Plan your trip to this rugged, wild, and gorgeous island with our guide to the best time to visit Tasmania, Australia.
Travellers are often wondering about the best time to visit Tasmania. After all, this island state is full of unique but contrasting offerings year round, thanks to its natural beauty and four distinct seasons.
Is the best time to visit Tasmania in summer, when the pristine beaches are sunny and full of life? Or, is it during the winter months, when the snow capped mountains become the center of attraction?
Tasmania spring brings vibrant shades of wildflowers. On the other hand, Tasmania autumn is a burst of colours as the foliage transforms into golden hues.
No matter the season, travelling Tasmania is an adventure. It’s fascinating year round and ticks off the boxes for every type of tourist.
Here is our in-depth guide to help you choose the best time to visit Tasmania.
Tasmania is full of cool places, like the Bay of Fires, that are gorgeous year-round.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Tasmania?
Many would consider autumn to be the best time to visit Tasmania. This is when the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the landscape is magical with its autumn colours.
Spring is arguably the second best time to visit Tasmania, especially if you love chasing wildlife or hiking through verdant trails.
If you love outdoor activities and don’t mind the heightened crowds, summer is the best time to visit because of the sunny, warm weather. It’s the peak season, so rates are higher and crowds are bigger.
Despite the significant drop in temperature, winter in Tasmania is surprisingly delightful. Snow is common, especially in elevated areas, turning the highlands into winter wonderlands. Plus, prices are lower in winter, making it the best time for budget-conscious tourists to travel.
Below is a detailed account of what to expect in Tasmania each season.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Summer in Tasmania (December-February)
Tasmania summer brings thick crowds and more expensive prices. The season’s main draw is the perfect weather tailor-made for outdoor activities and beach day outs.
Summer’s average maximum temperatures range between 21°C (70°F) and 24°C (75°F). Rain is scarce, and the days are clear and long, with some having up to 15 hours of daylight.
Tasmania is busiest in January, but the last two weeks of December receive an influx of tourists, especially around the school holidays.
It’s common to see visitors in swimsuits and snorkelling gear, all ready to relish the sand and water of Wineglass Bay on the East Coast.
Others come with hiking boots, all set for a trekking excursion at Cradle Mountain or Mt. Wellington.
If you plan to visit Tasmania in the summer, book accommodations well ahead–it’s busy! And pack lots of sunscreen.
Try one of our favorite summer walks in Tassie, the Wineglass Bay Walk and Hazards Beach Circuit.
Top things to do during summer in Tasmania
In the summer months, the balmy coast takes center stage. The Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay in the heart of Freycinet National Park on the East Coast often snatch the top spots on Tasmania’s long list of beautiful beaches.
If the beaches aren’t your thing, rainforests might be. Make a beeline for the West Coast, known for its lush forest trails, mining history, and the foodie-haven Bruny Island.
The West Coast is notoriously known for being one of the rainiest places in Tasmania, but it’s relatively dry in summer. In the lovely summer weather, you can go on a boat cruise on the UNESCO-listed Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour. Or, you take the 4-hour journey on a steam train on the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a one-of-a-kind tour.
The long days are fantastic for a Tasmania road trip. Drive from the capital city of Hobart to Huon Valley on a weekend escapade. But if you wish to learn about Tasmania’s history while on the road, take the Highlands Power Trail or the Heritage Highway.
Make the best out of the nice weather and trek through Cradle Mountain. If the activity is too strenuous for you, go on a kayaking tour on Dove Lake at the foot of the mountain for something more relaxing.
Summer is also the only time of year when lavenders bloom in Tasmania. Be sure not to miss this unique event and head to the famous Bridestowe Lavender Farm. There, you’ll find the fields carpeted with lilac flowers and sweet floral scents wafting through the air.
For festival lovers, summer’s calendar brims with festivities. First on the list is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day, perhaps the most highly-anticipated sporting event in December.
Then, there’s the Taste of Tasmania, which runs from late December to early January. Next comes the Cygnet Folk Festival, held later in the month. February hosts Festivale and the three-day music festival, Party in the Paddocks.
Awesome views over Cradle Mountain
Autumn in Tasmania (March-May)
In autumn, temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F) – 17°C (62°F). Though slightly crisper than the previous season, the days remain relatively warm and sunny.
Tasmania is stunning in autumn, as the trees turn into vibrant hues of reds and yellows.
The best thing about autumn is that it’s one of the shoulder seasons. Not only are the attractions less crowded, but hotel rates are also cheaper.
With the Tasmania weather just right, autumn is the best time for sightseeing. Brace yourself for casual strolls on the beach, scenic hikes at national parks, or even walking tours in the vineyards of Tamar Valley.
Top things to do during autumn in Tasmania
Perhaps the most popular event in autumn is the turning of the fagus. It occurs when native deciduous beech trees, locally known as fagus, turn into vivid hues of russet, gold, and orange.
You’ll see this marvel in the Central Highlands, specifically on a hike along the Weindorfers Forest Walk in Cradle Mountain and around Lake Fenton.
For adventurous trekkers, the iconic Overland Track is distinctly beautiful in April and May when fiery golden leaves crown the beech trees.
The best thing about trekking the Overland Track in autumn is that crowds are smaller, and the weather is as pleasant as summer, with minimal to zero rainfall.
Read about hiking Tasmania’s Overland Track with our complete guide!
Autumn is Tasmania’s harvest season, so it’s the best time to explore the wine region. The island’s world-class wineries open their cellar doors to wine connoisseurs and curious visitors around the globe.
If you visit Tasmania in fall, consider adding wine tasting to your itinerary. The season is a prime time to delve into Tasmania’s wine culture on a food and wine tour. Drop by Huon Valley for its fresh apples and cider or Tamar Valley for its grapes and vintage wines, such as Pinot Noir.
You can also go on a Tasmania road trip on the famous Tasting Trail in the North West to sample organic produce, artisan chocolates, and cheese.
Love yourself a bit of festivities? The fall season has a few festivals up its sleeves.
Tasmania celebrates Ten Days on the Island, a cultural festival, every other year in March. April hosts Spiegeltent Hobart, a circus-slash-cabaret affair, and Targa Tasmania, a motorsport event.
For foodies, there is Trailgraze, a festival in April featuring farmers and growers along the Tasting Trail in the North West.
A similar event, Agfest, which showcases Tasmania’s various produce and rich agricultural heritage, happens in May.
All smiles on the Overland Track.
Winter in Tasmania (June-August)
Winter in Tasmania can get pretty cold but rarely drops below freezing, except in a few elevated inland areas. Average temperatures range between 3°C (37°F) and 12°C (53°F). So, if you visit in winter, we recommend wearing warm layers to keep you cozy and toasty.
Snow is common, especially in the highlands like Cradle Mountain and Mount Wellington. Winter is also the wettest season in Tasmania, with August to September (early spring) receiving the most rainfall. Despite this, most attractions typically stay open in winter.
The best thing about traveling to Tasmania in winter is the affordable prices. Because it’s off-season, you can easily find discounted hotel rates and good deals. Some hiking trails on Cradle Mountain, including the Overland Track, often waive the access fees.
Tourist crowds are also fewer, except during school holidays when visitors arrive on the East Coast to enjoy the winter break. The rest of Tasmania, however, remains relatively uncrowded and quiet.
Read more: The 25 Best Things to Do in Tasmania
Top things to do during winter in Tasmania
The Cradle Mountain turns into a snowy wonderland in winter, a surreal change from the rest of the year.
For something truly magical, look out for the dancing southern lights. On dark, clear nights, you might glimpse the elusive Aurora Australis. There are several spots in Tasmania where you can see the neon lights. These include Bruny Island, Mt. Wellington, Cradle Mountain, and Seven Mile Beach.
One of the most popular activities in Tasmania is spotting whales in the wild, and winter is the start of the whale watching season. You’re likely to see giant humpback whales migrating north off the coast of Tasmania from late May to July. Their cousins, the Southern right whales, also appear around June to September as they travel the same route.
For those who want to escape the chilly outdoors, winter is a fantastic time to explore the indoor attractions in Tasmania. Check out the Cascade Brewery and the Museum of Old and New Art on a sightseeing tour of Hobart.
Of course, a tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site is a must for history buffs. A former convict settlement, Port Arthur housed hundreds of prisoners from 1830 to 1853 and is one of Tasmania’s most popular landmarks.
While Port Arthur is a year-round destination, it’s particularly intriguing and spine-chilling in winter. Imagine going on a lantern-lit ghost-hunting excursion of its ruins and abandoned buildings while learning about its dark history. But for something light-hearted, opt for an engaging sight tour of Port Arthur instead.
Read about the best day trips from Hobart for more ideas!
The cold months also host a few exciting winter festivals. The most famous is the 11-day Dark Mofo Festival in June. Its highlight is the Dark Mofo Winter Feast, marked by live music, food stalls offering local delicacies, and roaring bonfires where people can gather around.
In August, you can experience the Tasmanian Whisky Week. The event showcases locally made spirits, focusing mainly on the famous Tasmanian whisky (of course!)
Other festivals happening in winter are the Festival of Voices, a singing celebration of sorts, which runs from the last week of June to early July, and the Chocolate Winterfest in August.
Bruny Island is gorgeous even in winter.
Spring in Tasmania (September-November)
Spring ushers in mild weather, with temperatures between 10°C (50°F) and 17°C (62°F). While spring is warmer than winter, it’s no less drier, at least at the start of the season.
Rain showers and even a dusting of snow are common, especially in early September. Spring is also the windiest time of the year in Tasmania.
The weather becomes balmier and sunnier, with less frequent rains as the season progresses.
Spring, being a shoulder season, has fewer tourists and cheaper rates. You can enjoy most must-see sights without the usual crowds and easily find affordable accommodations.
But the one thing that makes spring in Tasmania unforgettable is the burst of colours, thanks to the blooming flowers and fresh vegetation.
Check out our guide to camping in Tasmania for a real wilderness adventure.
Top things to do during spring in Tasmania
Between late September and October, the famous Table Cape Farm comes to life with thousands of multi-hued tulips. The fields are open to visitors only in spring, although bulbs are available to purchase year-round.
For more flowers, visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This free-to-enter attraction is open 364 days a year but is stunningly beautiful in spring when all the flowers bloom.
Those who missed whale watching in autumn can catch up in spring. Between September and November, humpback whales swim along Tasmania’s East Coast as they migrate back south.
Spring is also a great time to resume your Tasmania road trip after the road closures in winter.
For a scenic day trip from Tasmania, check out Maria Island. In spring, the island’s wildlife is most active. On top of that, the temperatures are cooler, and crowds are smaller compared to summer.
If you want to see more animals, head to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, home to kangaroos, wallabies, around 100 wild bird species, and the celebrated Tasmanian devils.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Try the after-dark Tasmanian devil feeding tour at a wildlife sanctuary in Cradle Mountain.
Festival lovers visiting Tasmania in spring are in luck. September hosts the Junction Arts Festival, while October has the Devonport Food Festival and the Bloomin’ Tulips Festival.
Plan your trip to Maria Island with our detailed guide!
The Painted Cliffs is one of the most popular spots on Maria Island.
What is the best month to go to Tasmania?
Tasmania is a fantastic destination no matter the time of year, but the autumn months of March to May are arguably the best time to visit. Not only is the island enveloped in intense colours, but the weather is also excellent, with warm days for scenic hikes, leisure strolls, and challenging treks.
Plus, it’s the harvest season. Fresh produce is aplenty, and so are the wines and delicious food.
That said, every season has its perks. Spring is full of blooming flowers and wildlife, making it great for nature lovers. Summer buzzes with energy and boasts sunny days made for beachgoers. And winter brings something no other seasons have–the southern lights and snowy mountains.
Each season has its nuances and uniqueness. It’s easy to say the best time to visit Tasmania depends on what experience you’re after. But if you love mild days, crisp air, stunning foliage, wine tastings, and fewer tourists, you’ll agree that the autumn months are hard to beat.
There are so many incredible things to see and do in Tasmania!
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