Things to Do in Ithaca in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Ithaca
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Spectacular fall foliage transitions - November catches the tail end of autumn colors around Cayuga Lake and Taughannock Falls, with fewer crowds than peak October. The gorges take on a stark, dramatic beauty once leaves fall, revealing rock formations you miss in summer.
- Cornell and Ithaca College students are in full swing, which means the restaurant scene, coffee shops, and cultural events are all operating at peak energy. The downtown Commons actually feels alive, unlike summer when half the town empties out.
- Accommodation prices drop significantly after Thanksgiving week - you can find hotel rooms for 30-40% less than October rates, and Airbnb hosts get more flexible with minimum stays. Book post-Thanksgiving for the best deals.
- Taughannock Falls State Park and the gorge trails are muddy but accessible in early November before serious snow hits. The waterfalls run strong from autumn rains, and you'll have iconic viewpoints nearly to yourself on weekdays.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get sunny 15°C (59°F) days or freezing rain and early snow flurries, sometimes within the same week. November 2026 sits in that awkward transition where winter hasn't committed yet, so planning outdoor activities more than 3 days out is tricky.
- Daylight is short and gets shorter fast - sunset hits around 4:45pm by late November, which means your effective sightseeing window is roughly 7:30am to 4:30pm. The gray overcast days can feel oppressive if you're not prepared for Upstate New York's winter mood.
- Thanksgiving week (November 26-29, 2026) sees a brief surge in prices and crowds as Cornell families visit, then everything goes quiet afterward. If you're visiting that specific week, book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead and expect restaurants to have limited hours or close entirely on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Best Activities in November
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail Tastings
November is actually ideal for the Finger Lakes wine region - harvest is complete, tasting rooms are quiet, and winemakers have more time to chat. The 15+ wineries along the lake's western shore offer heated tasting rooms, and many do barrel tastings of the current vintage. The landscape looks moody and beautiful with bare vines and gray lake views. Most wineries stay open weekends through November, though some reduce to Friday-Sunday only after Thanksgiving.
Ithaca Gorge Hiking
The gorges are spectacular in November once leaves drop - you can actually see the 122 m (400 ft) rock walls at Taughannock Falls clearly, and Cascadilla and Fall Creek gorges reveal their geological layers. Trails can be muddy and some sections close if there's early ice, but the Gorge Trail at Taughannock and the lower portions of Cascadilla remain accessible. Waterfalls run strong from autumn rains. Weekday mornings you'll have trails nearly empty.
Cornell Campus and Museum Exploration
November is perfect for exploring Cornell's 9.3 sq km (2,300 acre) campus while students are active but not overwhelmed with finals. The Johnson Museum of Art offers world-class collections with Cayuga Lake views, and it's free. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum, Cornell Botanic Gardens conservatory (heated), and the campus architecture tours work perfectly on cold or rainy days. The Fall Creek gorge running through campus is dramatic in late autumn.
Ithaca Farmers Market and Local Food Scene
The Ithaca Farmers Market operates Sundays 10am-2pm through late November in the heated pavilion at Steamboat Landing. You'll find late-season root vegetables, apples, artisan cheeses, prepared foods, and local crafts. November is prime time for squash varieties, cider, and baked goods. The market sits right on Cayuga Lake with decent views even on gray days. Combine with brunch at one of the nearby Inlet restaurants.
Buttermilk Falls and Robert Treman State Parks
These state parks offer waterfall viewing and lower gorge trails that remain accessible in November before heavy snow. Buttermilk's main falls cascade 53 m (174 ft) and the lower trail stays open. Robert Treman's Enfield Falls and lower gorge trail provide dramatic scenery with fewer summer crowds. Upper trails and swimming areas are closed, but the main attractions remain accessible. The bare trees reveal rock formations you miss in leafy months.
Downtown Ithaca Commons and Local Shops
The pedestrian Commons comes alive in November as students return and holiday shopping starts. You'll find independent bookstores, outdoor gear shops, vintage clothing stores, and the excellent Autumn Leaves used bookstore. The Commons hosts occasional weekend events and always has decent people-watching. Nearby State Street offers more restaurants and bars. This works perfectly for rainy afternoons or short daylight days.
November Events & Festivals
Thanksgiving Week at Cornell
Cornell's campus buzzes with family visits during the week before Thanksgiving break (November 23-25, 2026). The Johnson Museum often hosts special programming, and restaurants get busy. Most students leave by November 25th afternoon, and the town goes remarkably quiet through the weekend. If you're visiting this week, book everything well ahead.
Apple Harvest Festival Aftermath Sales
While the main Apple Harvest Festival happens in early October, many Ithaca orchards and farm stands continue selling late-season apples, cider, and preserves through November at reduced prices. Indian Creek Farm, Littletree Orchards, and others along Route 13 and Trumansburg Road stay open weekends with remaining inventory.