Weather in Finger Lakes

About Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes comprise 11 long, narrow glacial lakes in upstate New York carved deep into the landscape, ringed with waterfalls, gorges, and vineyards. The wine region rivals Napa Valley for complexity and value, with over 100 wineries. The landscape is temperate and lush.

Country

USA

Best months to visit

June, August, September

Currency

USD

Language

English

Things to do in Finger Lakes

Wine trail tours: multiple winery visits and tastings Seneca Lake boat tour: scenic water and vineyard views Watkins Glen gorge hiking: cascades and stone formations Cayuga Lake kayaking: glacial water and scenic shoreline Ithaca Falls and gorge trails: multiple waterfall hikes Farm-to-table restaurants: local wine and food pairings

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

Cold, with some rainy days.

April

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

20C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

August

26C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

September

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

October

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

November

Cold, with some rainy days.

December

Cold, with some rainy days.

New York's Finger Lakes region is a cluster of long, narrow glacial lakes surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and dozens of waterfalls, with Seneca and Cayuga Lakes anchoring the most-visited wine trails. Watkins Glen at the southern tip of Seneca Lake has a gorge trail that climbs past nineteen waterfalls through a narrow stone canyon, while small towns like Ithaca and Geneva mix college-town energy with lakeside scenery.

Best areas to stay in Finger Lakes

Seneca Lake wine trail

The most-visited wine region, with wineries lining both shores of the lake.

Ithaca

A lively college town at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, known for its gorges and waterfalls.

Watkins Glen

A small town famous for its state park gorge trail and historic motor racing circuit.

Skaneateles

A picturesque small town on one of the easternmost and clearest of the Finger Lakes.

Getting to Finger Lakes

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Flights

Fly into Syracuse (SYR) or Rochester (ROC), each within about an hour's drive of the lakes.

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From London

~8-9 hours from London via New York, plus a flight or drive to the region.

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Getting around

A car is essential for visiting wineries, waterfalls, and towns spread across the lakes.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Finger Lakes?

Late spring through autumn (May-October) for wine touring and waterfalls, with September-October adding vivid foliage.

What is Watkins Glen State Park?

A gorge trail with nineteen waterfalls and stone stairways carved into the rock, one of the most dramatic short hikes in the Northeast.

Is the Finger Lakes good for wine tasting?

Yes — Seneca and Cayuga Lakes have well-established wine trails, particularly known for Riesling, with dozens of wineries open for tastings.

How do I get around the Finger Lakes?

A car is essential, as the lakes and wineries are spread across a wide rural area with no central public transport.

What towns are worth visiting?

Ithaca for its waterfalls and college-town atmosphere, Geneva for its lakefront, and Watkins Glen for the gorge and motor racing history.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Walked the Watkins Glen gorge trail and it completely exceeded expectations, waterfall after waterfall in a narrow canyon. Combined it with a few wineries on Seneca Lake.

Beth A. · October 2024

★★★★☆

Spent a couple of days around Ithaca exploring the gorges near campus, lovely and very green. Good food scene too.

Carl R. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Drove the Cayuga wine trail with stops at small family wineries, relaxed and scenic. Skaneateles was a beautiful little detour.

Donna F. · June 2024