Plan your
Off Season

A wake-up call for the hibernating spirit, winter in Tasmania is packed with stimulating experiences.

The Off Season kicks off as the mercury drops, taking place from about May to August each year. We’ve packed away our thermals for now, but the Off Season will be back in 2025 with more offers and events to cold-plunge into.

In Hobart and Launceston, winter maximums lurk around 13°C – but clear, baby-blue skies are common (chilly in the shade, warm in the sun). Things get frostier in the mountains: Cradle Mountain tops out at around 8°C in winter.

Hobart’s average June rainfall is 43mm – similar to Melbourne; less than Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide. Launceston is even drier. Rainy days are more likely in the west (hence all the rainforests), producing an earthy scent and moody atmosphere.

Occasionally – unforgettably – it snows at sea level in Tasmania. Locals scramble to throw snowballs before it all melts. But the mountains tell a different tale. Tasmania’s central highlands are blanketed white through much of winter. There’s often accessible snow at Cradle Mountain in the north west; at Ben Lomond, an hour from Launceston; and at Mount Field, 90 minutes from Hobart. Even closer to Hobart, the 1271m kunanyi / Mount Wellington can be dappled white on winter days.

Tasmania has two ski fields: Ben Lomond, and Mount Mawson in Mount Field National Park. Mount Mawson has towropes for beginners through to advanced skiers; Ben Lomond is more reliable, with snow-making machines and established runs.

The key to dressing for the Off Season is layers: be ready for anything, anytime. Melbourne may have four seasons in one day, but in winter in Tasmania, you can cram them all into one thrilling hour.

The ubiquitous black puffer jacket – the 'Tassie tuxedo' – will no doubt find its way into your wardrobe. Also useful (and potentially quite chic, if you style them creatively) are gloves, beanies and thermals, but check the forecast each day before you smother yourself in garments.

If you’re heading for the high country, check the weather with the Bureau of Meteorology. TasALERT lists road closures and other warnings.

• Keep your headlights on to max-out your visibility.
• Leave at least a four-second gap between you and the car in front.
• Watch out for ice on the road. Slow down when you’re cornering – particularly early in the day.
• Ditch the wheels and take a shuttle bus to Cradle Mountain or kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
• Hire snow chains if you’re driving into Ben Lomond or Mount Field.
• Slow down and enjoy the ride.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is your best bet for bushwalking advice. Check the weather forecast regularly and be ready for rapid changes – sunshine and snow can be minutes apart. Survey the scene in advance via webcams on Ben Lomond, Mount Mawson (at Mount Field) and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. 

• Warm layers and waterproof outerwear are essential (even in summer).
• Avoid cotton – once wet, it won't dry out in the winter air.
• Keep rest stops short and sweet, so you don't cool down.
• Boardwalks and boulders can get icy: watch your step.
• Consider hiking poles for extra stability (they might stop you busting your ankle).

You no longer need to register your travel or have a COVID test before you come to Tasmania. For the latest pre-entry requirements, check the official Tasmanian Government COVID-19 website when you're planning your Off Season exploits.