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Elmira

Elmira travel guide

City in New York, United States

Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportELM · 7 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population26,523

About Elmira

Elmira is a city in and the county seat of Chemung County, New York, United States. It is the principal city of the Elmira, New York, metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses Chemung County. The population was 26,523 at the 2020 census, down from 29,200 at the 2010 census, a decline of more than 7 percent.

Places to visit in Elmira

  1. Woodlawn Cemetery

    Woodlawn Cemetery

    Historic · 2 mi from centre

    The burial place of Mark Twain and his family, with a monument marking the plot. The adjacent Woodlawn National Cemetery holds graves of Confederate prisoners from the Elmira camp.

  2. Mark Twain Study

    Historic

    The octagonal study where Twain wrote much of his famous work, relocated to the Elmira College campus. It can be visited along with related exhibits about his time in Elmira.

  3. Corning Museum of Glass

    Corning Museum of Glass

    Museum · 13 mi from centre

    In nearby Corning, a large museum covering the art, history and science of glass, with live glassblowing demonstrations and the chance to make your own piece.

  4. National Soaring Museum

    National Soaring Museum

    Museum · 5 mi from centre

    On Harris Hill above the Chemung Valley, the museum displays gliders and sailplanes, and the adjacent soaring field offers glider rides and fine valley views.

  5. Watkins Glen State Park

    Watkins Glen State Park

    Nature · 20 mi from centre

    North of Elmira, a stone-lined gorge trail follows a stream past numerous waterfalls, stairways and rock tunnels, including a path that passes directly behind a cascade.

Where to stay in Elmira

Popular hotels in Elmira, out of 14 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Elmira

Best time to visit Elmira

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Elmira is September, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 20° – 32° 12
Feb 22° – 39° 9
Mar 31° – 52° 12
Apr 39° – 60° 17
May 51° – 69° 19
Jun 60° – 80° 14
Jul 65° – 86° 12
Aug 60° – 79° 12
Sep 54° – 75° 7
Oct 43° – 62° 8
Nov 35° – 49° 11
Dec 22° – 36° 13

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Elmira weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 60° 35° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 60° 36° 2%
  • Fri 23 Oct 56° 35° 2%
  • Sat 24 Oct 60° 35° 1%
  • Sun 25 Oct 65° 37° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 67° 46° 2%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Elmira

These are the airports closest to central Elmira. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • ELM Elmira Corning Regional Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
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Elmira travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Elmira?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Elmira is September, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 7 days a month.

What is the weather like in Elmira?

July is usually the warmest month in Elmira, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 20°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 127 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Elmira?

Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Elmira.

What time zone is Elmira in?

Elmira uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Elmira?

Top sights in Elmira include Woodlawn Cemetery, Mark Twain Study, Corning Museum of Glass and National Soaring Museum. The burial place of Mark Twain and his family, with a monument marking the plot. The adjacent Woodlawn National Cemetery holds graves of Confederate prisoners from the Elmira camp.

Where should I stay in Elmira?

Popular areas for hotels in Elmira include Corning, Watkins Glen and Elmira Area. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown and Fairfield Inn & Suites Elmira Corning.

How many hotels can I book in Elmira?

Destina Holidays currently lists 14 properties in and around Elmira, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.