Things to Do in Ithaca in May

May Weather in Ithaca

27°C (81°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable daytime temperatures of 22-27°C (72-81°F) and minimal summer heat stress on gorge trails
Cayuga Lake reaches swimmable temperatures around 16°C (61°F) by late May, ideal for water activities without summer crowds
Cornell and IC graduation season creates vibrant campus energy with 20+ public events, concerts, and campus tours throughout the month
Peak spring bloom timing - lilacs, dogwoods, and apple blossoms are at their most spectacular, particularly along the 6km (3.7-mile) Black Diamond Trail

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires constant packing adjustments - can range from 10°C (50°F) morning fog to 27°C (81°F) afternoon sun in the same day
Graduation weekend (mid-May) drives accommodation prices up 200-300% and requires 2-3 month advance booking for hotels within 16km (10 miles) of downtown
Muddy trail conditions persist from spring snowmelt - many gorge trails close temporarily after heavy rains for safety maintenance

Best Activities in May

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

May offers ideal wine tasting conditions with comfortable 20-24°C (68-75°F) afternoons and minimal summer heat. Vineyards are lush green but not yet crowded with summer tour groups. Many wineries offer spring release tastings of ice wines and limited editions only available this season.

Booking Tip: Book wine trail tours 7-10 days ahead, typically costing $75-120 per person for half-day guided tours. Look for operators offering indoor backup venues since May weather can change quickly. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cayuga Lake Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Late May hits the sweet spot for lake activities - water temperature reaches 16°C (61°F) by month's end, warm enough for extended paddling with wetsuit. Morning calm water conditions are perfect before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm. Significantly fewer powerboats than summer months.

Booking Tip: Rental rates drop to off-season pricing of $35-50 per day through Memorial Day. Book morning slots (8am-12pm) for calmest water conditions. Equipment includes wetsuit rentals for cool water temperatures.

Cornell University Campus and Botanical Garden Walking Tours

May is Cornell's most beautiful month with graduation festivities creating campus buzz and spring plantings in full bloom. The Cornell Botanic Gardens showcase 930 hectares (2,300 acres) of curated landscapes at peak spring color. Free public events during graduation week include concerts and exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round, but guided tours cost $15-25 per person and book up during graduation week (mid-May). Campus parking is $2-5 per hour. Plan 3-4 hours for comprehensive tour including gorges.

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Hiking

May offers the most dramatic waterfall flow from snowmelt runoff, with 19 waterfalls at peak volume. Cool 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures make the 2.4km (1.5-mile) gorge trail comfortable without summer heat exhaustion risks. Rainbow formation in mist is most visible in May's angled sunlight.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $8 per vehicle, no reservations needed except holiday weekends. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm to avoid day-trip crowds from NYC area. Trail closes temporarily after heavy rains - check status at watkinsglen.com before driving 45 minutes from Ithaca.

Ithaca Farmers Market and Local Food Tours

May marks the beginning of fresh local produce season with ramp garlic, spring onions, and greenhouse tomatoes. The Saturday market at Steamboat Landing features 60+ vendors and live music, taking advantage of mild 20-25°C (68-77°F) weather perfect for outdoor browsing.

Booking Tip: Market admission is free, but guided food tours cost $45-65 per person including tastings. Tours run Saturday mornings 9am-12pm. Bring cash for vendor purchases - many don't accept cards. Indoor market building provides shelter during May's frequent light showers.

Taughannock Falls State Park Photography and Picnicking

The 65-meter (215-foot) waterfall reaches maximum flow in May from spring snowmelt, creating the most dramatic photos of the year. Cool temperatures and longer daylight hours (14+ hours) provide ideal conditions for golden hour photography at 7-8pm without summer heat shimmer.

Booking Tip: Park entry is $8 per vehicle with no advance booking required. The rim trail (1.2km/0.75 miles) and base trail (1.2km/0.75 miles) offer different photography perspectives. Bring layers - gorge temperatures run 5°C (9°F) cooler than surrounding areas.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Cornell University Graduation Weekend

Three days of campus celebrations including public concerts, art exhibitions, and campus tours. Creates vibrant energy with 10,000+ visitors and families. Free outdoor concerts at Arts Quad and food vendors throughout campus.

Late May

Ithaca Festival

Annual outdoor arts and music festival in downtown Commons and DeWitt Park featuring 100+ local artisans, food vendors, and three music stages. Family-friendly event with children's activities and beer garden for adults.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - gorge trails stay muddy from snowmelt and May brings 10 rainy days averaging 20-30 minute showers

Layered clothing system: base layer, fleece/sweater, and rain shell - temperatures swing 13°C (24°F) between morning and afternoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off Cayuga Lake water during paddling activities

Quick-dry pants or hiking leggings - cotton stays wet too long in 70% humidity and frequent drizzle

Lightweight packable rain jacket - essential for sudden afternoon showers that hit 60% of May days

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can drop to 8°C (46°F) before sunrise

Waterproof phone case for gorge hiking - mist from waterfalls and unexpected rain showers can damage electronics

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - limestone gorge paths become slippery when wet from frequent May rains

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in variable temperatures while maintaining drink temperature preferences

Small backpack or daypack - essential for carrying layers as you shed/add clothing throughout temperature-variable days

Insider Knowledge

Cornell students leave by May 15th, opening up popular study spots like Mann Library Café and Libe Slope for visitors to enjoy without crowds

Cayuga Lake's east shore (Route 34) offers better sunset photography than the west shore due to May's sun angle and reduced evening mist

Book gorge-view accommodations on the south side of town - morning fog lifts earlier there and you'll get better sunrise views over the valley

Local restaurants extend patio seating in May but haven't raised summer prices yet - ideal time for outdoor dining at 20-30% lower cost than peak season

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming waterfall trails will be fully open - spring flooding and maintenance closures are common, always check park websites the morning of your visit

Underdressing for morning activities - even when afternoon forecast shows 25°C (77°F), mornings start at 10-14°C (50-57°F) especially near the lake

Driving to wineries without checking weekend graduation events - traffic increases 300% during Cornell graduation weekend, adding 45+ minutes to normal 30-minute drives