Things to Do in Ithaca in March

March Weather in Ithaca

15°C (59°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

71 mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Maple sugaring season begins - authentic sugarhouses start operating late February through March, offering fresh maple syrup tastings and tours at 40+ local operations within 32 km (20 miles) of Ithaca
Cornell and IC campuses come alive with returning students - restaurants reopen full menus, cultural events resume, and the city regains its academic energy after quiet winter months
Waterfalls reach peak flow from snowmelt and spring rains - Taughannock Falls at 65 m (215 ft) and the gorge trail system show dramatic water volumes before tourist season begins
Significantly lower accommodation rates - hotel prices drop 35-50% compared to graduation season and summer months, with many properties offering March-specific packages

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from snow to 15°C (59°F) within 24 hours - trails can be muddy, icy, or snowy on the same day, making hiking gear planning difficult
Many seasonal attractions remain closed - boat tours, some winery outdoor events, and farmers markets operate limited hours or haven't reopened from winter closure
Daylight remains limited at 11 hours by month's end - outdoor activities need to be planned for 7am-6pm window, and afternoon activities can feel rushed

Best Activities in March

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Winter Tastings

March is ideal for intimate winery experiences with fewer crowds and winter wine releases. Many Finger Lakes wineries offer special ice wine tastings and barrel samples not available during busy season. Cool temperatures are perfect for wine appreciation, and many offer indoor tastings with fireplace settings. Cayuga and Seneca Lake wineries are 30-45 minutes from Ithaca.

Booking Tip: Most wineries don't require reservations in March, but call ahead as some operate reduced hours. Typical tastings cost $8-15 per person with many offering free tastings with purchase. Designated driver services available for $40-60 per group.

Taughannock Falls State Park Hiking

March snowmelt creates the most dramatic waterfall displays of the year. The 65 m (215 ft) Taughannock Falls reaches peak flow, and gorge trails offer stunning ice formations mixed with rushing water. Cool temperatures make hiking comfortable, and bare trees provide unobstructed waterfall views impossible in summer.

Booking Tip: No booking required - state park entrance is free. Trails can be muddy or icy, so waterproof boots essential. Best photography light between 10am-2pm. Parking fills up on warm March weekends by 11am.

Cornell University Campus and Museum Tours

March brings students back to campus, creating vibrant academic atmosphere perfect for exploring. Herbert F. Johnson Museum offers rotating exhibitions in climate-controlled comfort, ideal for wet March days. Campus architecture tours show off collegiate gothic buildings against late winter landscapes.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is free, open Tuesday-Sunday. Self-guided campus tours available anytime, guided tours by appointment. University events calendar resumes full schedule in March - check for lectures and performances open to public.

Ithaca Farmers Market Indoor Season

March marks the start of the transition season at Steamboat Landing, with local maple syrup, greenhouse vegetables, and artisan goods. Smaller crowds than summer allow for extended conversations with vendors. Many vendors offer March-specific products like maple syrup fresh from the evaporator.

Booking Tip: Saturdays 9am-2pm, no entry fee. Arrive early for best maple syrup selection - fresh batches often sell out by noon. Indoor pavilion provides shelter from March weather. Cash preferred by many vendors.

Buttermilk Falls Gorge Winter Hiking

March offers unique ice and water combinations in the gorge trail system. Multiple waterfalls create varied scenery, and cool temperatures prevent overheating on steep climbs up the 152 m (500 ft) gorge trail. Less crowded than summer allows for peaceful nature photography.

Booking Tip: State park entrance free, parking can be limited on warm weekends. Microspikes or yaktrax recommended for icy sections. Lower falls easily accessible, upper gorge trail requires 2-3 hours and moderate fitness level.

Local Brewery and Distillery Tastings

March weather is perfect for indoor tasting experiences at Ithaca's craft beverage scene. Ithaca Beer Company, Liquid State Brewing, and other local producers offer tours and tastings. Cozy indoor settings ideal for March's unpredictable weather, and new spring releases often debut this month.

Booking Tip: Most breweries welcome walk-ins but tours may require advance booking. Tasting flights typically $12-18, tours $15-25 per person. Many offer food pairings. Check individual websites for March hours as some extend winter schedules.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March (typically third weekend of March)

Maple Weekend Regional Celebration

Annual statewide event where maple syrup producers open their doors for free tours, tastings, and demonstrations. Over 30 participating sugarhouses within driving distance of Ithaca offer fresh syrup, pancake breakfasts, and evaporator tours showing syrup-making process.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good traction - trails are muddy and potentially icy, especially in gorge areas with 152 m (500 ft) elevation changes

Layered clothing system including fleece or down jacket - temperature swings of 10-15°C (20-25°F) in single day require adaptable clothing

Waterproof rain jacket and pants - March averages 12 rainy days with 71 mm (2.8 inches) total precipitation

Microspikes or Yaktrax for shoes - ice formations persist on shaded trails and waterfall areas throughout March

Warm hat and gloves - morning temperatures around 1°C (34°F) with wind chill making it feel colder

Quick-dry hiking pants - avoid jeans which stay wet and cold in March conditions

Daypack with extra layers - weather changes rapidly and you'll want gear flexibility on longer hikes

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for waterfall photography and unexpected rain

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 4 and snow reflection increases exposure

Insulated water bottle - keeps drinks from freezing during cold morning starts to hikes

Insider Knowledge

Local sugarhouses often offer fresh syrup still warm from the evaporator on weekends - call ahead to ask about production days for the authentic experience most tourists miss

Cornell students return mid-March, so restaurant wait times increase significantly after spring break - dine before 6pm or after 8pm to avoid peak crowds at popular spots near campus

Cayuga Lake's southern end rarely freezes, making waterfront areas near Ithaca good for bird watching as waterfowl gather in open water while northern sections may still have ice

Many Finger Lakes wineries offer barrel tastings and wine futures programs in March that aren't available during tourist season - ask about reserve wines and library selections

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton clothing for hiking - it stays wet and cold in March's damp conditions. Synthetic or wool base layers are essential for comfort and safety

Planning only outdoor activities - March weather can change hourly, so always have indoor backup plans like museums, wineries, or brewery tours

Underestimating trail conditions - many visitors expect clear trails but March means mud, ice patches, and potentially snow-covered sections requiring proper footwear and extra time