Late spring · Weather & things to do
Ithaca in May
Ithaca warms up: highs climb to 70°F (21°C), from 57°F in April, with lows of 49°F (9°C) and about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 82/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 70°F (21°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (93 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 70°F (21°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Lows average 49°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (93 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is one of Ithaca's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 70°F, up from 57°F in April.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May & June and August & September.
- Comfort improves from 70/100 in April to 82/100.
- May sits inside the May – Oct window our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes70°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Ithaca in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
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.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
Herb gardens, arboretum and gorge trails on the Cornell campus.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Oct.
Ithaca Farmers Market
Lakeside pavilion market with farm stands and prepared food from local vendors.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best saturday morning, Apr–Dec.
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 May
- Keuka Lake in May~34 mi · highs 69°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in May~38 mi · highs 68°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in May~114 mi · highs 59°F, 2.7 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, drier
- Hudson in May~139 mi · highs 70°F, 3.9 in rain · 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Ithaca?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 82/100. Expect highs of 70°F (21°C) and 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Oct window our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends.
How hot is Ithaca in May?
Average highs are 70°F (21°C) and average lows 49°F (9°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Ithaca in May?
Some: about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 42.2 in (1071 mm).
What should I pack for Ithaca in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (70°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in May
- Finger Lakes Wine Trail May – Oct
Planning Ithaca in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.