The Best Time to Visit Tasmania
Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Tasmania?
Holiday time is precious, so it makes sense to choose your dates wisely. This guide provides an overview of Tasmania’s seasons, and tells you the best times to visit Tasmania’s iconic attractions!
The best time to visit Tasmania?
As someone who has called Tasmania home for more than 20 years now, there is only one answer.
The best time to visit Tasmania is in autumn.
Lock it in Eddie. Done. Finished. Sold.
Ah… if only it were so simple.
Forget ‘four seasons in one day‘… I reckon ‘four seasons before breakfast‘ is closer to the truth!
Tasmania is Australia’s most southerly State, and when there’s nothing between you and Antarctica you know you’re going to be in for the occasional wild ride.
But you know what? Despite the glee on a Tasmanian’s face when they tell you about “That time it snowed on Christmas day“, in the next breath they’ll be saying how amazing autumn days can be – fresh and crisp like a Tassie apple – the delightful smells of spring, and the long, temperate days of summer.
As you can probably tell, the best time to visit Tasmania depends a whole lot on you and how you love to spend your holiday time – and that’s why I’ve created this guide!
Keep reading to find out the best time for you to visit Tasmania, but if you want a quick snapshot, this table has everything you need…
|
Attraction |
Best time |
My thoughts on when to visit |
|---|---|---|
|
Tasmania |
Year-round |
Autumn is my favourite time of year, with spring a close runner-up, but any time of year is amazing! |
|
Cradle Mountain |
Year-round |
Any time of year will find Cradle Mountain pretty as a picture. |
|
West Coast |
Summer |
Rainforest mushrooms can be seen in autumn. Winter can be very wet. |
|
Bay of Fires and Freycinet NP |
Year-round |
Summer is when you can enjoy swimming and plenty of sunshine. Try to avoid public and school holidays if possible. |
|
Tasmanian Devils |
Year-round |
Choose your favourite wildlife park – any time of year is fine. |
|
Lavender |
Dec / Jan |
Lavender only flowers in December and January before harvesting. |
|
Tulips |
Sep / Oct |
Tulips only flower from late September through to mid-October. |
|
Port Arthur |
Year-round |
Any time of year is good. |
|
Humpback Whales |
May to July Sep to Nov |
Late autumn and spring are when you have the best chance. |
|
Right Whales |
June to October |
Winter and spring are your best chance for Right whales. |
|
Turning of the ‘Fagus’ |
Late April to early May |
Anzac Day is often when the colours are at their peak. |
|
Swimming |
Feb / Mar |
You can swim any time of year, but ocean waters are warmest in late summer. |
|
Snow |
June to September |
Snow is difficult to predict, but your chances are best in winter, with one big snowfall usually occurring in September each year. |
|
Festivals |
Summer and Winter |
You’ll find festivals year-round, but summer and winter have the best ones! |
|
Bushwalking |
Year-round |
Any time of year is good, but winter can be wet and muddy. Keep an eye on the snow/storm forecast at all times. |
Best season to visit Tasmania
Autumn in Tasmania
A lot of visitors to Tasmania think they need to visit in summer, or risk freezing to death.
Nothing could be further from the truth, and I think autumn is the best season to visit Tasmania – May and April in particular!
Cool, dry days and crisp nights. Eggshell-blue skies and the slow creep of red, gold and orange as the leaves start to turn. Seeing the uniquely Tasmanian ‘turning of the fagus‘ is a must!
Winter in Tasmania
Winter in Tasmania is a very special time of year. As the daylight hours shorten and the temperatures fall, a hint of wood-smoke tickles the nostrils and people come to together across the state to celebrate in festivals of light, food and artistic splendour.
Mt Wellington, Tarn Shelf, Ben Lomond and the Tasmanian highlands often receive dustings of snow – road trip disruptions are very unlikely – and you’ll find you have much of the State completely to yourself.
Read More: 7 Best Places to See Snow in Tasmania
Rainfall is highest during winter – especially on the West Coast – but there’s something quite wonderful in experiencing the mossy glades and dancing waterfalls of Tasmania’s ancient rainforests with the sound of rain tapping on the leaves around you.
Spring in Tasmania
Spring is the time for change. From September through to November the land begins to wake from its winter slumber. Flowers and orchards bloom and the valleys of Tasmania are awash in more shades of green than you have ever seen in your life!
As temperatures rise you may also notice periods of strong winds – they don’t call them the ‘Roaring 40s’ for nothing! But they don’t normally hang around long – a day or two at the most – before being replaced by still days and sun showers.
If you can’t get there in autumn, I think spring is the second best season to visit Tasmania!
Summer in Tasmania
December through to February are the warmest months in Tasmania with daily average temperatures ranging from the low teens to the low/mid 20s (celsius) across the state. It’s also the driest time of year and experiences the longest daylight hours anywhere in Australia – up to 15 hours!
As you can probably guess, it is also the most popular time of year for visitors to Tasmania – including many cruise ships that temporarily inject thousands of visitors onto Hobart’s historic waterfront.
The West Coast is a wild part of Tasmania, full of rushing streams, calm harbours and dense rainforest. The geography of the region is unique, and where the cold, Antarctic air meets the sharply rising West Coast Range the result is rain.
Lots of rain!
2,400mm per year is the average – most falling between April and September – with Strahan experiencing up to 20 rain days per month in the middle of winter (compared to 7 in Hobart).
Tasmania’s north-west doesn’t get anywhere near the volume of rain as the West Coast, but it can experience very strong winds.
These are the ‘Roaring 40s‘, named because they occur between 40 and 50 degrees latitude and circle the globe virtually unimpeded due to the lack of land so far south.
It’s a beautiful part of the state, so don’t let a ‘stiff breeze’ stop you from experiencing its rolling fields and wild coastline!
Best time to visit Tasmania’s icons
Tasmania is renowned for its natural beauty and unusual wildlife.
Of course, you can experience these icons whenever you like, but some are at their best at particular times of the year.
If you want to plan your road trip around these Instagrammable icons then this info is exactly what you need to plan the best time to visit Tasmania…
If you’re wondering the best time to visit Cradle Mountain, you’ll be pleased to hear that it is spectacular year-round, and it’s one location where you don’t need to be too fussy about timing.
In summer you can kayak Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain, autumn sees its slopes covered in shades of yellow and orange, and winter is particularly beautiful after snow has fallen on its lofty peaks.
The West Coast gets a lot of rainfall and if you’d prefer to experience a cruise up the Gordon River, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, or the many rainforest walking trails while (relatively) dry, your best time to visit the West Coast is in summer.
But…visit in autumn and you’ll see the dozens of varieties of colourful mushrooms emerging from the rainforest floor – it’s quite a sight!
The weather is so good all year that the best time to visit the East Coast is…you guessed it…any time!
However, Freycinet and Bay of Fires are two of Tasmania’s most popular destinations and in summer – particularly the Christmas/New Years break – they experience very high visitor numbers.
To escape the crowds consider timing your visit for outside the Christmas break.
Keen for a swim? Time your visit for summer or early autumn when the waters are at their warmest.
You’ll be pleased to hear that Tasmanian Devils can be viewed year round at places like:
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (Hobart/Richmond)
- Zoodoo Zoo (Hobart/Richmond)
- Trowunna Wildlife Park (Cradle Coast)
- Devils at Cradle (Cradle Coast)
- Wings Wildlife Park (Cradle Coast)
- Tasmania Zoo (Launceston)
- East Coast Nature World UnZoo (East Coast)
- Tasmanian Devil Unzoo (Tasman Peninsula)
Summer is the best time of year to visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm, or any of the other lavender farms in Tasmania.
Read More: Where to See Lavender in Tasmania
From December through to February the long, curved rows of lavender are awash with purple – your friends and family will love the photos!
Spring is the best time to visit Table Cape Tulip Farm.
Tulips only flower for around a month, and at Table Cape this happens between late September and late October every year.
The farm is small, and they only open to the public during the flowering season, so check their opening times as spring approaches.
Read More: Where to See Tulips in Tasmania
The annual Bloomin’ Tulips Festival is also held mid-October in Wynyard.
The best time of year to see the fagus is in autumn, with colours normally emerging from mid-late April through to May.
Nothofagus gunnii is its Latin name, but many call this wonderful Tasmanian tree ‘tanglefoot’, which you’ll quickly understand if you ever need to hike through a forest of these trees!
The ‘fagus’ is very special as it is Australia’s only cold climate winter-deciduous tree.
It’s tiny leaves are beautiful, and the change in colour from green, to bright red, to burnished gold is a truly unique Tasmanian experience.
Places where it is easy to see the fagus include:
- Lake Fenton (Mt Field – requires driving on an unsealed road)
- Weindorfers Forest Walk (Cradle Mountain)
- Dove Lake (Cradle Mountain)
The turning of the fagus is highly climate dependent, so it’s best to check closer to your arrival.
Port Arthur Historic Site is a must for your Lap of Tasmania.
You’ll be pleased to hear that there isn’t a ‘best’ time to visit, as it is fantastic year round!
Of course, if you’d prefer to maximise the chance of a dry day then try to get there in summer – but keep in mind summer is also when Port Arthur is at its busiest.
Whales are such graceful mammals, and Tasmania is incredibly privileged to lie alongside their annual migration route to and from the warm waters of Queensland.
From May through to July, and September through to November are the best times for seeing Humpback Whales in Tasmania along the East Coast.
Southern right whales make the same journey but between June and October.
For more information on the best places for whale watching in Tasmania, see my East Coast road trip guide.
Best time to visit Tasmania by activity
Some activities are fine in all kinds of weather, but others need more planning.
Here, I highlight the best time to visit Tasmania for experiencing its most popular activities.
Tasmania is the most southerly Australian state, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a swim at one of its pristine beaches.
Water temperatures on the East Coast (Bay of Fires, Bicheno and Wineglss Bay) are at their warmest in February and March, at around 18°C, while winter sees the temperature drop to around 13°C.
Other waters in the south, north and north west are typically a degree or two cooler than those on the East Coast.
Think of it as ‘refreshing’.
Some of us want to see snow. Others want to avoid it.
If you do want to see snow then you’ll be happy to know that it can happen at any time!
It doesn’t happen often, but all it takes is for one big Antarctic blast to sweep up from the south in the middle of summer and you can guarantee a dusting of snow on Mt Wellington, and heavier falls up at Mt Field, Cradle Mountain, and in the highlands.
Read More: Best Places to See Snow in Tasmania
Tasmanian snow falls are notoriously unreliable and they don’t often settle on the ground, meaning they shouldn’t disrupt your road trip.
For the best chance of snow I recommend visiting in winter, from June/July through to August/September.
The best places to see the snow by car are:
- Ben Lomond ski fields
- Mt Wellington summit
- Cradle Mountain
If you’re unsure whether you need snow chains or not, this article explains everything!
Foodie Festivals
Delicious food is available year round in Tasmania, but if you want to experience the very best Tasmanian produce then I recommend planning your Lap of Tasmania road trip around the Taste of Summer in Hobart (January), Festivale in Launceston (February), Tassie Scallop Fiesta in Bridport (August), or the Taste of the Huon (March).
All these festivals are fantastic for couples and families alike, and the range of food and drinks on offer is simply astonishing.
The Taste of Summer festival is located right next to the docks where you can also watch the Sydney-to-Hobart yachts finishing their race – while Festivale is located in a gorgeous park in the heart of Launceston.
Wines
If you love your wines then plan to visit Tasmania in either the first week of March, to coincide with the Southern Open Vineyards Weekend (Hobart), October for the Great Eastern Wine Week, or in November for the Effervescence Tasmania sparkling wine festival (northern and southern Tasmania).
Read More: Best Wine Tours from Hobart
Beer
Beer lovers will have a blast at Launceston Beerfest NYE in January (Launceston), or the Tasmanian International Beerfest in November (Hobart).
Spirits
Love a tipple? Whisky week is celebrated every August statewide.
Bushwalking options are plentiful around Tasmania, and the jaw-dropping scenery is one of the biggest reasons for visiting.
The best time of year for bushwalking in Tasmania is… the day you arrive!
Of course, visiting in summer means less chance of rain but so long as you pack smart and dress in layers – including a waterproof – you’ll have a blast no matter when you visit.
Summer time in Tasmania does see the East Coast swell in numbers, so if you prefer your solitude you may want to time your visit outside December/January.
This guide to the Best Short Walks in Tasmania is a great place to start your planning – they are all less than 2hrs long.
The best time of year for fishing in Tasmania depends a lot on what type of fishing you prefer.
For the most detailed information regarding fishing in Tasmania, including permit requirements, I recommend visiting these government sites:
The festival scene has really taken off in Tasmania.
Summer is the most popular time of year for festivals, with the Taste of Summer (Hobart), Festivale (Launceston), MOFO (Hobart and Launceston) and the Wooden Boat Festival (Hobart) being some of the most popular.
Over the last 5-10 years it has been very exciting to see the Tasmanian festival season grow, pushing into the traditionally quiet winter time.
Dark MOFO, Echo Festival, and the Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival have all proven to be very popular, and no doubt there are more new winter festivals on the horizon.
School holidays in Tasmania
School holidays occur four times per year in Tasmania and vary from year to year. More info on term dates and holidays can be found here.
The East Coast is a popular destination for locals during school holidays, however most other regions of Tasmania don’t experience a big increase in local visitor numbers during school holidays.
Final thoughts on choosing the best time to visit Tasmania…
Now that you’ve chosen the best time to visit Tasmania, why not start thinking about what you’re going to do once you get here?
- Plan your itinerary – I’ve got plenty of FREE itineraries for short and long holidays, with some covering the entire island and others just focus on one region.
- Choose your wheels – There are plenty of ways to get around Tasmania, and whether you choose to go by car, campervan, motorhome or motorcycle, you are guaranteed an amazing experience!
- Decide where to stay – From coast to coast, my accommodation guides have got you covered.
If you are a first-time visitor to Tasmania, or maybe you haven’t planned a road trip before, then you will find my eBooks to be incredibly helpful!
They will save you plenty of time by pulling all the best information together into one, convenient place that you can access before you leave, and while you’re on the road:
- How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip – This one is a good ‘all rounder’ with a slight lean towards visitors planning on driving around Tasmania in a rental car, or those wanting to use my free itinerary templates and budget planner.
- A Local’s Guide to Camping & Caravanning Tasmania – This eBook is exactly what you need if you are planning on bringing your caravan to Tasmania, or you are planning on renting a campervan or motorhome on arrival.
- Hobart Day Trip Planner – A super handy eBook full of pre-planned itineraries, and all the info you could possibly need to create your own custom itinerary. Ideal if you plan on spending a day or two in Hobart.
I hope you’ve found this information helpful, and best wishes with all your holiday planning.
Happy road tripping!
Andrew.