Hobart Weather in December

Mild summer days

December feels like a gentle start to summer in Hobart, not a hot beach holiday. The average high is 19°C and the low is 11°C. Rain falls on 12 days, and cloud can hang around, so expect a mix of bright spells and showery afternoons.

Long daylight hours give you time for Salamanca Place, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, or a walk around Battery Point. Mount Wellington is a good outing when the summit is clear, but clouds can hide the views. Save a beach day for a sunny spell rather than counting on warm swimming weather.

Christmas on the waterfront

Christmas brings a festive feel to the city, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts on Boxing Day. Its finish draws people to Constitution Dock and the waterfront, where you can watch crews arrive. Taste of Summer also runs around the New Year period, with Tasmanian food and drink stalls near the docks.

For families, the long evenings make it easier to fit in a waterfront stroll after a day of sightseeing.

Busy, with a local tip

December is busier and generally pricier than the quieter months, as Australian school holidays begin and summer visitors arrive. It's still less warm and dry than January, which has a higher average high and less rain. If you prefer quieter streets, November is a calmer choice.

On race-finish days, the waterfront gets crowded. Walk from Salamanca Place to Constitution Dock along the harbour, then give yourself extra time to cross the area when boats are arriving. The weather can turn showery, too, so keep your plans flexible.