Things to Do in Ithaca in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Ithaca
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Early fall weather hits the sweet spot - daytime highs around 24°C (75°F) mean you can actually hike the gorges without melting, while evenings at 14°C (57°F) are perfect for outdoor dining without needing a heavy jacket. The 10-degree daily swing means you get the best of both worlds.
- Cornell students return mid-month, which transforms the restaurant and bar scene from summer quiet to full energy. Collegetown comes alive again, food trucks return to their regular spots, and local businesses extend their hours. You get the buzz without the chaos of orientation week.
- Apple season peaks in September - over 30 orchards within 16 km (10 miles) of downtown are at full harvest. This is THE month for fresh cider, pick-your-own apples, and apple festivals. Local restaurants feature apple everything, and the quality is genuinely different from supermarket fruit.
- Waterfalls are actually flowing after summer's end - Ithaca's 150+ waterfalls tend to slow to trickles by late August, but September typically brings enough rain (10 days worth) to keep them photogenic without the spring flood crowds. Taughannock Falls at 66 m (215 ft) looks spectacular without the tour buses.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - that 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) rainfall average doesn't tell the whole story. You might get a week of perfect 24°C (75°F) days, or you might hit a cold snap where it barely reaches 16°C (60°F). Pack for both scenarios because locals joke that Ithaca has three seasons: winter, July, and unpredictable.
- Student return chaos mid-month means accommodation prices jump 40-60% after September 15th, and downtown parking becomes genuinely difficult on weekends. If you're visiting after the 20th, book lodging at least 6-8 weeks ahead and expect to pay near-peak rates.
- Some seasonal attractions start winding down - a few smaller wineries reduce their hours after Labor Day, and some lake activities like boat rentals close by month's end. The shoulder season means you need to call ahead rather than just showing up, which requires more planning than summer travel.
Best Activities in September
Gorge Trail Hiking
September weather makes Ithaca's gorge trails actually enjoyable instead of sweat-soaked endurance tests. The stone steps stay dry most days, the 24°C (75°F) highs mean you can tackle the steeper climbs without overheating, and fall color starts appearing in the upper canopy by late month. Cascadilla Gorge and Buttermilk Falls see 50% fewer visitors than July but the waterfalls still have decent flow. Early morning hikes (7-9am) give you the trails nearly to yourself, and that 70% humidity drops noticeably once you're under the tree canopy.
Finger Lakes Winery Tours
Harvest season at Finger Lakes wineries means you're tasting wines made from grapes picked that week, and many wineries let you watch the crush process. September hits after the peak summer crowds but before the October leaf-peeper rush. The 14°C (57°F) evenings make outdoor tastings on lakeside patios comfortable with just a light sweater. Cayuga and Seneca Lake routes have 40+ wineries within 32 km (20 miles), and most offer 10-15 dollar tastings. The variable September weather actually helps - cloudy days mean better driving conditions between stops.
Apple Orchard Visits and Cider Tasting
Peak apple harvest in September means you're picking varieties that won't hit stores for weeks - Honeycrisp, Gala, and Cortland all ripen this month. Orchards within 16 km (10 miles) of downtown offer pick-your-own for 15-25 dollars per half-peck bag, plus fresh cider, cider donuts, and hayrides. The 24°C (75°F) days make orchard walking pleasant, and many farms have added hard cider tastings to compete with wineries. This is genuinely local culture, not tourist theater - Ithaca families have been doing this for generations.
Cayuga Lake Water Activities
The lake stays swimmable through September - water temperature hovers around 19-21°C (66-70°F), which is actually warmer than the air on some mornings. Kayak and paddleboard rentals continue through month's end, and you'll have the water largely to yourself after Labor Day. The variable weather means you need flexibility, but calm mornings are common and the fall light makes for spectacular photos. Stewart Park and Cass Park offer easy lake access without the Watkins Glen crowds.
Farmers Market and Local Food Tours
Ithaca Farmers Market peaks in September with end-of-summer tomatoes, early fall squash, and those famous local apples all available simultaneously. The Saturday market draws 3,000+ locals and the Sunday market is nearly as busy. September means peak variety before winter storage crops take over. The 24°C (75°F) weather makes the 3-hour outdoor market browsing comfortable, and prepared food vendors serve hot and cold options. This is where locals actually shop, not a tourist attraction pretending to be authentic.
Cornell Campus and Museum Exploration
Cornell's campus transforms when students return mid-September - suddenly there's energy everywhere, but you can still tour without the organized chaos of orientation week. The Johnson Museum offers free admission and stunning views over Cayuga Lake, especially beautiful when early fall color starts appearing. The 24°C (75°F) days make the hilly campus walkable, and the Plantations showcase late-summer and early-fall blooms. September means you experience Cornell as a living university, not a summer ghost town.
September Events & Festivals
Apple Harvest Festival
Ithaca's biggest September event takes over downtown Commons for a full weekend, typically the last weekend of the month. Over 100 vendors sell apple everything - cider, pies, fritters, caramel apples - plus local crafts and live music on multiple stages. This is genuinely popular with locals, not manufactured for tourists, which means crowds of 30,000+ over the weekend. The festival showcases what makes Ithaca culture distinct - local food obsession, craft beer, and a slightly hippie vibe. Free admission, though you'll spend plenty on food.
Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Watkins Glen hosts this festival in early September, featuring 80+ Finger Lakes wineries in one location. If you want to sample widely without driving between wineries, this is your chance. Live music, food vendors, and wine education sessions run throughout the weekend. The 24°C (75°F) September weather makes the outdoor festival comfortable, though bring layers for evening. Admission runs 40-50 dollars for unlimited tastings. Worth noting this draws serious crowds - 10,000+ attendees over the weekend.