Weather
Vermont Winter Weather: Could Snow Arrive Before Nov. 7?
Burlington, VT – Vermont residents wondering when the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season might arrive have an early November date to watch. Historical snowfall patterns indicate that
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-17T07:45:42.576Z
Burlington, VT – Vermont residents wondering when the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season might arrive have an early November date to watch. Historical snowfall patterns indicate that Burlington typically experiences its first measurable snow nearly three weeks before Thanksgiving.
According to historical snowfall information provided for this report, Burlington's typical first measurable snowfall occurs around Nov. 7. That is 19 days before Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 26, this year.
When Does Vermont Usually See Its First Snow? Vermont is among the states where winter weather can establish itself relatively early, especially across northern communities and higher elevations.
Burlington, located in Chittenden County near Lake Champlain, provides a useful reference for the state's early season snowfall timing.
However, conditions can differ considerably between the Champlain Valley and Vermont's mountainous interior.
Higher elevations can experience snowfall earlier in autumn, while lower elevation communities may remain relatively mild until November.
Measurable snowfall refers to an accumulation of at least 0.1 inches. Flurries can occur before measurable accumulation is recorded.
Could Vermont See Snow Before Thanksgiving? Historical patterns suggest that snowfall before Thanksgiving is common across portions of Vermont.
The state's colder northern climate and mountainous terrain also support earlier winter snow cover than many communities farther south.
Early season snowfall can create slippery roads, particularly across mountain passes, bridges and untreated surfaces.
Still, the Nov. 7 date represents a historical benchmark, not a confirmed snowfall forecast for 2026.
Residents across Burlington, Montpelier, Stowe and surrounding communities should monitor National Weather Service forecasts as November approaches.
For now, Vermont's historical snowfall calendar suggests that the first measurable snow often arrives well before Thanksgiving, making early November an important period for winter weather preparation.