Best time to visit Tasmania

One of the finest months to visit Tassy with mildly warm summer weather and little rainfall. During the brief and rare hot spells from the Australian desert, the highest records hit 37/39°C (99/102°F). Luckily, wind and low humidity make it feel quite bearable. The sea stays cold, with an average of 17°C (63°F) recorded in Hobart. The amount of sunshine is never excellent—eight hours on the coast on average. Precipitation is concentrated on the west coast and inland. The Central Highlands are colder and windier, with night temperatures dropping to the freezing point sometimes. So snow and frost are possible there even in the summer. Nights in the lowlands tend to be chilly too, often cooling down to 10°C (50°F) and below. Preparing for a trip to Tasmania, pack layers to be ready for the chills of the nights. A windbreaker and an umbrella are also useful. A heavy jacket will be necessary for the mountains.

The last month of the Aussie summer, almost the same as January in the context of the weather. February is slightly drier than the previous month. The lowest precipitation is observed in Hobart, famous as Australia's second-driest capital city after Adelaide. Generally, the west coast area, along with central inland, receives the most rainfall. Heatwaves with the highs exceeding 37°C (99°F) occur rarely and don't last long. Owing to the windy weather and low humidity, it isn't as uncomfortable as it might sound. The sea is cold as always, reaching its average max 17°C (63°F) in the south and 18°C (64°F) in the north. Summer nights are cold—the temperature plunges below 10°C (50°F), and decreases to freezing in the mountains, where snow and frost are possible. The luggage of a February visitor to Tasmania shoud have various items in case of warm and cold weather. Bring a windbreaker and umbrella, as well as a heavy jacket for the mountains.

The weather in early autumn is generally warm and relatively dry, pretty similar to that of summer months. However, it starts deteriorating with the onset of autumn. The average temperatures cool down. Rain becomes more frequent on the west coast exposed to westerlies and also in the Central Highlands. The likelihood of cold air spells from the Antarctic is higher in the mountains, where frost and snow are possible even in the summer. The sea, which is cold year-round anyways, retains its temperature in March. The amount of sunshine hours per day decreases a little with an average of seven hours in Hobart, but it's still enough to enjoy the pristine nature of Tasmania. What's important, summer tourist crowds have thinned out too. To stay warm and comfy during your visit, pack long-sleeves, a windbreaker, a raincoat, and an insulated jacket for the mountains.

With the onset of the autumn, the weather gets progressively colder, rainier and windier. In April, the sea temperature also decreases. West coast receives more precipitation than the east one. The north is slightly warmer than the south. Days get shorter, and sunshine in Hobart falls to an average of six hours per day. The inland areas are colder than the coast. They are affected by Antarctic air masses, which occasionally bring frost and snow to the highest peaks in the Central Highlands. Nights get especially cold. On the upside, fall foliage is splendid, the tourists are fewer, and hence the prices get lower. To make your visit to Tasmania cozy and comfy, bring warm and waterproof clothes, along with sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. An insulated coat is a must if you're planning on hiking in the mountains.

With the autumn in full swing, the weather is progressively deteriorating. The rainfall gets more abundant, the average temperatures decrease, and the intense wind blows more often. Generally, cold spells are felt most in the inland areas and Central Highlands as these are affected by the air masses of the Antarctic origin. In the meanwhile, the climate along the coastline is mild with frequent wind and rain on western slopes. The days are short. Hobart receives only five hours of sunshine per day. For many operators, winter season comes already after Easter, so they close until spring. Hence, this is not the best time to visit Tasmania, but tolerable if you pack your clothing accordingly. Take long-sleeves, sweaters, a heavy jacket, an umbrella, and an insolated coat if you aim at Central Highlands.

Winter weather in Tasmania varies depending on the area: it's cool and rainy on the coast; frost and snow and complicated road conditions are typical for the inland and mountainous regions; northernmost islands enjoy the mildest climate. Generally, this season is characterized by high precipitation well-distributed all across Tasmania. Western slopes receive most of it throughout the year, including winter. Even on the coast, the lows at southern latitudes can plunge a few degrees below the freezing point. For example, the lowest values recorded in Strahan was -3 °C (27 °F). Also, June is the month with the shortest days of the year. On average, Hobart has only four hours of sunshine. Winter gear is essential if you're visiting Tasmania in June. Make sure to bring a warm rain-resistant jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. For the mountains, pack a heavy coat and snow boots.

Mid-winter is the coldest and wettest time in Tasmania. The season varies depending on the latitude and altitude. The oceanic climate on the coast results in cool and rainy weather, with the most abundant rains observed on the western slopes. Sometimes temperatures can drop below freezing due to southern latitudes. The lowest records in Strahan was -3 °C (27 °F). The inland hilly and mountainous areas affected by Antarctic air masses are especially cold with frequent frosts and snowfall. So driving can be complicated in such conditions. The northernmost islands, including King, Deal, Flinders, and Cape Barren, stand out with the mildest climate. The most positive aspect of July is the darkest month of June has passed, and daylight hours began to increase. Despite some weather disadvantages, this month is often chosen by low-budget travelers. Make sure to pack appropriately—a raincoat, a down jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and snow boots are a must.

August is another winter month in Tasmania, cold and wet, but with growing daylight hours and a little more sunshine. Weather conditions differ depending on the area. The coastline is characterized by cool temperatures and abundant rain, particularly frequent in the west. Southern latitudes are usually cooler—even on the coast, the temperatures occasionally drop to the freezing point and below. Frost and snow are typical for the inland and mountains, which sometimes result in complicated road conditions. The northern latitudes enjoy the mildest weather—this refers to the islands of King, Deal, Cape Barren, and Flinders. To stay warm and comfy in Tasmania, pack warm winter gear, including a waterproof jacket, a heavy coat for the highlands, and possibly snow boots. A hat, a scarf, and gloves go without saying.

The start of spring has much in common with August. At the beginning of September, you can still see the snow, especially in the inland areas and at higher altitudes. The weather on the coast is chilly and wet. The rainfall is well-distributed across Tasmania, but the western side receives the greatest bulk of it. The northernmost areas that enjoyed mild weather throughout the winter months are still the warmest. Overall, the days get longer, and the sun comes out more frequently. However, unstable weather with sudden outbreaks of rain showers is typical. Towards the end of the month, the average temperatures rise a little. If you're visiting Tasmania in September, make sure to pack a rainproof jacket and umbrella. Long-sleeved shirts and warmer sweaters will come in handy too. Also, bring a heavy jacket if you go to the mountains.

With the onset of spring, lots of plants on the island are in bloom. The average highs and lows increase, and the days get longer. In Hobart, the daily amount of sunshine reaches its maximum of eight hours. Due to frequent weather disturbances, this value remains the same through February. Rainfall is observed all across Tasmania. Most of the precipitation falls in the western part of the island, affected by westerlies. Additionally, the inland and highlands are exposed to the cold air masses of the Antarctic origin. Therefore, the latitudes above 1,000 m (3,281 ft) may get frost and snow all year round, including spring and even summer. If you go in mid-spring, expect milder weather, but pack layers anyways, including long-sleeves, a sweater, a light coat, a rainproof jacket or umbrella, and also a heavy jacket for the mountains.

Late spring in Tasmania is comfortably warm, with a sufficient amount of sunshine on the coast (the average of eight hours per day in Hobart). Western slopes are cooler and rainier than the rest of the island due to the westerlies. Eastern slopes, on the contrary, are the driest. Hobart is renowned as the second driest Aussie capital city. Even though the overall amount of rainfall decreases as summer approaches. The weather disturbances with occasional outbreaks of rain showers are still possible yet less likely than at the beginning of the spring. The Central Highlands are cooler than coastal areas because of the air masses coming from the Antarctic. On their way across the ocean, they arrive in a somewhat mitigated form. Nevertheless, they can cause frost and snow on the highest elevations even in the summer. Come to Tasmania prepared for unstable weather—bring layers, including both light and heavy clothes, a raincoat or an umbrella. An insulated jacket might be needed if you decide to climb the highest peaks.

The first summer month brings the warmest, longest, and driest days to Tasmania, which is especially advantageous for the always cooler and windier inland and mountains. The sea, however, remains cold. Most rain showers occur on western slopes of the island owing to the westerlies. Normally, the air temperatures are pleasantly warm. However, hot air masses from the Australian desert may cause brief heatwaves, especially felt at the low altitudes. The heat is tolerable thanks to the wind and low humidity. On the other hand, the high altitudes of the inland are exposed to cool air masses from the Antarctic, which is why night temperatures there can plunge to freezing point. Rarely frost and snow are seen on the highest peaks. Nights are rather chilly in the lowlands too. Even though it's the warmest season of the year, come prepared to some sudden weather changes, and cool nights, which get freezing at the highlands. A rainproof outer layer, a sweater or a light jacket, and a heavier jacket should be packed.