Things to Do in Ithaca in November

November Weather in Ithaca

16°C (61°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage viewing - November brings the most spectacular autumn colors to Cayuga Lake gorges and state parks, with maples, oaks, and birches in full display through mid-month
Cornell and IC campus energy - November features homecoming events, final outdoor sports seasons, and students creating vibrant energy before winter break, making downtown restaurants and cafes particularly lively
Ideal hiking weather - Daytime temperatures of 10-16°C (50-61°F) are perfect for gorge trails without summer crowds, plus waterfalls are at full flow from autumn rains
Pre-winter pricing - Hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to summer and October peak foliage season, with many Finger Lakes wineries offering end-of-season tastings and discounts

Considerations

Unpredictable weather shifts - November can swing from sunny 16°C (61°F) days to sudden 2°C (36°F) drops with rain, requiring multiple clothing layers and flexible daily planning
Limited daylight hours - Sunset by 5:00 PM means outdoor activities must be planned for morning and early afternoon, restricting sightseeing time significantly
Many seasonal attractions close - Several Finger Lakes boat tours, outdoor farmers markets, and lakefront venues shut down by late November, reducing activity options

Best Activities in November

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

November is harvest celebration season at Finger Lakes wineries, with special late-harvest Rieslings and ice wine preparations. Cool 10-13°C (50-55°F) temperatures are ideal for indoor tastings, and many vineyards offer 20-30% discounts on bottles before winter closure. The dramatic autumn vineyard views over Cayuga and Seneca Lakes provide stunning photo opportunities without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Book weekend winery tours 2-3 weeks ahead as many vineyards reduce hours after Thanksgiving. Group tours typically cost $75-120 per person including transportation. Look for operators offering indoor backup venues for rainy days - November has rain 33% of days.

Gorge Hiking and Waterfall Tours

November's cool temperatures and autumn rains create perfect conditions for exploring Ithaca's famous gorges. Taughannock Falls reaches peak flow, and the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) rim trail offers spectacular fall colors. Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Parks have fewer crowds and crisp air ideal for the steep 1.6 km (1 mile) climbs.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided nature tours cost $25-45 per person. Book morning slots - afternoon rain likelihood increases to 40% after 2 PM. Waterproof hiking boots essential for wet limestone paths.

Cornell University Campus Cultural Tours

November brings homecoming events, final football games, and special exhibitions at Cornell's Johnson Museum. Campus tours showcase Gothic architecture against autumn foliage, and the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk through Arts Quad to Libe Slope offers panoramic Cayuga Lake views. Indoor museum visits provide perfect rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: University-led campus tours are $15-25 per person and run daily except during exam periods. Private cultural tours cost $40-65 per person. Check academic calendar - avoid mid-November exam weeks when campus energy drops significantly.

Cayuga Lake Scenic Drive Routes

November's crisp air provides exceptional visibility for the 65 km (40 mile) Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway. Fall colors peak in early November, and lakeside driving offers warm car comfort during cool 8-12°C (46-54°F) days. Multiple wineries, farm stands, and historic sites provide indoor stops during unpredictable weather.

Booking Tip: Self-drive tours offer maximum flexibility for weather changes. Guided driving tours with wine stops cost $85-130 per person. Rent vehicles with good heating and windshield wipers - November visibility can drop quickly during frequent rain showers.

Downtown Ithaca Food and Market Tours

November brings seasonal comfort foods to Ithaca's restaurant scene, with root vegetables, local game, and warming soups featuring prominently. The covered Ithaca Farmers Market operates year-round, and downtown's compact 0.8 km (0.5 mile) Commons area allows easy walking between tastings during cool weather.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost $45-75 per person and run 2-3 hours. Book weekend tours early - November's reduced tourist numbers mean some tours may cancel with low participation. Indoor market tours perfect for rainy afternoons.

Museum and Indoor Cultural Experiences

November's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. The History Center, Sciencenter, and various Cornell museums offer engaging experiences during the 40% chance of afternoon rain. Many venues feature special autumn exhibitions, and the compact downtown allows easy movement between locations during weather breaks.

Booking Tip: Museum day passes cost $12-25 per person, with family packages available. Many offer reciprocal admission deals. Plan 2-3 indoor venues per day to accommodate weather changes - November's frequent 20-30 minute rain showers require flexible scheduling.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Cornell Homecoming Weekend

Annual celebration featuring alumni events, football games, and special campus activities. The weekend brings increased energy to downtown restaurants and creates festive atmosphere throughout the city, though accommodation prices spike temporarily.

Late November

Thanksgiving Wine Events

Many Finger Lakes wineries host special pre-Thanksgiving tastings and food pairings, featuring holiday-themed wines and local harvest ingredients. These intimate events often include meet-the-winemaker sessions and seasonal food demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - gorge trails become slippery with wet limestone and 76 mm (3.0 inches) monthly rainfall

Layered clothing system - temperatures can swing 14°C (25°F) in a single day from morning frost to afternoon warmth

Quality rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers occur 33% of days and can be sudden with little warning

Warm fleece or wool sweater - evening temperatures drop to 2°C (36°F) and indoor venues may have inconsistent heating

Waterproof day pack - essential for protecting electronics and extra layers during outdoor activities

Warm hat and gloves - early morning and evening activities require protection against near-freezing temperatures

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - downtown sidewalks and campus paths become slippery with wet fallen leaves

Portable umbrella - compact option for sudden showers during downtown walking tours

Sunglasses - November sun can be surprisingly bright with UV index of 2, especially with lake reflection

Camera with weather protection - autumn colors and waterfall photography opportunities require equipment protection from moisture

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for early November when fall colors peak and Cornell homecoming creates demand spikes - rates jump 60% during these weekends

Plan outdoor activities for 10 AM-2 PM window - November daylight is limited and afternoon rain probability increases significantly after 2 PM

Many Finger Lakes attractions close or reduce hours after November 15th, so prioritize winery and boat tour activities for early-to-mid November visits

Local students create peak energy at restaurants and cafes Tuesday-Thursday evenings, while weekends see more alumni and visitor activity - adjust dining plans accordingly for authentic vs. tourist experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather - November's 14°C (25°F) daily temperature swings catch visitors unprepared, especially those planning gorge hikes starting in cool mornings

Scheduling too many outdoor activities without indoor backups - November's 33% daily rain probability requires flexible itineraries with museum and winery alternatives

Assuming summer attraction schedules apply - many seasonal boat tours, outdoor markets, and lakefront activities end by mid-November, leaving disappointed tourists with closed venues