Best time to visit Tasmania
Each of Tasmania’s seasons has its own pull.
If you’re wanting warmer weather and long days, the best time to travel to Tasmania is from December to April. But if snow-capped mountains, cosy wilderness retreats and fiery food festivals appeal to you, winter and spring are just as compelling. Expect baby wildlife, invigorating sauna experiences and the sense that you’ve arrived just ahead of everyone else.
Any time is the best time to visit Tasmania
But we’re biased.
Tasmania has four distinct seasons. And for many travellers, seasonal experiences are the main reasons to come to Tasmania.
Here's what's happening throughout the year.
Winter
- Months: June–August
- Weather: Cool and crisp with highland snow.
- Best for: Snow, truffles, oysters, Dark Mofo, auroras.
Spring
- Months: September–November
- Weather: Milder breezy days and more rainbows.
- Best for: Wildflowers, whales, waterfalls, tulips, baby wildlife.
Summer
- Months: December–February
- Weather: Sunny, warm and dry with long days.
- Best for: Festivals, beaches, lavender, stone fruit, berries, crayfish.
Autumn
- Months: March–May
- Weather: Calm, golden and crisp.
- Best for: Hiking, fagus, wine, farm-fresh produce, outdoor adventures.
Tarn Shelf, Mount Field National Park
Whisky at Empire Hotel
Experiential Tasmania Tours, Tamar Valley Truffles
Aurora Australis over Cradle Mountain
Winter
June–August
Winter in Tasmania delivers snow-dusted peaks, crackling fires, steamy saunas and cosy retreats. Savour crisp Cradle Mountain hikes and sip warming whisky and wine at vibrant winter festivals.
The Off Season is arguably one of the best times to see Tasmania. It’s prime time to settle in by a log fire with a glass of pinot noir, warm up along quieter trails with a bike ride, indulge in beachfront storm-watching or visit alpine national parks. Winter days are generally bright, clear and crisp and, in the highlands, snow-capped mountains sparkle in the sunshine. This is the season for hunting with trained dogs for in-season truffles, when oysters and scallops are at their peak and Tasmanian whisky tastes best (well, we think so). Spot southern right and humpback whales travelling north and glimpse the Aurora Australis shimmering across the dark southern sky. Join the locals at winter festivals such as Dark Mofo in June, Festival of Voices in July and Tasmanian Whisky Week in August.
Read more about winter in Tasmania.
Dog at Table Cape Tulip Farm
Tasmanian devil, Wings Wildlife Park
Spring flowers at the Agrarian Kitchen
Fly fishing on St Patricks River
Spring
September–November
Spring in Tasmania is a time of renewal – the sun’s soft warmth begins to strengthen and the nights are cool. Wildlife and birdlife are thriving with new younglings, orchards are budding and the sense that everything is waking up at once gives the island a fresh energy.
Little penguins can be spotted coming ashore at dusk at sites along the east and north-west coasts, and whales return south in spring. Waterfalls are flowing faster after the wetter winter months. This is the season of flowering waratah and blooming cool-climate gardens in the grounds of historic houses and flower farms. Don't miss the Tulip Festival near Wynyard on the north-west coast, visit cellar doors during Great Eastern Wine Week or create your own east-coast wine experience with Pop-Up Picnic Tasmania. It's also trout season: fish for wild brown trout in rivers and lakes across the island.
Read more about spring in Tasmania.
Glamping at Spring Bay Mill
The Art of Sparkling experience, Josef Chromy Wines
Lavender ice cream at Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Tasmania’s Taste of Summer Festival
Summer
December–February
Summer is Tasmania's sweetest spot for anyone who wants to make the most of long evenings, warmer water and a lively atmosphere. Daylight stretches past 9pm, beaches are at their best and it's the ideal time for swimming, kayaking, camping and glamping, and multiday coastal walks. Float in clear turquoise water and laze on shimmering white sand at Wineglass Bay. Indulge in seafood feasts and ice-cream by the sea, taste crisp sparkling wines, fruity ciders and fresh berries.
It's also the busiest time of the year, so book well ahead to secure car hire and accommodation. The lavender fields at Bridestowe Lavender Estate bloom through December and January, and there's a sizzling string of summer festivals to enjoy: Festivale in Launceston, Taste of Summer in Hobart and smaller local festivals and markets right across the state.
Read more about summer in Tasmania.
Farm Gate Market produce
Feasting on the bounty at ECHO Festival
Ross townscape, Tasmania’s Midlands
Autumn
March–May
Autumn is the season for travellers who want Tasmania at its most relaxed. The landscape puts on a show, particularly in the highlands where the fagus, Australia’s only winter deciduous native plant, turns hillsides yellow, orange and red from late April. It's also when Tasmanian produce is at its peak and the cool nights make you want to linger over dinner.
Prepare for the best touring and walking season, with calm sunny days and cool crisp evenings. It’s the ideal time to see the winding roads and apple orchards of the Huon Valley, historic Midlands townscapes strewn with autumn leaves, and the Tamar Valley vines in all their colourful glory.
Autumn is also the best time to sample fresh Tasmanian produce at farmers’ markets and roadside stalls. Travellers are also drawn to events such as ECHO Festival (East Coast Harvest Odyssey), Agfest and the biennial Ten Days on the Island.
Read more about autumn in Tasmania.
Tasmania travel FAQs
It depends what you're after – both seasons have their own appeal. Summer (December to February) brings long days, sparkling beaches, lavender in bloom and a vibrant festival calendar. It's the most popular time to visit, so expect more people and book ahead. Winter (June to August) is quieter, with snow in the highlands, cosy open fires, hearty feasts, hot-cold sauna retreats and artsy events like Dark Mofo. The choice comes down to your interests and the type of holiday you’re looking for.
Autumn (March to May) is hard to beat for a road trip: the days are calm and sunny, the crowds have thinned out, and the scenery is at its most dramatic with golden colours across the highlands and valleys. Spring is a close second, with wildflowers adding colour to the roadsides. Summer has the benefit of longer daylight hours and warmer weather, which is great for camping and caravanning, while winter is more about shorter drives and cosy accommodation. In short: road trips are a great way to explore the island across any season. For itinerary ideas, visit the road trips page.
Snow typically falls in the highlands during the winter months, from June to August. Ben Lomond National Park in the island’s north is the most accessible alpine destination for snow activities. Cradle Mountain in the north west and the Central Highlands also see reliable snowfall through winter. In the south, head to Mount Field National Park or Kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Snow can sometimes extend into September in higher areas. Check out our snow guide for more info.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate in the island’s north east is the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. The lavender fields flower in summer, typically throughout December and January, with mid-December to mid-January most likely to guarantee the best blooms. On Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, explore the gift shop and cafe and wander the fields at Port Arthur Lavender Farm.
Little penguins come ashore at dusk year-round at several locations, but the best viewing is during the spring and summer breeding season (September to February), when activity is highest. Bicheno Penguin Tours operates nightly on the east coast. Remember to only use a dim red-light torch and don’t catch or harass the penguins. Stay calm and quiet and enjoy the show. Check the nature and wildlife page for more options.
Hiking is possible year-round across Tasmania, with summer and autumn the most reliable seasons for multi-day walks due to longer daylight hours, milder temperatures and lower rainfall in most areas. Bookings are required year-round on the Three Capes Track, while the Overland Track is open for bookings from October through May. Walking conditions in winter and early spring can be challenging at altitude. Stay informed on current safety guidelines and booking requirements. Explore FAQs and planning information.