When Is the Best Time to Visit Hobart?

When is the best time of year to visit Hobart?

There's plenty to see and do all year round in the Tassie capital, but Hobart really shines in the summer – and we’re not just talking about the clear skies! The waterfront and cobblestone streets are packed with alfresco diners, the harbour glistens in the sun, and the (mostly) dry weather is perfect for spending time in the Botanic Gardens or doing the walking trails around Hobart. The events calendar is also packed with festivals, gigs and cultural events such as the iconic annual Taste Festival (if you’re a foodie you won’t want to miss this!) and the Hobart Summer Festival. The summer is the busiest time of year and it can be more difficult to book accommodation, so just factor this in when planning your trip.

March, April and May are good months to visit if you want to avoid the big crowds and cold weather. You'll also be treated to gorgeous views of seasonal colours throughout Hobart and southern Tasmania. Winter is the quietest time of year, but perfect if you love crisp winter days and rugging up in cosy pubs around a log fire.

Average temperatures in Hobart

MONTH	AVERAGE HIGH (°C)	AVERAGE LOW (°C)
January	22	13
February	22	13
March	20	12
April	18	10
May	15	8
June	12	5
July	12	5
August	14	6
September	16	7
October	17	8
November	19	10
December	21	11

Hobart has a temperate oceanic climate and four distinct seasons. Every season offers something special depending on what you’d like to do. Winter is chilly with average temperatures ranging between 5-14°C, but it often feels colder due to the southerly winds that blow in from the Antarctic. The weather warms up in spring with average highs hovering around 17°C. Spring is also the wettest time of year in Hobart, although it's still a relatively dry city with an average of 626mm of rain per year. Summer is warm and dry with average highs of 22°C. It’s warm enough to enjoy the beaches around Hobart and swim in the sea, but make sure you bring a jumper as the temperature can drop off in the evening. It can also feel chilly if you're up at higher elevations such as Mount Wellington. Autumn experiences mild, clear days with average highs of 18°C and chilly, sometimes frosty nights.

Does it snow in Hobart?

It’s rare for snow to fall at sea level, but there is a light dusting of snow up on Mount Wellington (21 km from Hobart) during the winter months, and sometimes during late autumn and early spring. There's heavier snowfall in the Central Highlands, Cradle Mountain, Mt Field and the Hartz Mountains.