Tasmania in winter
Weather, events and must-do activities
Find out why Tasmania is a one-of-a-kind winter escape. Get insights on the weather, must-do activities and travel tips for a cosy winter holiday.
Is winter a good time to visit Tasmania?
It might be tempting to curl up on the couch during the cooler months, but you’d miss the magic of a visit to Tasmania in winter. The island’s coolest season brings atmosphere, adventures and aurora-spotting. With fewer crowds, an abundance of fine food and wine, festivals, furry animals and a chance to frolic in snow, winter is when Tasmania shows off a different part of its personality. There are so many things to do in Tasmania in winter, so plan an Off Season adventure (or two) you won’t forget.
Southern Lights at Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Cosy stays and crackling fires, Thousand Lakes Lodge
Hearty food at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed
Enchanted Walk, Cradle Mountain
Winter wellness at Hunter Huon Valley
Winter weather in Tasmania – What to expect in June, July and August
June
Weather in Tasmania in June is cool but milder than mid-season. This month is ideal for those who want to kick off their Tasmania in winter itinerary with iconic winter festivals and solstice celebrations around the state.
- Tasmania June weather: Average minimum to maximum temperatures in the main towns range from 3–14°C.
July
July weather in Tasmania is the coldest time of the year. This is prime time for a cosy winter getaway in Tasmania, with July weather being perfect to fill up with fresh air outdoors, fine food, and warm up with hot drinks at your hideaway by a roaring fire.
- Tasmania July weather: Average minimum to maximum temperatures in the main towns range from 2–14°C.
August
August still brings its share of chilly and sometimes snowy weather, particularly in the highlands. Beautiful, crisp and sunny days are great for bracing walks, cold plunges and exploring Tasmania attractions in winter.
- Tasmania August weather: Average minimum to maximum temperatures in the main towns range from 4–15°C.
What to pack for a Tasmanian winter
Warm layers are your best friend when packing for a Tasmanian winter so make sure you’ve got these essentials packed:
- Thermals and warm base layers
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- A woolly jumper or fleece
- A beanie, gloves and a scarf
- Waterproof boots with good grip, especially for walking on slippery surfaces.
Staying safe also applies to winter driving. Be sure to check out our tips on driving safely in Tasmania during the colder months.
Best things to do in Tasmania in winter
From festivals of light to fireside feasts
- Dark Mofo: Tasmania’s famous mid-year festival fires up the dark nights and cool days with thought-provoking art, bold performances, fireside feasting and the exhilarating Nude Solstice Swim. Dark Mofo epitomises Tasmania in the Off Season.
- agriCULTURED: Held in Launceston in winter, this four-day celebration of agricultural heritage immerses you in fun foodie workshops and delicious long table lunches with the farmers and growers.
- Festival of Voices: Hobart in winter fills with the sound of music. Inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering around a fire, this festival lights up city streets and venues with incredible voices, community events and joyful live performances.
- Tasmanian Whisky Week: Relish fine whisky and spirit distilleries at events across the state. This is a perfect opportunity to sample some of the world's best single malt whiskies by a roaring fire.
Winter getaways and fireside retreats
- Roaring fireplaces: No Tasmanian winter is complete without the cosy warmth of a crackling fire. Settle into a stay at Triabunna Barracks, Cradle Mountain Lodge or Thousand Lakes Lodge or enjoy a luxury winter holiday destination.
- Local produce: Tasmania is a foodie’s paradise and winter is the perfect time to indulge in hearty meals made from local ingredients. Fill up on stew, mulled cider and apple pie at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, try scallop calzone at Harbour Lights Cafe or seasonal seafood at the Tassie Scallop Fiesta, slurp ocean-fresh oysters and mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm, and hunt for truffles at The Truffledore.
- Whisky and gin distilleries: Warm up with a tipple at one of Tasmania’s worldclass distilleries. Just 30min north of Hobart, Lark Distillery offers Australia's oldest single malt whisky. Plus, there’s no shortage of local gin to sample, from trendy bars to small-batch stills.
- Hotels with a view: Wake to alpine wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel, Hobart’s Hotel Grand Chancellor offers views of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, while idyllic Eagles Nest Retreat pampers you with rural luxury surrounded by immense skies perfect for stargazing. There’s no shortage of Tasmanian retreats for winter getaways.
- Hot tubs: Nothing beats soaking in a hot tub after a day of travel. Whether it’s indoors or under the stars, Tasmania has got you covered with many great places to stay during winter. From outdoor bathtubs at Derby Bank House, Twamley Farm and Cedar Cottage Meander, to intimate indoor baths like Hunter Huon Valley, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind.
Wallaby in snow, Ben Lomond National Park
From snowy peaks to wild encounters
- Cradle Mountain: Seeing Cradle Mountain’s snow-dusted peak is nothing short of magical, making this national park one of the best places to visit in Tasmania in winter. Enchanted Walk, one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, is a 20min loop offering a safe, short winter walk through alpine wilderness.
- Ben Lomond National Park: Just 1hr south of Launceston, Ben Lomond is a top spot for skiing, tobogganing or a snowy Off Season escape with the family.
- Kunanyi / Mount Wellington: Hobart’s iconic mountain is a 30min drive from the city to the summit for incredible views of Hobart and the River Derwent. Check for Pinnacle Road closures before you visit.
- Wildlife spotting: In winter, many native animals are more likely to venture out during the day due to the crisp, cool air – it’s a great time to spot a wombat or wallaby in the wild and visit a sanctuary to meet a Tassie devil.
Read our safety tips for a safe and smooth winter trip.
Winter in Tasmania FAQs
Winter is a time for lively festivals celebrating everything from song, science or scallops to jazz, whisky and chocolate.
Dark Mofo (June) stirs up wild winter energy in Hobart each year, Bicheno Beams (June–July) dazzles mid-year, and Permission to Trespass (July) is a blend of art, culture and storytelling in the north west.
There are increased hazards like ice, fog, snow, rain, and shorter daylight hours, but it’s manageable with the right planning. Make sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions before you go, drive at reduced speeds, leave more space between cars, be prepared for unsealed and hilly roads, watch out for wildlife on the roads, and ensure your car is ready for winter conditions.
Yes, in fact winter is the best time to see the Aurora Australis. The longer, darker nights increase your chances of spotting the Southern Lights.
Tasmania has two ski fields operating over the winter months. Popular Ben Lomond, in the north, has more resort infrastructure, while Mount Mawson is smaller, located at Mount Field National Park in the south.
Tasmania has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. Visit museums like TMAG or Mona, try a ghost tour with Tasmania’s Most Haunted, join a lesson or workshop or indulge in a meal at one of the island's many top restaurants.
Look out for wombats, wallabies and pademelons, especially in places like Cradle Mountain, Narawntapu National Park and Maria Island. You might also see Tasmanian devils at wildlife sanctuaries or out at night, and platypuses in freshwater streams.
Yes, visiting Tasmania’s east coast in winter is worth it for whale watching, avoiding crowds, and enjoying the slower pace of life. The milder coastal weather means you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking on crisp, sunny days or recharge and reconnect.
