Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Ithaca in January
This is the coldest month in Ithaca: highs average 31°F (0°C) and lows 18°F (-8°C), with about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 18°F (-8°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 92%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 31°F (0°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 18°F (-8°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.5 in (63 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 80%.
Only about 9 h 13 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Comfort improves from 38/100 in December to 41/100.
- Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 18°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Ithaca in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Sheldrake Point Winery
Lakeside Cayuga winery known for Riesling and ice wine.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 31°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 31°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 31°F day.
Purity Ice Cream
Ithaca scoop shop since 1936, known for big portions and local flavors.
Nearby in January
- Keuka Lake in January~34 mi · highs 31°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in January~38 mi · highs 31°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in January~114 mi · highs 30°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Hudson in January~139 mi · highs 32°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 January: quick answers
Is January 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 31°F (0°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Ithaca in January?
Average highs are 31°F (0°C) and average lows 18°F (-8°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Ithaca in January?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 18°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 picks involve some walking).
Planning Ithaca in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.