Late winter · Weather & things to do
Ithaca in February
Ithaca edges warmer than January, with highs of 34°F (1°C), lows of 19°F (-7°C) and about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 20 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What February feels like
Highs only reach about 34°F (1°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 19°F (-7°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 78%.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Comfort holds steady from January (41 → 41/100).
- Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 19°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Ithaca in February
With highs near 34°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Sheldrake Point Winery
Lakeside Cayuga winery known for Riesling and ice wine.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Free I.M. Pei-designed art museum with a 5th-floor view over Cayuga Lake.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 34°F.
Moosewood Restaurant
Vegetarian restaurant since 1973 whose cookbooks shaped American meatless cooking.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Ithaca Beer Co.
Local brewery taproom with wood-fired food and the Flower Power IPA.
Why now A cozy break on a 34°F day.
Ithaca Farmers Market
Lakeside pavilion market with farm stands and prepared food from local vendors.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in February
- Keuka Lake in February~34 mi · highs 33°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in February~38 mi · highs 32°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in February~114 mi · highs 30°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Hudson in February~139 mi · highs 34°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~401 m to Ithaca's ~121 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Ithaca in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Ithaca?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and August & September. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Ithaca in February?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 19°F (-7°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Ithaca in February?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 42.2 in (1071 mm).
What should I pack for Ithaca in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 19°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Ithaca in February?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.