Climate and Weather of Tasmania

Tasmania is one of Australia's six states and is the country's southernmost and only island state. It is home to conservation sites, natural parks, and abundant biodiversity. As Tasmania is predominantly mountainous, the state's terrain is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and rafting activities that travelers love.

Tasmania is largely elevated and untouched, with a significant portion designated as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) by UNESCO in 1982. Tasmania is also home to the Tasmanian devil and the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger, both of which are globally recognized symbols of Australia.

Climate and Seasons

Although different altitudes across Tasmania create temperature variations, the state generally has a temperate maritime climate. It experiences four clearly distinguished seasons: spring (September to November), summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), and winter (June to August).

The average maximum monthly summer temperatures range between 17°C and 23°C, while winter temperatures range from 3°C to 11°C. Rainfall varies significantly across the island.

Tasmania’s coldest month is June, while February is the warmest. In June, average maximum daytime temperatures are 12°C in Queenstown and 14°C in Coles Bay, with nighttime lows of 7°C in Coles Bay and 3°C in Queenstown. February has warm average maximum daytime temperatures of 22°C in Hobart and 25°C in Launceston.

Rainfall Patterns

August is the wettest month of the year, while February is the driest. August has moderate precipitation in Coles Bay with 49 mm of rainfall, increasing to heavy rainfall in Queenstown with 270 mm. Meanwhile, June has moderate rainfall in Launceston with 35 mm and higher levels in Queenstown with 100 mm.

Does It Snow in Tasmania?

Tasmania does receive snow, though not frequently. Most areas do not have high enough elevations for regular snowfall. However, Mount Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) is among the few places in Tasmania that get fully covered by snow in winter.

Does Tasmania Experience Cyclones?

Australians use the term "cyclones" instead of "hurricanes." There is no recorded cyclone to have ever hit Tasmania, as the island state lies beyond the tropical zone where cyclones typically form. Instead, Tasmania experiences heavy rain in certain areas, though flooding is rare, making it one of the safest places in the world from natural disasters.

Best Time to Visit Tasmania

Spring and summer are the best times to visit Tasmania, as autumn and winter can be cold. While much of Europe and North America experience freezing conditions, Tasmania remains warm during Christmas, making it possible to visit beaches on New Year's Eve. Autumn still has sunny days, ideal for exploring wildlife in Queenstown at 13°C or enjoying walks on the beaches of Coles Bay at 14°C.

Select a Month of Interest

Check the conditions for any month of the year.