When is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain?
Cradle Mountain is known for its stunning natural scenery and each season presents a different way of exploring the landscape. While there might not be a specific 'best' time to travel to this spectacular region, some seasons are more appropriate than others depending on the things you want to do and what kind of holiday you want to have.
Cradle Mountain enjoys four very distinct seasons but overall the weather is considered to be quite mild with little to no extreme temperatures (either hot or cold) throughout the year.
Summer in Cradle Mountain
Best for: hiking & walking, bike riding, canyoning, canoeing
While the months of summer see the sunniest days out of any season throughout the year, its weather patterns can also be extremely unpredictable with rain and high winds also expected. You're more likely to enjoy the best weather during January and February with average temperatures around 20°C - 25°C. February is also the driest month so it's unlikely to experience that much rain.
This is the best season to explore the great outdoors with numerous landscapes in Cradle Mountain coming to life. While the temperatures aren't likely to reach truly hot levels, you should always be prepared with a reusable drink bottle and sun protection close by if you're planning on tackling some of the more challenging tracks.
Autumn in Cradle Moutain
Best for: fishing, hiking, exploring the landscape's changing colours
The start of Autumn also sees really sunny and nice weather with March still reaching temperatures in the mid-20s. Towards the end of Autumn expect to see more rainy days but that doesn't mean you have to stay inside. Cradle Mountain's natural beauty is on full display during Autumn with the wilderness turning from bright and green to moody and orange-y/brown. If you're embarking on one of Cradle Mountain's famous walks, then you're in for a treat with Tasmania's deciduous tree, the Fagus, changing the colour of its leaves before dropping and covering the forest floor.
Winter in Cradle Mountain
Best for: admiring the snowy landscapes, dining at world-class restaurants, whisky tasting
Winter in Cradle Mountain can be a beautiful thing to experience, especially with snow covering the surrounding mountain peaks but it's also the season that experiences the most rainfall and the highest humidity. August is the rainiest month with 25 days of expected rainfall. July is close behind it with 24 days and June has 21. This means that if you're travelling to Cradle Mountain in the winter, chances are your holiday will be set against a rainy backdrop.
It'll also be set against a humid one too as June and July take the cake for the most humid months out of the year, both sitting at 88%. The coldest month out of the year is August with an average temperature of around 12°C so make sure to pack some long sleeve tops, jumpers, pants, coats, and other waterproof clothing. You'll also need to pack some snow appropriate outerwear as snowfall is definitely expected.
Spring in Cradle Mountain
Best for: hiking, exploring, fishing
Carrying on from the winter months, spring is also a relatively rainy season with September, October, and November all receiving a high amount of rainfall. In fact, September has the same amount of rainy days on average that July has with 24 days. It's also known to be quite windy and can even produce light snowfall turning the blooming landscape into a snowy wonderland.
During these months, Tasmania's native animals become more active so keep your eyes peeled for wallabies, brushtail possums, wombats, and if you're lucky, a Tassie devil or two.
Return to Cradle Mountain FAQs
Read more about Australia
Mar 18, 2023
4 things you can expect when hiking...
One thing's for sure, hiking the Larapinta Trail will be one of the greatest...
Mar 26, 2023
7 ways to prepare for the Larapinta...
Here are 7 things you can do to set yourself up for success.
Aug 23, 2022
Championing coastal wetlands: Blue...
Intrepid Foundation partner Blue Carbon Lab is working to mitigate climate change...
May 16, 2023
The 6 things you should know before...
This trail will leave you feeling different. In the best way possible.
May 04, 2023
22 new ways we’re creating positive...
Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, is welcoming 22 new partners in 2023....
Sep 11, 2022
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape: stories...
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Western Victoria is one of Australia’s most...
Oct 28, 2022
5 amazing First Nations travel...
Got a trip to Sydney on the cards? The iconic harbour city is home to some...
Nov 21, 2022
5 of Australia’s best First Nations...
Together with our friends at Welcome to Country, we’ve compiled a list of some of...
Apr 29, 2023
Best time to visit Australia
No matter what time of the year you want to travel, Australia’s mild climate and...
Jun 29, 2022
“NAIDOC is like a beacon.” We asked...
Held in the first week of July each year, NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises...
Dec 07, 2022
How to connect to Country on your...
Drew Roberts is the founder of Shared Knowledge, an organisation delivering...
Dec 31, 2022
Born to be wild: this Australian...
This year, we’re encouraging travellers to choose wildlife experiences that give...
Jan 01, 2023
7 unforgettable wildlife experiences...
If you dream of spotting sloths and sea turtles in Costa Rica or channelling your...
Jan 02, 2023
6 ways you can celebrate, support and...
Travel isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about the people you meet – and...
Jan 30, 2023
Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye:...
The significant Women’s Dreaming site Angkerle Atwatye (also known as Standley...
Apr 05, 2023
5 amazing First Nations travel...
Planning a trip to Brisbane? Queensland's sunny capital has a rich Indigenous...
Jan 20, 2022
6 of the best Northern Territory...
You'll never run out of fascinating natural wonders to explore in the Northern...
Aug 17, 2022
The top 9 destinations for travel in...
From hiking in Patagonia to spotting newborn wildlife in Uganda, here's where you...
Jul 29, 2018
10 stops you can’t miss along the...
Feasibly the most famous of all the Australian road trips, the Great Ocean Road...
Dec 08, 2021
6 incredibly breathtaking Cradle...
Walk, hike, and trek your way through Cradle Mountain.
May 01, 2022
Life after cancer: the survivor who...
“A few years ago, my husband was killed. My children grew up and got married...
Sep 04, 2022
The top 10 destinations to travel in...
We're looking at where to travel in May, a balmy, sunshine-in-a-bowl sort of month...
Feb 16, 2022
12 things to add to your Eyre...
The Eyre Peninsula ticks all the boxes for an ocean-meets-outback adventure.