Things to Do in Ithaca in September

September Weather in Ithaca

27°C (81°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maple and oak trees turn brilliant reds and golds across the Finger Lakes region, with Cayuga Lake providing stunning reflection views for photographers
Cornell University and Ithaca College students return, bringing vibrant energy to downtown restaurants, cafes, and weekend farmers markets without summer tourist crowds
Perfect hiking weather with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and crisp mornings ideal for gorge walks at Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls
Apple harvest season means fresh cider, pick-your-own orchards, and local farm stands offering seasonal produce at 30-40% lower prices than summer peak

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - you might experience 13°C (55°F) mornings requiring jackets and 27°C (81°F) afternoons perfect for shorts within the same day
Weekend accommodations fill quickly due to Cornell family weekend and Homecoming events, with prices 40-50% higher than weekdays
Some seasonal businesses like boat tours on Cayuga Lake operate reduced schedules or close after Labor Day weekend

Best Activities in September

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

September is harvest season when wineries offer behind-the-scenes grape picking experiences and limited-edition wines. Crisp morning temperatures 13-16°C (55-61°F) make outdoor tastings comfortable, while afternoon warmth enhances wine flavors. Many vineyards host harvest festivals with live music and food pairings only available this month.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends during harvest season. Prices range from $75-150 per person for full-day tours including transportation and 4-5 tastings. Look for operators offering harvest experience add-ons. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Gorge and Waterfall Hiking

September offers ideal hiking conditions with comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) daytime temperatures and reduced humidity. Recent summer rains ensure waterfalls are flowing strongly, while fall colors begin appearing along gorge walls. Morning starts around 13°C (55°F) prevent overheating on steep gorge trails.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free at state parks, but guided geology tours cost $25-45 per person. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds. Traction cleats recommended for wet gorge stones - available at local outfitters for $15-25.

Cayuga Lake Scenic Drives

Fall foliage reflects perfectly in Cayuga Lake's calm September waters, creating double-exposure views impossible to capture in other seasons. Cool mornings with low wind create mirror-like lake surfaces, while variable cloud cover provides dramatic lighting for photographers throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Self-drive scenic routes are free, but guided photography tours range from $80-120 per person for 4-6 hour excursions. Rent vehicles with good visibility - convertibles available for $45-65 daily. Peak foliage typically occurs mid-to-late September.

Cornell University Campus Walking Tours

September brings campus back to life with students returning after summer break. The campus looks spectacular with early fall colors framing historic buildings, while comfortable walking temperatures make 2-3 hour tours enjoyable. Access to normally restricted areas during academic orientation period.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available daily, guided alumni tours cost $15-25 per person on weekends. Book campus dining experiences 1-2 weeks ahead during move-in season. Avoid major move-in weekend (typically first weekend) for better tour experiences.

Apple Orchard Experiences

Peak apple harvest occurs in September when orchards offer pick-your-own experiences with varieties like Honeycrisp and Gala at perfect ripeness. Cool morning temperatures 13-16°C (55-61°F) make outdoor picking comfortable, while many farms offer hayrides, fresh cider tastings, and farm-to-table dinners.

Booking Tip: Entry fees typically $5-10 per person, apples cost $2-4 per pound. Weekend activities like hayrides and cider pressing cost additional $10-20. Call ahead as availability depends on harvest timing. Many orchards accept cash only.

Farmers Market and Local Food Tours

September markets feature peak seasonal produce including corn, tomatoes, squash, and early apples. Student population return creates energetic Saturday morning market atmosphere. Comfortable morning temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F) make browsing and sampling enjoyable without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to browse, budget $20-40 for sampling and purchases. Guided food tours cost $65-95 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Saturday Ithaca Farmers Market runs 9am-2pm with peak activity 10am-noon. Cash recommended for many vendors.

September Events & Festivals

Late September

Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival

Three-day celebration featuring over 100 vendors, live music, craft demonstrations, and extensive apple-themed foods. Takes place in downtown Ithaca Commons with free admission and family-friendly activities including cider pressing demonstrations and apple pie contests.

Mid September

Cornell Homecoming Weekend

University celebration brings alumni back to campus with special tours, sporting events, and campus dining experiences. Many local businesses offer extended hours and special menus. Great opportunity to experience campus energy and traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 13°C (55°F) but afternoons reach 27°C (81°F), pack removable layers including light fleece and t-shirts

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - gorge trails can be slippery from morning dew and recent rain, ankle support essential for uneven stone paths

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 despite cooler temperatures, especially important during midday outdoor wine tastings and lake activities

Light rain jacket or packable windbreaker - 89mm (3.5 inches) rainfall spread over 10 days means frequent light showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes separate from hiking boots - campus tours and downtown exploration involve 3-5km (2-3 miles) of walking on pavement

Small daypack for farmers market purchases and orchard picking - bring insulated bag if planning to transport wine or fresh produce

Camera with extra batteries - fall foliage and lake reflections drain batteries faster in variable temperatures, morning condensation affects equipment

Cash in small bills - many farm stands, orchards, and market vendors prefer cash, ATMs can be scarce at rural locations

Insect repellent for early morning and evening outdoor activities - mosquitoes remain active near lake areas until first frost

Portable phone charger - using GPS for wine trail driving and photography depletes batteries quickly in variable weather conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on weekdays instead of weekends to save 40-50% - Cornell events drive weekend prices up significantly while weekday rates remain reasonable

Visit wineries Tuesday-Thursday for personalized attention from vintners and access to library wines not available during crowded weekend tastings

Download offline maps for wine trail driving - cellular coverage spotty in rural Finger Lakes region, especially between vineyard locations on west side routes

Local farmers markets accept Cornell student ID for 10% discounts on many items - worth asking even if you're not a student, some vendors extend courtesy discounts

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack only for afternoon highs and get caught in 13°C (55°F) morning fog around the lake requiring jacket purchases

Driving wine trail routes too quickly - allow 45-60 minutes between wineries for scenic stops and account for narrow, winding roads especially during peak foliage

Assuming restaurants stay open late after summer season - many establishments reduce hours after Labor Day, dinner reservations should be made for 6-7pm rather than 8-9pm