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What's the weather like?

Phil Northeast

It is often said that Tasmania doesn't have climate but weather.

This is a reaction to the changeable weather in Tasmania. The main controlling factor in the weather is the prevailing wind. The island lies in the path of "Roaring 40s", named after the latitudes that they blow in. They come over ocean halfway round the planet's southern hemisphere from South America.

Rain shower coming in over the mountains at Glenorchy

The high and low pressure systems contained in this westerly air stream dictate the weather at any particular time. In Summer hot wind from the Australian content produces very hot days while in Winter southerly wind from Antarctica brings the temperature down.

Remember Tasmania is in the southern hemisphere, so our seasons are reversed from the northern part of the planet; as I sit and write this in December it is shorts and shirt weather. We use the Celsius temperature scale in Australia, so I have included some Fahrenheit conversions for those more familiar with that system.

Most people live in coastal towns and cities where our summer temperatures typically are in the low twenties (70º F) and overnight it will drop to somewhere about 10 (50ºF). In Hobart an afternoon sea breeze will work its way up the Derwent River gently moderating the heat of the day.

In winter the average maximum is about 12ºC (50ºF) with minimums dropping to about 5ºC (40ºF) during the night.

Summer and sand by the sea at Bridport

These figures are averages and the actual conditions can vary quite a bit from day to day, depending where the wind is coming from. This may make the difference in the coastal areas between a cool and a warm day in the mountains it is a bit more serious. Rugged mountains and deep valleys cover nearly sixty per cent of Tasmania. The mountains aren't high enough to have permanent snow, but it can arrive any time of year. Those that wish enjoy the magnificent of the central highlands should go prepared for any eventuality. Day walkers who set out in warm summer conditions have paid the ultimate price for going totally unprepared. If you are only wearing shorts, a T-shirt and thongs it doesn't take long to freeze to death in a snowstorm.

The mountains provide a barrier that protects the eastern coastal areas of Tasmania and they are drier and warmer than the wet west coast and central highlands. From January to March the locals flock to the beaches to soak up the sun and enjoy a wide variety of water sports in the mild to warm summer weather.

For more detail on the weather try the Weather Bureau's web site.