Tasmania has a cool maritime climate, milder than most people expect for Australia’s southernmost state. Summer highs in the main cities sit around 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F), while winter days drop to about 11°C (52°F). What makes Tasmania’s climate distinctive is how dramatically it varies across a relatively small island, with the wet, wild west coast receiving five times more rain than the dry east.
Temperature by Season
Tasmania’s seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer runs from December through February, and winter from June through August. At Launceston Airport in the north, January averages hit 23°C (73°F) during the day and drop to about 10°C (50°F) at night. Hobart, the capital on the southeast coast, runs slightly cooler, with average daily highs around 21°C in summer.
Winters are cool but not extreme by global standards. Launceston’s July daytime average is just under 11°C (52°F), with overnight lows falling to about 2°C (36°F). Frost is common inland and at higher elevations. The town of Deloraine in the northern midlands experiences more than 100 frost days per year, while the coastal settlement of Low Head, closer to the moderating ocean, sees only about 10. That inland-versus-coastal difference shapes everything from agriculture to how cold your mornings feel.
The West Coast vs. East Coast Rainfall Split
The most striking feature of Tasmanian weather is the rainfall divide. A north-south mountain range runs through the center of the island, creating one of the most dramatic rain shadows in Australia. The west coast receives roughly 3,000 mm (118 inches) of rain per year, with some mountain peaks topping 4,000 mm. The east coast, sheltered behind those ranges, averages under 600 mm (24 inches), comparable to many parts of mainland Australia.
This means visitors to the west coast wilderness should expect rain on most days, particularly in winter. The east coast and southeast, including the Hobart region, are far drier and sunnier. If you’re planning a trip, the coast you choose matters more than the time of year for avoiding wet weather.
Wind and the Roaring Forties
Tasmania sits right on the 40th parallel south, placing it squarely in the path of the Roaring Forties, the band of powerful westerly winds that circles the Southern Hemisphere with very little land to slow them down. These winds drive the frequent weather changes Tasmanians are used to, where a warm sunny morning can shift to cold rain within hours. The west and southwest coasts bear the brunt, receiving the full force of systems rolling in off the Southern Ocean. The east coast is more sheltered, with lighter winds and more stable conditions.
Snow and Alpine Conditions
Snow falls regularly on Tasmania’s mountainous interior and higher elevations during winter, and can persist into October. Hobart itself rarely sees snow at sea level, but Mount Wellington, which rises directly behind the city, frequently carries a white cap through winter. Occasional snowfalls have been recorded on the mountain in every season, including summer. In lowland areas, frozen precipitation usually takes the form of hail or graupel rather than settling snow.
Daylight Hours Vary Widely
Because Tasmania sits further from the equator than anywhere else in Australia, its daylight swings are noticeable. In Hobart, the longest summer day provides over 15 hours of daylight, with sunset not arriving until nearly 9 pm. The shortest winter day is about 6 hours and 20 minutes shorter. Those long summer evenings are one of the state’s genuine pleasures, while the short, dark winter days take some adjusting to if you’re coming from a tropical or equatorial climate.
Surprisingly Extreme UV in Summer
One thing that catches visitors off guard is how fierce the Tasmanian sun feels in summer despite the cool temperatures. During December and January, the UV index reaches 11 or higher on most days, which is classified as “extreme.” A fair-skinned person without sunscreen can burn in about 10 minutes at that level. The combination of clean Southern Ocean air, proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole, and Earth’s slightly closer orbital position to the sun in the Southern Hemisphere summer all contribute. Don’t let the mild temperatures fool you into skipping sun protection.
Humidity and Comfort
Tasmania’s humidity is moderate year-round. Relative humidity typically sits around 75 to 80% in the mornings and drops to the low 70s in the afternoon. In practical terms, the air rarely feels oppressive the way tropical Australia does. Summer days are comfortable, and even the dampest winter weather feels crisp rather than muggy. The combination of mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and clean air gives Tasmania a reputation for comfortable conditions through most of the year.
A Warming Trend
Tasmania’s climate is shifting alongside global patterns. In 2025, the state’s average maximum temperature was 15.3°C, sitting 0.55°C above the long-term 1961 to 1990 average. Hobart’s daily maximum averaged 18.2°C for the year, a full 1.2°C above its historical norm. Individual days showed even more dramatic swings: one February day in 2025 saw temperatures 6 to 12°C above average across most of the state, while a December cold snap brought readings 6 to 8°C below average. The overall trend, though, points upward, consistent with warming observed across southern Australia.