Hobart has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with four distinct seasons and rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. The city receives 570mm (22 inches) of rain annually across roughly 140 rain days, with no pronounced dry season. Situated at 43°S latitude, Hobart is Australia’s second-southernmost capital and the coldest, but its coastal location on the Derwent River estuary moderates extremes. Summer highs rarely exceed 25°C (77°F), while winter lows occasionally dip below 2°C (36°F) with frost on clear nights. Snow is common on kunanyi/Mount Wellington (1,271m) from May to October but settles in the city only once or twice per decade. For a complete overview, see our Hobart travel guide.
Hobart Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine
The table below shows long-term averages for Hobart (Ellerslie Road weather station, Bureau of Meteorology data 1991-2020). All temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit, rainfall in millimetres. Check our best time to visit Hobart for more details.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sunshine (hrs) | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 | 11 | 248 | 17°C |
| February | 22°C (71°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 38 | 9 | 212 | 18°C |
| March | 20°C (68°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 42 | 11 | 192 | 17°C |
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 48 | 12 | 150 | 16°C |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 43 | 13 | 124 | 14°C |
| June | 12°C (54°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 49 | 14 | 108 | 13°C |
| July | 12°C (54°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 | 14 | 124 | 12°C |
| August | 13°C (56°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 | 14 | 155 | 12°C |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 52 | 14 | 180 | 12°C |
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 | 14 | 211 | 13°C |
| November | 19°C (66°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 48 | 12 | 222 | 14°C |
| December | 21°C (69°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 | 12 | 248 | 16°C |
Hobart Weather by Month: Summer (December to February)
Summer is Hobart’s warmest and sunniest season. January and February average 22°C (71-72°F) highs with overnight lows around 12°C (54°F). These are the driest months with just 38-42mm of rain across 9-11 rain days, and sunshine peaks at 248 hours in January, the sunniest month of the year. Sea temperatures reach 17-18°C (63-64°F), cool enough to be refreshing rather than balmy. Hobart rarely experiences heatwaves: temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F) on average only 4 days per year, and 35°C (95°F) is unusual. The long daylight hours (sunset after 8:45 PM in December) give you 15+ hours of usable daylight. UV levels are very high (index 10-12), so sunscreen is essential even on cloudy days. Pack light layers for evenings when the temperature drops quickly after sunset. Check our things to do in Hobart for more details.
Hobart Weather by Month: Autumn (March to May)
Autumn brings cooling temperatures and spectacular foliage as introduced European trees turn gold and red. March starts warm at 20°C (68°F) but by May the daytime high drops to 15°C (58°F) with nights cooling to 7°C (45°F). Rainfall stays moderate at 42-48mm per month, but the number of rain days increases slightly to 11-13 per month. April and May are the best months for calm, clear days with still water on the Derwent River, ideal for photography. The first frosts typically appear in late April or early May. This is a shoulder season with fewer tourists than summer, making it a good period for visiting MONA and wineries without crowds. Pack a warm jacket and waterproof layer for changeable conditions. Check our Hobart events and festivals for more details.
Hobart Weather by Month: Winter (June to August)
Winter is cold but not extreme by continental standards. Daytime highs average 12-13°C (54-56°F) and overnight lows drop to 4-5°C (39-41°F). Frost occurs on roughly 20-25 mornings per season, mainly in the suburbs and theDerwent Valley. kunanyi/Mount Wellington receives regular snowfall , the summit road closes when snow or ice makes it hazardous, so check the City of Hobart website before driving up. Rainfall is 49-55mm per month across 14 rain days, the wettest time of year but still only 3-4 days per week on average with rain. Sunshine drops to just 108 hours in June, the cloudiest month. By late July, daylight extends to about 9.5 hours. The shortest day (winter solstice, around June 21) sees sunrise at 7:40 AM and sunset at 4:40 PM. Despite the chill, winter brings Dark Mofo in June, which draws tens of thousands of visitors for its fire installations, winter feast, and Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach, Sandy Bay. Check our Hobart neighborhoods for more details.
Hobart Weather by Month: Spring (September to November)
Spring is Hobart’s most variable season, shifting from winter chill to summer warmth within weeks. September starts cool at 15°C (59°F) but by November the daytime high reaches 19°C (66°F). Nights warm from 7°C to 10°C (45-50°F). Rainfall is steady at 48-52mm per month but November is slightly drier with 12 rain days versus 14 in September and October. Spring is the windiest season, particularly October and November when north-westerly winds can gust to 50-70 km/h, earning the city its breezy reputation. Jacarandas bloom in November, turning streets like St Georges Terrace in Battery Point purple. Snow still dusts the mountain summit in September but the snow line retreats rapidly through October. Pack layers and a windproof jacket: you might start the day at 5°C and end it at 20°C. Check our where to stay in Hobart for more details. For practical advice on airport transfers, getting around, and tipping, see our Hobart travel tips and FAQ.
