Launceston

Launceston is Tasmania’s second city, built where the North Esk, South Esk and Tamar rivers meet in the island’s north. It has a cool temperate climate with mild, dry summers (a January average high of 25°C) and cold, foggy winters (a July average high of 12°C). Most visitors use the city as a base for Cataract Gorge, the Tamar Valley wine route and day trips to Cradle Mountain.

Welcome to Launceston

Launceston sits about 200 km north of Hobart and around 45 minutes’ drive from Launceston Airport, which connects to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The city’s grid of Victorian-era streets climbs up from the river, and the 60 km Tamar Valley wine region runs north to the Bass Strait coast. Settled in 1806, it is one of Australia’s oldest cities, and its food scene now draws on cool-climate produce such as salmon, black truffles, pinot noir and cider.

Launceston Weather at a Glance

Launceston’s climate is cool temperate (Köppen Cfb), drier and warmer than Hobart because the city sits in a sheltered river valley. January is the warmest month with an average high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F), while July is the coldest at 12°C (54°F) by day and 2°C (36°F) at night. Frost is common on winter mornings, and valley fog can sit over the city until mid-morning from May to August.

Rainfall averages about 680 mm a year and falls fairly evenly, though August is the wettest month (about 73 mm) and February the driest (about 29 mm). Summer days regularly clear 28°C (82°F) and occasionally reach 34°C (93°F), but the heat stays dry. Snow does not fall in the city; the nearest snow is on Ben Lomond, a 45-minute drive east. For the full month-by-month breakdown, read the Launceston weather by month guide.

Seasonal Snapshot

• Summer (December to February): warm and dry with 24-25°C (75-77°F) highs, lavender blooms at Bridestowe and Festivale fills City Park in February.
• Autumn (March to May): clear days, cold nights and gold-red foliage through the Tamar Valley, with the farmers market at its busiest.
• Winter (June to August): cold and foggy with 12°C (54°F) highs and regular frost, but quiet, cheap and the season for truffles and log-fire dining.
• Spring (September to November): warming days, blossom on the streets and wildflowers, with Junction Arts Festival in September.

Quick Facts

• Warmest month: January (25°C / 77°F average high)
• Coldest month: July (12°C / 54°F average high, 2°C / 36°F low)
• Wettest month: August (about 73 mm)
• Driest month: February (about 29 mm)
• Best months to visit: December to March for weather; March to May and September to November for lower prices
• Airport: Launceston Airport (LST), 15 km southeast of the city
• Time zone: Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10), one hour ahead with daylight saving in summer

Where to Stay in Launceston

Hotels cluster in the city centre and around the Seaport marina, with resort-style stays in Prospect Vale and the Tamar Valley. A good mid-range room costs $150-280 a night, budget options start near $110 and river-view luxury tops $300. Read the full where to stay in Launceston guide for a breakdown by area and budget.

Suggested Hotels in Launceston

Peppers Silo Hotel

A nine-storey hotel converted from four 1960s grain silos on the Tamar River bank, with round rooms, a day spa and the Grain of the Silos restaurant. Best for couples who want a design-led stay with river and gorge views. Check rates and availability

Mantra Charles Hotel

An Art Deco hotel at 287 Charles Street with the Charles restaurant and free on-site parking, a five-minute walk from the CBD. Best for travellers who want a reliable mid-range base with easy parking. Check rates and availability

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel and Apartments

A three-star Edwardian hotel and self-contained apartments at 147 Paterson Street, beside Penny Royal Adventures and a 10-minute walk from Cataract Gorge. Best for families and budget travellers who want kitchen space near the gorge. Check rates and availability

Launceston Travel Guides

1. Launceston Weather by Month – month-by-month temperatures, rainfall and sunshine hours.
2. Best Time to Visit Launceston – which months to pick for weather, prices and events.
3. Things to Do in Launceston – Cataract Gorge, the Tamar Valley, museums and day trips.
4. Launceston Events and Festivals – Festivale, MONA FOMA and the Launceston Cup by month.
5. Best Neighborhoods in Launceston – where each district sits and who it suits.
6. Where to Stay in Launceston – hotels by area and budget, from $110 rooms to river-view suites.
7. Launceston Travel Tips and FAQ – airport, transport, money, visas and safety.