwestern Vermont Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, Essex and surrounding Chittenden County communities could experience temperatures above typical late November averages.
Interstate 89, U.S. Route 2 and U.S. Route 7 will be important travel corridors as holiday traffic increases.
Below normal precipitation could provide more opportunities for dry travel, although passing showers remain possible.
Montpelier, Barre and Central Vermont Montpelier, Barre, Berlin, Waterbury and surrounding communities could also experience milder than average conditions.
Interstate 89 and U.S. Route 2 are important routes connecting central Vermont with Burlington and New Hampshire.
Travelers should continue monitoring overnight temperatures, particularly in valleys and higher elevation areas where colder conditions can develop.
Rutland, Killington and South Central Vermont Rutland, Killington, Brandon and surrounding communities could see above average temperatures during the November 18–24 period.
U.S. Route 4 and U.S. Route 7 are important travel corridors for residents and visitors moving through the Green Mountains.
The drier outlook could mean fewer widespread precipitation events, although higher elevations may still experience colder conditions and occasional snow.
St. Albans, Newport and the Northeast Kingdom St. Albans, Newport, St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville and surrounding northern Vermont communities could experience a milder overall pattern.
Interstate 89, Interstate 91 and U.S. Route 5 will be important routes for travelers heading toward Canada, New Hampshire and southern Vermont.
Despite the above average temperature outlook, colder overnight periods remain possible in northern valleys.
Brattleboro, Bennington and Southern Vermont Brattleboro, Bennington, Manchester and surrounding communities could also experience temperatures above seasonal averages.
Interstate 91, Route 9 and U.S. Route 7 are important regional travel corridors connecting Vermont with Massachusetts and New York.
Below normal precipitation suggests fewer opportunities for widespread rain or snow, but the outlook does not guarantee completely dry conditions.
Stowe, Middlebury and the Green Mountains Stowe, Middlebury, Waitsfield and surrounding mountain communities could experience a relatively mild late November pattern.
However, mountain temperatures can differ considerably from nearby valleys, especially overnight.
Travelers crossing higher elevation routes should monitor local forecasts even if the statewide outlook favors warmer and drier conditions.
Thanksgiving Travel: Warmer and Drier Conditions Ahead? The forecast period ends Tuesday, November 24, two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
For Vermont, the main takeaway is the potential for above average temperatures and below average precipitation during the days leading up to the holiday.
That combination could support more comfortable driving conditions and fewer widespread weather related interruptions compared with a colder, snowier late November pattern.
However, below normal precipitation does not mean no rain or snow, and above normal temperatures do not eliminate freezing conditions, particularly in the Green Mountains and northern Vermont.
The extended outlook does not predict specific snowfall totals or establish weather conditions for Thanksgiving Day itself.
Vermont travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and Vermont Agency of Transportation road conditions before departing.