Weather

Crisp Autumn Days and Quiet Skies Ahead for the Bennington Valley

Residents in Bennington, Shaftsbury, and Pownal can expect a stretch of crisp, dry autumn weather. Clear skies on Wednesday will give way to overcast but dry conditions through Friday, with highs in the 60s perfect for fall foliage.

Published

1 hour ago

September 23, 2026

Randy Breland, Managing Editor

A scenic autumn landscape in Bennington Valley with colorful foliage, a winding path, and — Bennington VT weather forecast

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Crisp Autumn Days and Quiet Skies Ahead for the Bennington Valley

Last updated: September 23, 2026

As we settle into late September, the Bennington Valley is waking up to a classic, crisp autumn chill. Currently sitting at a cool 42 degrees under a beautifully clear sky, our local weather is delivering exactly what southwestern Vermonters expect as the leaves begin their annual transformation. With winds nearly dead calm at just 0.9 miles per hour, there is a peaceful, still quality to the morning air across Old Bennington, North Bennington, and out toward Shaftsbury and Pownal. This quiet, dry stretch of weather is set to continue for the next few days, offering excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, even as cloud cover begins to increase later in the week.

Bennington VT Weather Forecast: Midweek Outlook Clear and Comfortable

For today, Wednesday, September 23, 2026, we can expect a picture-perfect late-September day. Temperatures will climb from their chilly early morning lows in the lower 40s (reaching a bottom of 41.6 degrees) to a very comfortable afternoon high of 62 degrees. Skies will remain mainly clear throughout the day, allowing for plenty of bright sunshine to warm the valley floor. Winds will pick up slightly compared to the early morning calm, reaching a maximum speed of about 11.3 miles per hour, which will bring a gentle, rustling breeze to the changing canopy in the Green Mountain National Forest.

For commuters heading out along Route 7, VT-9 (the Molly Stark Trail), or the VT-279 bypass, visibility will be excellent today. With zero percent probability of precipitation and no rainfall in the forecast, road conditions will remain perfectly dry. However, drivers should remain alert for early morning valley fog, which often settles near Lake Paran and lower-elevation fields during these cool, clear autumn nights, as well as increased deer activity during the twilight hours.

Thursday brings Overcast Skies but Remains Dry

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, we will see a shift in our sky conditions as a blanket of clouds moves into the region. The day is forecast to be overcast, but despite the gray skies, the dry trend holds firm. There is a zero percent chance of precipitation, meaning you can leave the umbrella at home for another day.

Temperatures will actually creep up just a fraction of a degree, with an expected daytime high of 63.5 degrees after an overnight low of 42.1 degrees. Winds will be slightly calmer than Wednesday, peaking at around 9.6 miles per hour. While the overcast skies might make the day feel a bit cooler than Wednesday, it remains a highly runnable, walkable, and productive day for outdoor chores, yard cleanups, or a quiet hike up Mount Anthony.

Friday: A Touch Warmer with High Clouds

As we head toward the weekend on Friday, September 25, 2026, the overcast conditions will persist, but we will experience the warmest afternoon of the three-day stretch. Temperatures are projected to reach a high of 66.4 degrees, following an overnight low of 43.799 degrees.

We do see a minor change in the moisture profile, with a 20 percent probability of precipitation entering the forecast. While this indicates a very light, isolated sprinkle cannot be entirely ruled out, the vast majority of Bennington County will remain completely dry, with total precipitation expected to measure at 0 inches. Winds will remain light and manageable, topping out at 9.9 miles per hour.

Seasonal Impacts and Outdoor Planning

This stretch of dry, cool weather is ideal for this time of year in southwestern Vermont. The combination of bright sunshine on Wednesday and cool overnight temperatures in the low 40s is the perfect recipe for bringing out the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of our famous fall foliage. For those planning a drive up the Molly Stark Trail toward Woodford or hiking the Long Trail, conditions will be highly favorable, though you will want to dress in layers to account for the cool morning starts.

While we do not have any active weather alerts or extreme conditions in the forecast, these overnight lows dipping near the 40-degree mark serve as a gentle reminder that autumn is firmly established. It is a great time to ensure your home heating systems are in working order, check in on elderly neighbors as the evening chill sets in, and make sure outdoor pets have warm, dry shelter for the night.

Bennington VT Weather Forecast Summary

Wednesday: High of 62 degrees, low of 41.6 degrees. Mainly clear and beautiful. Perfect for outdoor recreation.
Thursday: High of 63.5 degrees, low of 42.1 degrees. Overcast but completely dry. Great for commuting and local travel.
Friday: High of 66.4 degrees, low of 43.8 degrees. Overcast with a very slight (20%) chance of a sprinkle, but remaining dry for almost everyone.

Enjoy the peaceful, dry autumn weather, Bennington, and have a safe and wonderful week!

Weather data provided by Open-Meteo.