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In the highlands, above 900 metres, snow can occur at any time of the year. Heaviest snowfalls tend to occur in July and August. Extensive snow below 150 metres occurs less than once every two years on average, associated with a vigorous outbreak of cold air from the deep south. There is no permanent snowline, but patches of snow often remain on the highest peaks until December. In Hobart City itself snow falls on average only once or twice a year.

Significant snowfall events

Significant low-level snowfalls occurred on:

• 2-4 August 1943, causing closure of the Lyell and Lake highways for some days.

• 19-20 July 1951, when snow covered most of Tasmania, blocking roads and interrupting mail services.

• 25 July 1986, when many places in Tasmania had their heaviest snowfall on record. Heavy snow fell in Hobart and most principal roads in the city were closed, isolating the city until almost the middle of the day.