More than a million people visit Tasmania each year. In recent years, tourism to this Australian state has been growing.
There are many reasons people want to visit the island of Tasmania. If you’re one of them, you might wonder when you should plan your trip.
Our guide will help you decide the best time to visit Tasmania. There are also some times you might want to avoid. Certain attractions are seasonal, so pay close attention to when you plan your visit.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tasmania?
When you put Tasmania on your travel bucket list, you may have thought about a few places you’d like to visit. Maybe you’re thinking about the world-class beach at Wineglass Bay. The island’s remote western shore inspires travelers who prefer adventure tourism.
The weather can put a dent in your plans, especially if you’re hoping to see certain attractions.
For most people, the absolute best time of year to visit Tasmania is during the Australian summer. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you know this is December, January, and February.
Folks in the Northern Hemisphere can escape snowy winter by planning a getaway. It’s summertime in Australia when it’s winter in North America and Europe.
All the Seasons Have Their Charms
Summer is the best season to visit Tasmania for many reasons. First, the weather is most likely to be nice. If you’re planning to go to the beach, you want to see the temperature climbing toward 20 degrees Celsius.
Unlike other parts of Australia, Tasmania doesn’t get quite as hot. For other Aussies, a trip to the island state can be a welcome relief from the summertime heat.
The nice weather brings people outside, and there are plenty of events to take part in. Some of the most popular Tasmania attractions include festivals and cultural events. It’s also the best time to enjoy Tasmania’s scenic national parks.
Spring and Fall Are Quieter
Most visitors plan their trip in the summer. You might want to take your trip during a quieter season. Although there are almost never crowds, spring and fall are definitely quieter seasons.
You’ll have an easier time booking accommodations. The weather remains temperate on the island. The transition seasons still present great opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.
You’ll also have a chance to glimpse the annual humpback whale migrations. The whales travel south in the spring months of September, October, and November. In the fall, they return north to overwinter in warmer water.
A Winter Wonderland
If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind the cold, a wintertime adventure could be right for you. The temperatures dip down toward 5 degrees Celsius overnight. Daytime highs can still hover around 10 degrees or so.
You may not want to hit the beach, but hiking and other activities are still great options. Winter sports enthusiasts can find skiing and snowboarding in Tasmania’s mountains.
Winter is the quietest season for tourism, which means you’ll find the best deals. Accommodations won’t be crowded. Airlines might offer deep discounts.
The Wilderness Experience
If you’re still undecided on when the best time to visit Tasmania is, you might want to pin down your itinerary. Where you’re going can influence the best time to go.
If you’re hoping for a wilderness adventure, there are plenty of places to visit in Tasmania. In the south, you’ll find rugged mountains waiting to be explored. Along the isolated western shore, there are miles of broken coast and national parks.
If you’re hoping to explore wild Tasmania, places to visit include:
- Freycinet National Park
- Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
- Cradle Mountain
- Tasman National Park
- Southwest National Park
Freycinet is one of the island’s most famous attractions. It’s home to one of the world’s best beaches in Wineglass Bay. For another nearby option, check out the Friendly Beaches.
For those who prefer rocky crags to sandy beaches, the western shore has miles of remote coast to explore. Any of the national parks present opportunities to get up-close and personal with the island’s inhabitants. You might even meet a Tasmanian devil.
Exploring Tasmanian Cities
For some of us, the call of the wild is strong. For others, cities present much more appealing travel opportunities.
Tasmania is home to over half a million people, so you’re not going to find bustling metropolises here. Still, the capital city of Hobart has plenty of charms. Museums, festivals, and restaurants abound.
You might decide to visit the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, which is housed in the city’s oldest building. Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront and discover a working fishing harbor. Don’t forget to try out some of the seafood from the floating food vendors.
Other cities of note include Port Arthur, in the southeast, and Bicheno on the east coast.
Take a Cultural Tour across the Island
Nature is never far in Tasmania, so you might plan to spend the morning exploring a city. Then you’ll head off on an afternoon hike or lounge on a beach.
If you crave something between wilderness and busy cities, you could consider touring the island. This will allow you to see more of the best places to visit in Tasmania.
The island is home to many historic sites, wineries, and other cultural points of interest. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in Port Arthur. Afterward, take a hike through Tasman National Park.
The options are almost endless. Whether you have two days or two weeks, you won’t be bored in Tasmania.
Plan Your Trip Now
The absolute best time to visit Tasmania might be right now. If you haven’t started filling in your itinerary already, get started. An amazing journey awaits.
Once you’ve crossed Tasmania off your bucket list, you’ll be ready for your next adventure. Check out our blog to find more amazing vacation destinations and fuel your wanderlust.
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