Best time to visit Hobart

From whales to wildflowers, here’s when to visit Hobart

Generally, the best time to visit Hobart is during the summer, thanks to the longer days and warm weather. Spring and autumn are also popular times to visit when the flowers are in bloom, or the leaves change colour.

Winter temperatures range from 3 to 12°C, but it often feels colder due to the southerly winds. Nights draw in as early as 4 pm around the winter solstice, but the dark skies make it perfect weather to spot glimpses of the elusive Aurora Australis.

Summer	Autumn	Winter	Spring
December to February	March to May	June to August	September to November

When to visit

Three people stand on a lookout platform overlooking Hobart and Mount Wellington

When to visit for long and warm days

In summer, the weather is dry and temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 20°Cs. This makes it the best time for hitting the walking trails and the beach during the day.

Summer is also peak season, with events, outdoor dining and long daylight hours. Expect more crowds in summer than at other times of the year.

A field of yellow crops at sunset with the ocean in the background

When to visit for the wildflower season

Wildflower season arrives in September and blossoms come to life in the Botanical Gardens. Spring is the wettest season (although Hobart is still the second-driest city after Adelaide), so it's a good time to see waterfalls in Mt Field National Park, a 90-minute drive from Hobart.

Spring weather is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 17°C. The days also start getting longer, which is much welcomed after the dark winter nights.

Drone view of whales migrating off the coast of Queensland, Australia

When to visit for whale watching

The best time to spot humpback whales near Hobart is between May and July, when they are on their way up north, or September to November, when they return to Antarctic waters.

The southern right whale can be spotted at similar times, typically between June to October. In southern Tasmania, Frederick Henry Bay is known to have whale sightings and you can spot them on a boat tour or sometimes, even from land.