Things to Do in Ithaca in October

October Weather in Ithaca

21°C (70°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maples, oaks, and birches create spectacular color displays from October 1-20, with peak typically around October 10-15
Apple harvest season at local orchards with pick-your-own operations, cider tastings, and harvest festivals throughout the month
Perfect hiking weather with comfortable daytime temperatures of 15-21°C (59-70°F) and crystal-clear views from gorge trails
Lower accommodation rates compared to summer peak season, with 20-30% savings on hotels and B&Bs after October 15

Considerations

Unpredictable weather with temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) between day and night requiring layered clothing
Frequent rain showers averaging 10 rainy days mean outdoor plans need flexible timing and backup options
Daylight hours shrink rapidly from 11.5 hours early October to 10 hours by month's end, limiting afternoon activities

Best Activities in October

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

October is harvest season with grape picking, barrel tastings, and special harvest events. Cool temperatures are ideal for wine tasting without summer heat. Many wineries offer limited-time harvest experiences and new vintage releases.

Booking Tip: Book weekend tours 2-3 weeks ahead as harvest season draws crowds. Weekday tours offer 25-40% savings and smaller groups. Tours typically cost $75-125 per person including transportation and 4-5 tastings.

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Hiking

October's moderate temperatures 15-18°C (59-64°F) make the 1.9 km (1.2 mile) gorge trail comfortable without summer crowds. Fall colors frame the 19 waterfalls, and cooler weather means less slippery conditions on stone steps.

Booking Tip: Arrive before 9am or after 3pm to avoid peak crowds. Park entry is $8-10 per vehicle. The full gorge trail takes 90-120 minutes roundtrip. Wear shoes with good grip as stone steps can be wet.

Apple Orchard Pick-Your-Own Tours

Peak apple season with over 15 varieties ready for picking including Empire, Gala, and Jonathan. October weather is perfect for outdoor picking activities, and many orchards offer cider pressing demonstrations and hayrides.

Booking Tip: Weekend visits require advance booking at popular orchards. Typical costs are $15-25 per bag picked, with cider tastings $5-8 additional. Best selection is early October; late varieties available through month-end.

Cayuga Lake Wine and Scenic Cruises

Fall foliage reflects perfectly on calm lake waters with comfortable 16-19°C (61-66°F) temperatures for deck viewing. October has less wind than summer, creating ideal conditions for photography and outdoor wine service.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises offer best lighting for fall colors but require warm layers as temperatures drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F) after sunset. Cruises typically cost $45-75 per person including wine tasting.

Cornell Campus and Museums Tours

University in full session creates vibrant campus atmosphere. October's comfortable walking weather is perfect for exploring the 9.3 km² (3.6 sq mile) campus with stunning fall foliage. Museums offer special autumn exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round. Museum entry ranges $8-15 per person. Allow 3-4 hours for comprehensive campus tour including gorges. Parking can be challenging during weekday class hours.

Taughannock Falls State Park Photography

The 65-meter (215-foot) waterfall is framed by spectacular fall foliage in October. Lower water levels from summer create unique rock formations, while autumn light provides excellent photography conditions between 10am-2pm.

Booking Tip: Rim Trail offers best overview shots, while Base Trail provides waterfall close-ups. Both trails total 2.4 km (1.5 miles). Park entry is free. Early morning visits have best light and fewer crowds.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Apple Harvest Festival

Ithaca's largest annual celebration featuring local food vendors, craft booths, live music, and family activities. Over 100,000 visitors enjoy apple-themed foods, cider tastings, and harvest demonstrations throughout downtown commons.

Mid October

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

Regional celebration featuring 40+ local wineries with tastings, food pairings, and live entertainment. Set against fall foliage backdrop with special harvest-season wine releases and educational seminars.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - gorge trails have wet stone steps and muddy sections after rain

Layered clothing system from 6-21°C (43-70°F) temperature range - lightweight base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell

Compact umbrella or rain poncho - afternoon showers are common and can last 30-60 minutes

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities when temperatures drop to 6°C (43°F)

Camera with extra batteries - cold weather drains battery life 40% faster than summer conditions

Daypack for apple picking and hiking with room for layers as you warm up during activities

Sunglasses despite cloud cover - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially near water

Thermal underlayer for evening wine cruises when lake temperatures create 5-8°C (9-14°F) wind chill

Waterproof phone case for gorge hiking where mist from waterfalls can damage electronics

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and navigation

Insider Knowledge

Foliage predictions are posted weekly on NY State Parks website - peak timing can vary by 1-2 weeks year to year, so check current conditions before booking

Many restaurants close Mondays in October shoulder season, so Tuesday-Sunday dining offers much better selection than Monday arrivals

Ithaca College and Cornell students create weekend demand spikes for rideshares - book ahead or consider weekday visits for easier transportation

Local apple varieties like Northern Spy and Newtown Pippin are only available at smaller orchards and offer superior flavor to commercial varieties found elsewhere

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - bring warm layers even for seemingly mild afternoon activities

Planning only outdoor activities without rain backup plans - 33% chance of rain any given day requires flexibility

Assuming peak foliage lasts all month - best colors are typically just 7-10 days, so monitor current conditions rather than hoping for perfect timing