Summer in Hobart, Tasmania brings a mix of mild warmth, long daylight hours, and a refreshing coastal breeze.
You’ll usually get average daytime temperatures between 17°C and 23°C, so it feels comfortable—definitely not the kind of heat you’d find on the mainland.
Nights cool off pretty quickly, so tossing a light jacket into your bag is a good idea.
Rainfall stays pretty low in summer.
You’ll see short showers more often than heavy downpours.
Sunshine hours are generous, so there’s plenty of time to explore the city, the harbor, and those nearby mountains.
Sometimes, heatwaves push temperatures above 35°C, but those hot spells don’t last long.
Evenings cool down again, making things pleasant.
If you’re planning a summer trip, Hobart offers that sweet spot of comfortable weather and lively events.
Summer lines up with festivals, outdoor dining, and waterfront activities.
The climate really lets you enjoy both the city and Tasmania’s natural beauty.
Overview of Hobart’s Summer Climate
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, gets its summer climate from its southern location and the ocean winds.
You’ll notice cooler conditions than on the mainland—mild highs, brisk evenings, and not much rain over the season.
Location and Climate Classification
Hobart sits on Tasmania’s southeastern coast, about 43° south of the equator.
Its spot puts it right in the path of westerly winds, so the weather changes often.
The city is close to sea level, but hills and mountains surround it and affect local temperatures and rainfall.
The climate falls under the marine west coast category (Cfb in the Köppen system).
Summers are mild, not hot, and winters are cool but rarely harsh.
Rainfall stays moderate and pretty evenly spread, though summer is usually a bit drier than other times of year.
Because Hobart is the southernmost capital in Australia, you’ll get longer daylight in summer.
Days can stretch close to 15 hours in January, which means more time outdoors.
Sunshine levels rise in summer, averaging about 8 hours a day.
Typical Summer Temperature Range
Summer in Hobart runs from December to February.
Average highs reach 21°C to 23°C (70°F–73°F), and nighttime lows drop to 11°C–13°C (52°F–55°F).
Evenings get noticeably cooler, so you’ll want a light jacket after dark.
Heatwaves don’t happen often, but they’re possible.
Sometimes, warm winds from the mainland push temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
These heat bursts never last long, and things cool off quickly.
Rainfall is lower than in winter, with monthly averages around 35–45 mm.
Showers tend to be brief and light, so you’ll see plenty of dry days.
Humidity stays moderate, and the sea breezes help keep the air comfortable.
The nearby ocean also stops the temperature from swinging too wildly.
Comparison to Other Australian Cities
If you compare Hobart to mainland capitals, you’ll spot a clear difference.
Hobart’s summer highs average about 5–10°C cooler than Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide.
Sydney often hits 26–28°C, while Hobart hangs out closer to 22°C.
Unlike Brisbane or Perth, Hobart doesn’t get humid or long-lasting heat.
Nights cool down fast, making sleep easier without air conditioning.
If you prefer mild summers, this city’s great.
Rainfall in Hobart is lower than in tropical cities like Darwin or Cairns.
Instead of heavy downpours, you get light showers on fewer days.
This creates a more stable summer pattern, so outdoor plans are rarely ruined.
Hobart’s southern latitude gives it a summer more like northern Europe than the subtropics you’ll find elsewhere in Australia.
That’s why the city stands out as one of the country’s mildest and most comfortable summer spots.
Monthly Breakdown: Summer Weather in Hobart
Hobart’s summer brings mild temps, long daylight, and changing rainfall.
Each month has its own quirks in temperature, sunshine, and rain, which can shape your outdoor plans.
December Weather Patterns
December kicks off summer in Hobart with average highs near 18–19°C (64–66°F).
Nights get cooler, often down to 10–11°C (50–52°F).
These moderate temps make it easy to wander the city or hit the trails.
Daylight stretches over 15 hours, so there’s loads of time for sightseeing.
You’ll get about 8 hours of sunshine a day, though clouds still hang around sometimes.
Rainfall in December averages about 30–35 mm, spread across 13–14 days.
Showers are light and short, leaving plenty of dry spells.
The sea temperature climbs to about 15–16°C (59–61°F)—a bit chilly, but you could swim with a wetsuit.
December is lively with festivals and holiday events.
Pack light layers, since evenings can still feel crisp.
January Weather Highlights
January is usually the warmest month in Hobart.
Average highs hit about 20°C (68°F), while lows hover near 12°C (54°F).
The weather feels mild compared to the mainland’s heat, so it’s one of Australia’s most comfortable summer destinations.
You’ll see more sunny days—14–15 sunny days are common.
UV levels climb, so don’t forget sun protection, even when it’s cloudy.
Rainfall stays moderate, averaging 23–28 mm over 12–13 days.
Showers don’t last long, so outdoor activities are rarely interrupted.
The Derwent River and nearby beaches fill up with swimmers and kayakers, though the sea is still cool at 16°C (61°F).
If you’re planning water activities, brace for brisk water.
February Weather Conditions
February keeps up the warm summer trend, but days start getting shorter.
Highs average 19–20°C (66–68°F), and lows drop to 11–12°C (52–54°F).
The weather holds steady and stays pleasant for exploring outdoors.
Daylight drops to about 13.5–14 hours, but that’s still plenty for sightseeing.
Sunshine sits around 7–8 hours daily, so it’s usually bright.
Rainfall bumps up a bit compared to January, with 25–30 mm spread over 12–13 days.
Humidity stays moderate, and showers tend to be light.
Sea temperatures hover at their summer peak, about 16–17°C (61–63°F).
This is the best time for water-based activities, even if the water feels chilly.
Temperature Trends and Extremes
Summer in Hobart brings mild to warm days, cool nights, and the occasional hot spike.
Most years, you’ll see steady patterns, but sometimes the city records extremes that can surprise you.
Average Highs and Lows
In summer, daytime highs in Hobart usually sit between 20°C and 23°C (68°F–73°F).
Nights cool down to around 12°C to 14°C (54°F–57°F), which feels crisp compared to the mainland.
January is the warmest month, with December and February just a bit cooler.
Unlike many Australian cities, Hobart doesn’t get long runs of extreme heat.
The sea keeps the climate stable.
Humidity stays moderate, and you’ll often notice cooler evenings even after a sunny day.
This makes walking, hiking, or eating outside comfortable—no oppressive heat like you’d get up north.
Record Temperatures
Hobart’s climate is usually mild, but it has seen sharp extremes.
The hottest summer day on record reached 41.8°C (107°F) in January 2013.
These heatwaves are rare, but they do happen.
On the cold side, summer nights have dipped below 7°C (44°F), especially in December and February.
That’s thanks to Tasmania’s maritime climate and those chilly Southern Ocean winds.
Heat extremes don’t last long—usually just a day or two before cool air sweeps back in.
If you’re outdoors or relying on natural cooling, keep an eye out for these swings.
Daily Variation
You’ll spot a clear gap between day and night temperatures in Hobart.
A typical summer day might start at 12°C (54°F), climb to 22°C (72°F) by afternoon, and drop quickly after sunset.
Clouds and sea breezes really shape how the day feels.
On cloudy days, highs might stay near 18°C (64°F).
Sunny, windless days feel warmer, especially if you’re sheltered.
This means you’ll want layers—light clothes for daytime, a jacket for evenings.
The quick temperature drop after dark is a classic Hobart summer feature.
Rainfall and Humidity in Summer
During summer in Hobart, you’ll get light to moderate rainfall, plus humidity that feels comfortable compared to other Aussie cities.
Showers pop up often, but they rarely last long, and the air feels fresher than on the mainland.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Hobart’s summer is pretty modest.
You’ll see between 23 mm and 35 mm of rain per month from December to February.
That’s less than you’d get in winter, so summer is one of the drier times.
Rain usually falls as short showers or light drizzle, not heavy downpours.
Because of this, you can plan outdoor activities without worrying much about rainouts.
Compared to the national average, Hobart’s summer rain is light.
If you want to skip the heavy summer storms that hit other parts of Australia, this city’s a good pick.
Humidity Patterns
Humidity in Hobart’s summer stays mild and comfortable.
Average relative humidity runs from about 70% in early summer to 73% in February.
That’s lower than in the cooler months.
You’ll find the air less sticky than in Sydney or Brisbane.
Hobart’s southern spot and maritime climate keep things cool and balanced.
With moderate humidity, you can spend hours outside without feeling weighed down by moisture.
Summer’s a great time for walking, biking, or anything active.
Rainy Day Frequency
Even though rainfall totals are low, you should expect a fair number of rainy days.
On average, Hobart gets 12 to 14 wet days per month in summer.
These aren’t full days of rain—usually just short-lived showers.
Frequent, light rainfall is just part of Tasmania’s maritime climate.
You’ll get a mix of sun and quick-passing clouds, not long stretches of dry weather.
Since showers are brief, you can usually carry on with your plans after a short wait.
Just bring a light rain jacket or umbrella to be safe.
Sunshine, Wind, and Cloud Cover
Hobart’s summer climate gives you long daylight hours, steady breezes, and a mix of clear and cloudy skies.
You’ll notice changes in sunlight, wind, and sky compared to cities further north.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Summer in Hobart gives you some of the longest days in Australia. In January, you might get up to 15 hours of daylight, and about 8 to 8.5 hours of bright sunshine per day.
By February, the days shrink a little, but you still get around 7.5 hours of sunshine daily. December sits somewhere in between, with more than 14 hours of usable daylight.
You’ll have loads of time for outdoor activities, though the sun angle stays lower than in mainland cities. UV levels stay high, so don’t skip sun protection, even if it feels cool out.
The difference between summer and winter is pretty striking. In June, Hobart gets only about 4.5 hours of sunshine, which really makes those summer days feel extra long.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | Avg. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~7.8 | ~14.8 |
| January | ~8.4 | ~15.1 |
| February | ~7.5 | ~14.2 |
Typical Wind Speeds
Hobart’s breezy conditions don’t let up in summer. Winds usually average 3 to 4 m/s (11–14 km/h), but gusts can be stronger, especially along the River Derwent or near the coast.
Afternoons tend to feel windier. Sea breezes kick in as the land heats up, and you’ll notice the pattern.
January often feels windier, while February calms down a bit but still brings a breeze. These winds keep the heat from getting too much, so hot days rarely feel overwhelming.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect the wind to be part of your day. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker for evenings, especially if you’re near the waterfront.
Cloud Cover Variations
Cloud cover in Hobart changes a lot, even in summer. On average, you’ll see partly cloudy skies about one-third of the time, with overcast days less common than in winter.
December and January usually have more clear days, though cloud bands from the Southern Ocean can roll in fast. February often brings a few more hours of clear sky than early summer.
Hobart doesn’t get those endless blue skies you’ll find in some mainland cities. The weather shifts quickly, which keeps the landscape green and makes summer feel cooler.
Long-term patterns show that overcast skies happen about 30–35% of the year, but in summer, that number drops. You’ll have a good shot at bright weather, but you’ll still see Tasmania’s dramatic skies changing throughout the day.
Travel Tips for Summer Holidays in Hobart
Summer in Hobart means mild to warm days, long daylight, and steady ocean breezes. You can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and relaxed evenings, but a little planning helps you make the most of the southern climate.
Best Outdoor Activities
Hobart’s summer weather, with highs around 21–23 °C, feels perfect for getting outside. You can hike on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, picking from short walks or longer treks. On clear days, the views over the Derwent River and bays are honestly hard to beat.
Water activities are a big draw too. The River Derwent works for sailing, kayaking, or just a short cruise. Beaches like Seven Mile Beach and Kingston Beach are great for swimming and picnics, though the water stays cool at 16–17 °C.
If you’re into wildlife, check out Bruny Island or Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to spot Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and all kinds of seabirds. The moderate summer weather keeps these trips comfortable, even for families.
Cycling paths along the waterfront and through Battery Point offer a laid-back way to see the city.
Major Summer Events and Festivals
Hobart throws a few big summer events that draw crowds. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race wraps up in late December, filling the waterfront with yachts, crews, and plenty of excitement. You can watch the boats come into Constitution Dock—it’s a real scene.
In early January, the Taste of Tasmania food festival brings local seafood, wines, and produce to the waterfront. Stalls pop up everywhere, and you can sample dishes while listening to live music.
February means the Hobart Cup, a major horse racing event. Even if you’re not into racing, the day is all about socializing and outdoor fun.
Markets really come alive in summer. The Salamanca Market, every Saturday, is packed with crafts, fresh produce, and street food. The mild weather makes wandering the stalls easy, and it’s one of the best ways to soak up local culture.
What to Pack for Hobart’s Summer
Even though summer days usually feel mild, evenings cool off pretty fast. You’ll want to bring layers like a light jacket or a cozy sweater for those nights when temperatures dip below 12 °C.
Mix up your tops with both short sleeves and long sleeves. That way, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather decides to do.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes—you’ll need them for wandering city streets or exploring bush trails. If you’re thinking about hitting the beaches or trying out water sports, toss in some swimwear, but honestly, the sea’s not exactly warm.
A quick-dry towel and a pair of sandals come in handy for anything along the shoreline.
Sun protection matters more than you might guess. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat since midsummer daylight stretches out to 15 hours. The UV index stays high, even when the breeze feels cool.
A small daypack is great for carrying water, snacks, or an extra layer. Wind can really pick up at places like Mount Wellington, so a windproof jacket makes outdoor adventures way more comfortable.