Things to Do in Ithaca in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Ithaca
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Cornell's campus transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered quads and frosted Gothic architecture - February offers the most photogenic winter scenery
- Gorge waterfalls freeze into spectacular ice formations, creating natural ice sculptures at Taughannock Falls (69m/215ft) and Buttermilk Falls
- Winter sports peak season: cross-country skiing at Hammond Hill (15km/9.3 miles of groomed trails) and ice skating on Beebe Lake when temperatures hold below -7°C (19°F) for 5+ days
- Significantly fewer tourists mean you'll have iconic spots like Cascadilla Gorge trail (2.4km/1.5 miles) mostly to yourself on weekdays
Considerations
- Daylight hours limited to just 10.5 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 5:45pm) restricting outdoor activity windows
- Many outdoor attractions close or have reduced access - Buttermilk Falls upper trails close when ice-covered, typically 12-15 days in February
- Driving conditions can be treacherous with lake-effect snow from Cayuga Lake creating sudden whiteout conditions, especially on Route 89 north of town
Best Activities in February
Frozen Waterfall Photography Tours
February's sustained sub-freezing temperatures create stunning ice formations at the Finger Lakes gorges. Taughannock Falls often freezes into a 69m (215ft) ice column, while Buttermilk Falls creates layered ice terraces. Best shooting light occurs 10am-2pm when sun angles penetrate the gorge walls. Ice formations typically peak mid-to-late February after 2+ weeks of consistent cold.
Cornell Campus Winter Architecture Walks
February snow highlights Cornell's diverse architectural styles from Gothic Revival to Brutalist concrete. The Arts Quad with McGraw Tower covered in snow creates postcard scenes, while the Suspension Bridge over Cascadilla Gorge offers dramatic winter canyon views. Campus is most beautiful after fresh snowfall - typically 2-3 times per week in February.
Winter Wine Trail Indoor Tastings
February is prime season for Finger Lakes wineries' ice wine production using grapes frozen on the vine. Many wineries offer special ice wine tastings paired with chocolate or cheese. Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake wineries stay open year-round with cozy tasting rooms featuring fireplaces. Travel between wineries requires careful driving on snow-covered vineyard roads.
Indoor Market and Museum Circuit
February's harsh weather makes it perfect for exploring Ithaca's indoor cultural scene. The Sciencenter offers hands-on exhibits ideal for 2-3 hour visits, while the History Center showcases local Cayuga Nation and industrial heritage. Ithaca Farmers Market moves indoors to smaller winter format at The Space at Greenstar with local crafts and preserved foods.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Hammond Hill State Forest maintains 15km (9.3 miles) of groomed cross-country ski trails with varying difficulty levels. Greek Peak, 45 minutes south, offers both downhill skiing and extensive snowshoe trail networks through mixed hardwood forests. Snow base typically reaches 30-45cm (12-18 inches) by mid-February, ideal for both activities.
Cozy Café and Bookstore Crawls
February's cold drives locals into Ithaca's exceptional café culture. Collegetown and The Commons feature numerous independent coffee shops with fireplaces, local roasts, and extended winter hours for students and remote workers. Many cafés partner with local bookstores creating warm spaces for 2-3 hour afternoon sessions during short daylight hours.
February Events & Festivals
Cornell Winter Carnival
Annual student-organized festival featuring ice sculpture contests, snow sports competitions, and outdoor winter activities on campus. Includes public events like sledding contests and hot chocolate stations around the Arts Quad.
Ithaca Ice Festival
Local celebration of winter featuring ice carving demonstrations, winter photography contests, and guided tours of frozen waterfalls. Based at various downtown locations with indoor warming stations.