When is the best time to walk the Overland Track

Walking the Overland Track in Tasmania | Jenni Fraser
Walking the Overland Track in Tasmania | Jenni Fraser

If you want to trek The Overland Track, the first thing to consider is when you want to walk the Overland Track. Each season has its own nuances that can transform your experience. Whether you walk during the warmer summer months, with crystal clear days, or the colourful months in autumn when the fungi colours make the landscape pop, or winter’s icy wonderland, or when the flowers begin to bloom in spring; one thing is for sure – with Tasmania’s four distinctly different seasons, the Overland Track offers a new experience every season!

 
 
 

But which season is best for YOU? Check out our handy guide which reveals the seasonal nuances of the Overland Track! Or find out more information on the Overland Track weather, climate, rainfall and average temperatures here.

Which season is best for you?

 

The Overland Track in Summer:

The months of December to February are undoubtedly the most popular months to trek the Overland track. While the rest of Australia basks in warm summer days, Tasmania’s summers are relatively cool– the average maximum temperatures sit at a comfortable 16°C (though it can be possible for temperatures to reach 30°C as well!). Flowers are in full bloom, adding vivid bursts of colour to the plains, and the long days mean your chances of side trips is much more likely. However, a word of warning. The favourable summer months can book out very quickly – which means booking early is a must, especially over Christmas and the New Year period. Join on a summer Overland Track departure and experience the area in all it’s glory! 

The Overland Track in Autumn:

Often underrated, trekking at the start of autumn in March can be one of the best times to experience the Overland Track. There are far fewer people on the track, the weather is as stable as the summer months, and the landscape starts to come alive with the spectacular colours of the deciduous beech (also known as fagus), Australia’s only autumn deciduous tree. The beautiful bursts of rusty reds during March, to the brilliant golds during April and May can transform the landscape and offer stunning photos for those with a keen eye for photography. As autumn progresses there is usually an increase of rain – an average of 212mm of rain per month, with snowfall usually falling in May. Temperatures reach a maximum of 11 °C, with minimums of 3 °C. View the colourful fagas on an autumn Overland Track departure for a vivid display of Australia’s only autumn deciduous tree! 

 

The Overland Track in Winter:

Winter can provide an exciting trip, and one of the most challenging times to trek the Overland Track, with average maximum temperatures of 4.9°C and overnight temperatures as low as minus 9°C. Don’t rule it out just yet though! While winter may be the coldest and wettest month along the Overland Track, it can also be one of the most rewarding times to trek! You’ll likely have the trail to yourself and the landscape is transformed into a white winter wonderland, which can sometimes see you wading through waist deep snow. July can bring lovely crisp, clear days that brings the majestic snowy landscapes to life, a beautiful sight that stays with you long after you return home. Interested in the challenge? Join one of our special winter Overland Track departures for a truly serene winter wonderland experience!

 
 

The Overland Track in Spring:

Coming out winter, the months of September and October are usually the windiest months of the year, and still fairly wet with up to 228mm rainfall each month. On the plus side though, the lush green spring growth does make the park look quite different. In November flowers begin to bloom, including the Tasmanian waratah which flowers in late spring across the vast alpine region. Join on a October or November departure of the Overland Track, when temperatures begin to rise, weather becomes more stable and the wildflowers begin to bloom!  

Overland

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