Ithaca, New York, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Ithaca, New York, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ithaca, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ithaca, New York, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Ithaca, New York, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Ithaca, New York, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ithaca, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Ithaca, New York, United States of America by month

January

January in Ithaca is frosty and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February for Ithaca is freezing. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

In March, Ithaca can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and regularly jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Ithaca, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

April in Ithaca is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

May in Ithaca is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

June is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

July in Ithaca is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

August here is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September for Ithaca is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

If you visit Ithaca during October, you might notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

November in this region can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

If you are traveling to Ithaca in December, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ithaca. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Cayuga Lake, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

If you plan to visit Ithaca Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Ithaca, New York, United States of America

Ithaca, a charming college town located in Upstate New York, is a popular tourist destination for nature-lovers, foodies, and history buffs. With an abundance of waterfalls, gorges, and state parks, as well as cultural offerings such as museums and theaters, there is something for everyone in Ithaca. Here are some top tourist attractions to check out while visiting:

1. Cornell University: Cornell is one of the Ivy League schools and has a stunning campus located above Cayuga Lake, complete with beautiful views and picturesque architecture. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and see the many buildings on campus, including the famous clock tower in the center of the campus.

2. Ithaca Farmers Market: Located along the Cayuga Lake waterfront, the Ithaca Farmers Market is open year-round and features local produce, meats, cheeses, and crafts. Visitors can find a wide range of products from the over 160 vendors, including fresh flowers, baked goods, and handcrafted jewelry.

3. Taughannock Falls State Park: Taughannock Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, standing at 215 feet tall. The park includes hiking trails that are easy to navigate and offers stunning views of the gorge and waterfall. Visitors can also fish, swim, and even rent kayaks and paddleboards.

4. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: Located on the Cornell campus, the Johnson Museum features a diverse collection of over 35,000 works of art from all over the world. The museum offers free admission and visitors can enjoy exhibits ranging from ancient Greek artifacts to contemporary art.

5. Buttermilk Falls State Park: Buttermilk Falls State Park is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, and is named for the creamy, white appearance of the falls. The park offers a natural pool, scenic hiking trails, and picnic areas.

6. The Ithaca Commons: Located downtown on the pedestrian-only street, the Ithaca Commons offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can find unique boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and street performers.

7. Robert H. Treman State Park: Robert H. Treman State Park features a stunning 115-foot waterfall and dramatic gorge trails. The park includes thirteen miles of hiking trails, as well as picnic areas and campsites.

8. The Hangar Theatre: The Hangar Theatre is a professional theater company in Ithaca that produces plays and musicals throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy performances by local and national artists in the unique, airplane hangar-turned-theater.

Ithaca, New York is a city rich in history and natural beauty, offering a wide range of attractions for tourists. From hiking trails to art museums, the city has something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on these top attractions while visiting Ithaca!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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