Things to Do in Ithaca in April

April Weather in Ithaca

19°C (66°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

72% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Gorge waterfalls at peak flow - April snowmelt creates the most dramatic cascades you'll see all year, with Taughannock Falls roaring at 5x summer volume
Cornell campus comes alive - 23,000 students return from spring break, bringing energy to State Street and Collegetown. Campus tours resume full schedule after winter hiatus
Maple syrup season finale - Local sugar houses like Littletree Orchards offer weekend tours through late April, with fresh syrup tastings and 15% lower prices than tourist season
Comfortable hiking temperatures - Daytime highs of 19°C (66°F) are perfect for the steep Finger Lakes Trail sections without summer's humidity and bugs

Considerations

Mud season chaos - Trails become swampy quagmires, especially the popular Cascadilla Gorge trail which closes sections when unsafe. Waterproof boots essential
Unpredictable weather swings - Temperature can drop 15°C (27°F) in one day. Pack layers as morning frost can give way to afternoon t-shirt weather
Limited lake activities - Cayuga Lake averages 7°C (45°F) in April. Swimming, kayaking, and boat tours don't fully resume until May when water temperatures reach 12°C (54°F)

Best Activities in April

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

April marks the start of tasting room season with many vineyards reopening full schedules after winter closures. Cool temperatures preserve wine quality during tastings, and you'll avoid summer tour bus crowds. Vines are budding, creating scenic backdrops without summer's tourist masses.

Booking Tip: Book wine trail shuttles 7-10 days ahead as weekends fill up with wedding parties. Tours typically cost $45-75 per person for 3-4 wineries. Look for operators offering indoor backup stops for rainy days. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cornell University Campus Tours

April offers perfect conditions for exploring Cornell's 2,300-acre campus as students return and the academic year peaks. Weather is cool enough for comfortable walking but warm enough to enjoy outdoor spaces like the Arts Quad. Cherry blossoms bloom mid-month along East Avenue.

Booking Tip: Free student-led tours run twice daily on weekdays, 1pm on weekends. For private tours, book through university visitors center 5-7 days ahead, typically $25-40 per group. Architecture and engineering building tours require advance booking during academic season.

Gorge Waterfall Photography

April snowmelt creates the year's most spectacular waterfall conditions. Taughannock Falls drops 65 m (215 ft) with maximum flow, while Buttermilk Falls cascades through 10 pools at peak volume. Cool, moist air creates dramatic mist effects perfect for photography without summer's harsh light.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops typically cost $85-120 for 3-4 hour sessions. Book 14 days ahead as April slots fill with professional photographers. Choose operators offering indoor instruction time for weather delays. Equipment rental available for $25-35/day.

Cayuga Lake Shore Walking

While lake water is too cold for swimming, April offers peaceful shoreline walking with migrating waterfowl and emerging spring flowers. The 1.6 km (1 mile) Cayuga Waterfront Trail provides stunning lake views without summer crowds, and cool temperatures make the gradual inclines comfortable.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity, but guided nature walks cost $15-25 per person on weekends. Book through visitor center for bird-watching tours during spring migration peak. Wear waterproof footwear as shoreline trails can be muddy from spring runoff.

Historic Ithaca Food Tours

April brings perfect walking weather for downtown food tours as restaurants reopen patios and expand spring menus. Cool temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours between venues comfortable, and you'll experience Ithaca's farm-to-table scene as local ingredients become available after winter.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-85 per person for 6-8 tastings. Book 10-12 days ahead as weekend tours fill up with visiting Cornell families. Look for operators offering indoor venues for weather backup. Tours run rain or shine with covered market stops.

Buttermilk Falls State Park Hiking

April offers ideal hiking conditions before black fly season begins in May. The gorge trail to Pinnacle Rock (2.4 km/1.5 miles) features 10 waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. Cool temperatures and muddy conditions require proper footwear but reward hikers with dramatic water features and fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Park admission $8 per vehicle. Guided nature hikes available weekends for $12-18 per person, book through state park office 7 days ahead. Trail conditions change daily in April - check park website before visiting as sections may close during heavy rain.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Cornell University Spring Open House

Prospective students and families flood campus for admitted student days, creating vibrant energy across Ithaca. Campus showcases peak academic life with special lectures, performances, and demonstrations. Great time to experience college town atmosphere at its most dynamic.

Early to Mid April

Maple Syrup Festival at Local Farms

Final weekends of maple syrup production season feature farm tours, tastings, and pancake breakfasts. Several Finger Lakes region sugar houses offer demonstrations of traditional syrup-making processes with fresh products at harvest prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - April mud can be ankle-deep on popular trails like Cascadilla Gorge, and regular sneakers become unusable

Layered clothing system - Temperature swings from 4°C (39°F) to 19°C (66°F) daily require base layer, fleece, and shell jacket

Compact umbrella - 12 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers that can last 45-60 minutes

Waterproof camera protection - Mist from waterfalls at peak flow can damage electronics, especially near Taughannock Falls

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 reflects strongly off wet rocks and water surfaces in gorges

Quick-dry pants - Avoid cotton as trails can be muddy and wet from snowmelt runoff

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - More practical than heavy winter coat for variable April weather

Wool socks (2-3 pairs) - Essential for waterproof boots during muddy trail conditions

Microfiber towel - For car seats after muddy hikes and unexpected rain

Waterproof daypack cover - Protect electronics and extra layers during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Park at Taughannock Falls lower parking area before 9am - fills completely by 11am on sunny weekends, and upper lot requires 0.8 km (0.5 mile) additional walk to falls

Check Cornell's academic calendar before visiting - campus energy drops dramatically during prelim weeks (mid-April) when students hunker down for exams

Visit Ithaca Farmers Market on Saturdays only in April - Saturday market runs year-round, but Sunday market doesn't resume until May when weather stabilizes

Book Finger Lakes wine tours for weekdays - 40% less crowded than weekends, and many vineyards offer weekday-only barrel tastings unavailable during busy periods

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton clothing for hiking - April's wet conditions and temperature swings make cotton dangerous as it stays wet and loses insulation

Planning lake activities too early - Boat tours, kayak rentals, and swimming areas don't fully operate until water temperatures reach 12°C (54°F) in late May

Assuming trails are fully open - Spring flooding and mud conditions close sections of popular gorge trails unpredictably, especially after heavy rain