We all know that winter in Vermont, and New England for that matter, can be quite an experience depending on the severity of the cold weather and snowfall. So every year we wait to see how the current winter compares to the ones of the past. Some winters have been relatively mild while others have left indelible marks on us that will in no time soon leave our memories. In contrast to the brutal winter of 1970, Vermont winters of the past seem less severe. Let’s take a look at this record-setting winter in Vermont that brought more than just cold temperatures.

Flickr/Jake "Forester" Barbour
50 years ago, Vermont was crippled with an arctic freeze that lasted many weeks. January of 1970 recorded the coldest average monthly temperature in the history of Vermont, post-1900 when these statistics were first scrutinized.
ausfi/flickr
The average temperature in Burlington, Vermont, in January of 1970 was a blistering 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That is roughly 25 degrees colder on average than January 2022.

Related Stories

6 Wonderful Winter Adventures You Can Have In Vermont To Stay Active

6 Wonderful Winter Adventures You Can Have In Vermont To Stay Active

 The Red Rocks Park Loop Trail In Vermont Completely Transforms In The Winter Months 

The Red Rocks Park Loop Trail In Vermont Completely Transforms In The Winter Months 

 Here Are 12 Spots In Vermont You Must Explore This Winter

Here Are 12 Spots In Vermont You Must Explore This Winter
Liv/flickr
The winter of 1969-70 also witnessed a massive nor'easter that brought more than 20 inches of snow to parts of Vermont and just under 30 inches to Burlington, Vermont. The storm came a few days after Christmas and left more than 20 people dead in New England by December 30th.
KENNETH BARKER/flickr
The cold gripped Vermont and New England for over a month. The winter wasn't as devastating as the infamous "year without a summer" that took place in 1816 throughout the east coast and elsewhere, but the winter of 1970 was one of the coldest and most brutal winters in recent history.
Dex Horton Photography/flickr
Reading about frigid winters of the past makes you realize how moderate recent Vermont winters have been. Getting rocked by blizzards is one thing—something that all Vermonters are used to—but experiencing a whole month of temperatures which are barely above zero, that's a completely different story.

Have you heard of the deathly cold winter of 1970? Will this Vermont lowest temperature shock you? Which are the worst winter storms in Vermont that you’ve experienced? Let us know by leaving a comment below. We look forward to reading your responses.

Looking for more winter in Vermont content? Check out these 11 must-visit places in Vermont this winter.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

winter in Vermont

Luke | November 18, 2022

Is Vermont worth visiting in winter?

Vermont is one of the best places in the U.S. to visit in winter. There are many fun adventures awaiting you in Vermont this winter. From skiing some of the best slopes in New England to riding horseback in the picturesque wintery Vermont landscapes, there's something for everyone in Vermont in winter. Find more fun things to do this winter in Vermont by checking out this list of the best winter towns in Vermont that come alive during the holiday season.

What is Vermont like in the winter?

Winter in Vermont is beautiful and cold. Temperatures almost exclusively stay below 32 degrees. But there are many winter activities to partake in, including:

  • Hiking
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Winter camping
  • Sledding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ice skating

For more ideas of what winter is like in Vermont, check out these 12 best winter spots in Vermont to explore this winter.

Is Vermont the coldest state?

Vermont is not the coldest state in the U.S., but it is consistently one of the coldest places. It has an average of 43.2°F, making it the seventh coldest state. For more information about what Vermont is like during the winter, check out the 21 things no one tells you about surviving Vermont winters.

What are the best winter hiking trails in Vermont?

The best winter hiking trails in Vermont include:

  • Mount Olga, Butler Lodge Trail
  • Red Rocks Park Loop Trail
  • Robert Frost Wayside Trail
  • Sterling Pond Trail
  • Lye Brook Falls
  • Owl’s Head
  • Check out more winter hiking trails in Vermont with these beautiful Vermont trails in the winter. 

Related Articles

Explore Vermont

Featured Addresses
Burlington, VT, USA