Tasmania provides the opportunity to experience all four, distinct seasons… sometimes on the same day! We do recommend packing multiple layers and waterproof shoes for your trip, especially if you’re going to be doing any hiking.
Don’t be fooled by cooler weather either, our sun is often described as more powerful than in other areas of Australia, or indeed, the world. You can easily be sun burnt at any time of year if you’re not sun safe. We recommend carrying sun screen while you’re here and applying regularly, even in winter.
Hobart weather is generally mild and the climate is considered temperate oceanic whilst Launceston’s weather is slightly warmer on average during the day and cooler throughout the night.
The below is a brief overview of what you can expect in general on your trip, but seriously, we’re not joking about experiencing many weather events on one day. You can quite easily experience snow in the morning and be wearing a t-shirt at lunch time, only to need your beanie again in the afternoon!
Summer (December to February)
The average daily temperatures in summer are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius. Hotter days of over 30 degrees Celsius are not uncommon, but if travelling to alpine areas, you will also need to be prepared for cooler weather, especially in the early mornings. In general, summer can be quite a dry time in Tasmania, however we can experience heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly after hot and dry spells.
Summer days are long, with the sun generally rising around 5 am and setting around 9 pm depending on the time of season that you’re travelling. Whilst this is great for travelling around, this does mean that dusk and dawn are often longer and, as this is when many of our native animals are more active, there is more risk of hitting a wild animal if travelling in remote areas during these times. If driving during dusk or dawn, slow down and stay aware. If you do see an animal on the road, don’t swerve, but brake carefully if safe to do so. If you do find yourself caring for injured wildlife, here is a handy reference.
Summer is a very popular season for many tourists to visit and we recommend booking all of your top experiences before arriving to avoid any disappointment when you get here.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn definitely cools off in Tasmania and the alpine areas throughout the Derwent Valley are particularly special at this time of year. Go for a hike in this region in April and you are likely to find the Nothfagus gunnii, or Fagus, Australia’s only cold climate winter-deciduous tree and see its brilliant red and orange hues. Of course, you need to pack a beanie and be prepared for rain at this time of year, but that’s all part of the adventure, right?
Winter (June to August)
Winter is a great time to travel to Tasmania, with cool, brisk days and long nights spent in front of an open fire with a good book and a glass of Tasmanian pinot (or local whisky)! Daily temperatures range from between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius, but of course it will get much cooler in our alpine zones.
If travelling throughout Tasmania at this time, especially early in the morning or late in the morning, you are likely to come across fog, rain and, sometimes, snow. For those travelling in remote alpine areas, be aware that in some areas, it is a legal requirement to carry snow chains for your car. If travelling in a rental car, be aware of what your excess covers and make sure you’re able to travel in the snow. You can hire snow chains at these places:
Northern Suppliers:
Auto Barn (03) 6334 5601 – 6 Innes Street LAUNCESTON, Tas, 7250
ARB 4X4 and Accessories LAUNCESTON (03) – 6331 4190 – 48 Holbrook Street Invermay, Tas 7248
Southern Suppliers
ARB 4X4 and Accessories HOBART (03) – 6232 2333 – 9 Florence Street Moonah, Tas 7009
Be aware that it gets dark quite early in winter throughout Tasmania and we recommend those travelling in remote areas plan well ahead and, preferably, be off the road by around 4 pm. If travelling in urban or built up areas, this precaution isn’t necessary.
Spring (September to November)
Spring springs in September and you’ll notice days getting longer again and locals starting to emerge, looking forward to warmer days. Spring is a fabulous time to explore Tasmania, with festivals such as the Wynyard Tulip Festival celebrating the arrival of the season in colourful fashion. For foodies, our seasonal produce is showcased at many farmers markets across the state, including Salamanca Market, Hobart Farm Gate Market and Launceston's Harvest Market, to name but a few.
Image credits: Poon Wai Nang (Bicheno Blowhole), Lusy Productions (Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest)