Things to Do in Ithaca in August

August Weather in Ithaca

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak gorge season - waterfalls are at their most dramatic after spring snowmelt, with Taughannock Falls reaching maximum flow rates 40% higher than September levels
Student departure creates accommodation availability - Cornell and Ithaca College summer programs end mid-August, opening up 60% more lodging options at 20-30% lower rates
Festival season peaks with Finger Lakes wine harvest events beginning, plus the annual Grassroots Festival drawing world-class musicians to Trumansburg just 15 km (9.3 miles) north
Lake temperature reaches annual peak at 24°C (75°F) - perfect for swimming, kayaking, and water activities before autumn cooling begins

Considerations

Morning lake fog can persist until 10-11am, limiting early photography and requiring flexible outdoor activity timing
Weekend crowds at gorge trails peak in August - Buttermilk Falls sees 3x more visitors on Saturday/Sunday than weekdays
Late-summer humidity makes midday hiking uncomfortable - afternoon temperatures feel like 32°C (90°F) despite actual temps of 29°C (84°F)

Best Activities in August

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

August marks the beginning of harvest season when vineyards are most active and grapes reach peak ripeness. Seneca and Cayuga Lake wineries offer behind-the-scenes harvest experiences unavailable other months. Morning fog burns off by 11am, creating perfect afternoon tasting conditions with clear lake views.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 2-3 weeks ahead for August weekends. Group tours typically cost $85-120 per person including transportation and 4-5 tastings. Look for operators offering harvest-season experiences. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cayuga Lake Kayaking and Water Sports

Lake reaches its warmest temperature in August at 24°C (75°F), making water activities most comfortable. Morning calm conditions before 10am are ideal for paddling, while afternoon winds create perfect sailing conditions. Rental availability peaks as Cornell rowing teams are away.

Booking Tip: Reserve kayaks and paddleboards 5-7 days ahead for weekends. Half-day rentals typically cost $45-65, full day $75-95. Book morning slots (8-10am) for calmest water conditions. Current rental options available in booking section below.

Gorge Trail Hiking at State Parks

Waterfalls are at peak flow from spring runoff, but crowds require strategic timing. Weekday mornings (8-10am) offer the best experience before heat and crowds build. Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock, and Robert Treman gorges provide cool microclimates even on 29°C (84°F) days.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for trails, but parking fills by 11am on weekends. Arrive by 8am or after 4pm. Park entry fees are $8-10 per vehicle. Guided geology walks typically cost $15-25 per person on weekends.

Farmers Market and Food Trail Experiences

Peak harvest season brings corn, tomatoes, and stone fruits to local markets. Ithaca Farmers Market (Saturdays) and smaller weekday markets showcase August abundance. Cool morning temperatures make market browsing comfortable before afternoon heat builds.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours book up 10-14 days ahead in August. Tours typically cost $65-85 per person including 5-6 tastings. Saturday farmers market runs 9am-2pm - arrive early for best selection and parking. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Sunset Lake Cruises

August offers the longest daylight hours with sunsets around 8pm, plus warm evening temperatures perfect for being on the water. Seneca and Cayuga Lake dinner cruises take advantage of calm evening conditions and clear visibility after morning fog dissipates.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises book solid for August weekends - reserve 2-3 weeks ahead. Dinner cruises typically cost $75-110 per person, sunset tours $35-50. Departures usually 6:30-7pm for optimal lighting. Current cruise schedules in booking section below.

Music Festival and Outdoor Concert Experiences

August weather creates ideal conditions for outdoor venues. Grassroots Festival in nearby Trumansburg features 4 days of world music, while smaller venues host summer concert series. Evening temperatures in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) are perfect for outdoor listening.

Booking Tip: Festival passes and concert tickets typically cost $25-85 per day depending on venue size. Grassroots Festival requires advance purchase - usually sells out. Local venue concerts can often be purchased same-day. Check current concert listings in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August (typically second or third weekend)

Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance

Four-day world music festival in Trumansburg featuring 60+ acts on multiple stages. Known for diverse lineup from Celtic to African to Latin music, plus craft vendors and local food. One of the region's most significant cultural events.

Late August through early September

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

Multi-weekend celebration across various Finger Lakes wineries featuring harvest previews, special tastings, and vineyard tours. Each winery hosts unique events from grape stomping to winemaker dinners.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight moisture-wicking shirt and pants - 70% humidity makes cotton feel sticky and take forever to dry after morning fog exposure

Layering pieces for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F), afternoons reach 29°C (84°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 plus reflection off lake water intensifies exposure during water activities

Waterproof hiking boots with good traction - gorge trails stay wet from mist and can be slippery even without rain

Light rain jacket or umbrella - 10 rainy days typically bring brief afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET - August mosquitoes and blackflies are most active around lakes and wetlands during evening hours

Comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces - downtown Ithaca's hills and gorge trail approaches require sturdy footwear

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial during humid afternoon hikes, and many trails lack water fountains

Lightweight backpack for day trips - carrying layers, water, and rain gear while hiking between multiple gorge locations

Cash for farmers markets and small vendors - many local producers and craftspeople don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Start gorge hikes by 8am on weekends - parking lots at Buttermilk and Taughannock fill completely by 10:30am, forcing visitors to park 0.8 km (0.5 miles) away on busy days

Morning fog creates the best waterfall photography conditions - mist adds drama and softens harsh sunlight, but clears predictably by 11am most days

Local sweet corn reaches peak ripeness in mid-August - vendors at Ithaca Farmers Market sell corn picked that morning, vastly superior to grocery store versions

College students leave by mid-August, creating restaurant availability - popular spots like Moosewood and Glenwood Pineapple Company become bookable without week-long waits

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between noon and 4pm - humidity makes afternoon hiking miserable, while mornings stay comfortable until 10am

Underestimating gorge trail difficulty in August heat - what seems like an easy 1.6 km (1 mile) walk becomes challenging when temperatures feel like 32°C (90°F)

Not checking Grassroots Festival dates before booking accommodations - this major event fills all lodging within 32 km (20 miles) and significantly impacts availability