Discover North West TasmaniaIndependent guide · Cradle Mountain, Stanley, the Tarkine & Strahan
Cradle Mountain seen across the water of Dove Lake

Cradle

Cradle Mountain weather

Alpine, changeable and often wet — plan for four seasons in one day.

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Cradle Mountain sits in Tasmania’s highlands, and its weather is cooler and wetter than the coast. Snow can fall in any month, fog can hide the peak for days, and clear mornings can turn stormy by afternoon. Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast and Parks and Wildlife Service alerts before you go.

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Season by season

Season Typical conditions Notes
Summer (Dec–Feb) Mild days, cool nights, rain likely Busiest; long daylight
Autumn (Mar–May) Crisp, often settled Fagus (deciduous beech) turns gold around late April
Winter (Jun–Aug) Cold, snow common Magical but icy tracks
Spring (Sep–Nov) Changeable, windy, wet Wildflowers, waterfalls
Cradle Mountain rising above Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain. Photo: BennyG3255 / CC BY-SA 4.0

How weather affects your visit

  • Views: the peak is often hidden by cloud — stay flexible and try again later in the day.
  • Walks: exposed tracks such as Marions Lookout and the summit become dangerous in wind, ice or poor visibility.
  • Roads: snow and ice occasionally affect access roads in winter.

What to wear

Waterproof jacket and overtrousers, warm fleece or down layer, beanie and gloves (even in summer), sturdy waterproof footwear, and sun protection. See Cradle Mountain walks.

Frequently asked questions

Does it snow at Cradle Mountain?

Yes, snow can fall in any month and is common in winter.

What is the best month for Cradle Mountain weather?

Late summer and autumn often bring the most settled conditions, but weather is always changeable.

Is there a Cradle Mountain webcam?

Webcams are available online; search for the current official or visitor-centre webcam before you go.