WCAX SkyWatch3 in South Burlington — Live Webcam
South Burlington — a city on the shore of a great lake
South Burlington is located in Chittenden County in the western part of Vermont, one of the most picturesque regions of New England. This city often remains in the shadow of its larger neighbor — Burlington — but it is here that Burlington International Airport — the largest airport in Vermont, through which the main flow of travelers heading to the Green Mountains recreation area passes. The population of South Burlington is 20,292 people (2020), making it the second-largest city in the state after Burlington. The city is actively being developed with residential neighborhoods and commercial properties while maintaining an abundance of green spaces — nearly every home here is surrounded by a forested area.
Lake Champlain — the Sixth Great Lake
The main waterway of the region is Lake Champlain, named after the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who became the first European to see these waters in 1609. The lake stretches 120 miles (193 km) in length and up to 12 miles (19 km) in width, and its maximum depth reaches 400 feet (122 m). Interestingly, Champlain was once officially considered the Sixth Great Lake of the United States, although this status was later revoked. The lake is home to numerous islands, the largest of which — South Hero Island — is clearly visible from the camera in clear weather.
Green Mountains and Mount Mansfield
To the east of Lake Champlain rises the Green Mountains range — part of the ancient Appalachian system. The highest point in the state is Mount Mansfield at 4,393 feet (1,339 m) above sea level. It is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Burlington and is visible from the WCAX SkyWatch3 camera on cloudless days. Mansfield is a popular destination for hiking and skiing, and its distinctive profile resembles a human face in profile — a feature first noted by Samuel de Champlain himself.
Adirondack Mountains on the Horizon
On the western shore of Lake Champlain, beyond the water's surface, the Adirondack Mountains massif is visible — a dome-shaped mountain mass approximately 160 miles (257 km) in diameter, covering an area of about 5,000 square miles (12,950 km²). The Adirondack Park is comparable in size to the state of Vermont. The highest peak of the range is Mount Marcy at 5,344 feet (1,629 m). In total, the Adirondacks contain 46 peaks over 4,000 feet (1,219 m), known as the "46 High Peaks" — hiking enthusiasts strive to conquer every single one. The name "Adirondack" is of Native American origin and means "bark-eater" — this was the mocking name the Iroquois gave to the Algonquin tribes.
Burlington and Church Street Marketplace
Although the camera is located in South Burlington, part of Burlington — the state's largest city — also falls within its field of view. The heart of Burlington is the Church Street Marketplace — an open-air pedestrian shopping center with over 100 shops and restaurants. This street stretches for four blocks in the city center and is the hub of cultural life: festivals, concerts, and fairs are held here. In summer, restaurants set out tables right on the pavement, and in winter the street transforms into a festive space with garlands and Christmas trees.
Climate and Seasonal Changes in the Frame
Vermont is famous for its continental climate with distinct seasons. In winter, temperatures in South Burlington can drop to -20°C, and snow cover persists from December through March. Lake Champlain partially freezes, although its central part remains ice-free nearly every winter due to its great depth. In spring, the forests around the city are covered with fresh greenery, and in autumn — in September and October — they transform into a palette of crimson, gold, and ochre hues. It is in autumn that Vermont sees its peak tourist season — photographers and artists from across the country come here to capture the vivid fall foliage.
Burlington Airport — Vermont's Gateway to the Skies
Burlington International Airport, located in South Burlington, is not only a transportation hub but also an important element of the cityscape. The airport serves flights from major US airlines and handles over a million passengers per year. The runway is in close proximity to residential neighborhoods, creating a characteristic soundscape — the roar of turbines is more familiar here than birdsong. The airport is home to a Vermont National Guard squadron and also hosts the state's aviation museum.
Night Panorama and Astronomical Observations
When the sun sets behind the Adirondacks, the panorama of South Burlington transforms. City lights reflect off the waters of Champlain, and on moonless nights the Milky Way unfolds over the Mansfield and Adirondack mountains. Vermont is one of the darkest states in the eastern US, with minimal light pollution. On clear winter nights, the northern lights can be observed from the camera — although this phenomenon is rare at the 44th parallel north, powerful geomagnetic storms sometimes paint the sky with green and pink flashes.
What You Can See on the Camera
The WCAX SkyWatch3 live camera broadcasts a panoramic view from an elevated position over the urban development of South Burlington. In the foreground is a dense forested area with tree canopies, predominantly maples, oaks, and birches. In the middle of the frame are residential and commercial buildings, roads, parking areas, and a network of streets. In the background is the vast Lake Champlain with an island, behind which the Adirondack mountain range stretches into the haze. In clear weather, the silhouette of Mount Mansfield is distinguishable to the east. The webcam operates in real time, allowing you to watch the movement of clouds over the lake, the changing light throughout the day, and air traffic in the Burlington airport zone.
