Early spring · Weather & things to do
Ithaca in March
Ithaca warms up: highs climb to 43°F (6°C), from 34°F in February, with lows of 26°F (-3°C) and about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 46/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What March feels like
Cool days top out near 43°F (6°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Average lows of 26°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.9 in (74 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are May & June and August & September.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 37°F.
- Comfort improves from 41/100 in February to 46/100.
- Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Ithaca in March
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Taughannock Falls State Park
215-foot plunge falls at the end of an easy gorge trail, plus a rim overlook.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or after rain.
Ithaca Falls
150-foot falls a short walk from downtown, the tallest of the city's gorges.
Purity Ice Cream
Ithaca scoop shop since 1936, known for big portions and local flavors.
Sheldrake Point Winery
Lakeside Cayuga winery known for Riesling and ice wine.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Free I.M. Pei-designed art museum with a 5th-floor view over Cayuga Lake.
Nearby in March
- Keuka Lake in March~34 mi · highs 42°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in March~38 mi · highs 41°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in March~114 mi · highs 38°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, drier
- Hudson in March~139 mi · highs 43°F, 3.4 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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Ithaca?
It's middling, scoring 46/100. The best months are May & June and August & September, at up to 82. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Ithaca in March?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Ithaca in March?
Some: about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow falls across March on average, the 4th-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 March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Ithaca in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.