Does It Snow in Australia? Everything You Need to Know
Discover the truth about Australian snow: where it falls, when to expect it, and which mountain ranges receive reliable winter snowfall.
Most individuals envision Australia to be a place of beaches, deserts and unstopping sunshine. Therefore, it is always a surprise when a visitor and even residents of Australia pose the question: does it snow in Australia? The answer would be yes - but not everywhere, and not all the time of the year.
The Australian climate is varied with the most northern part being tropical and the most southern being temperate and alpine. Most of the country never gets snow though there is a small yet significant region that gets snowfall on a regular basis annually. We will discuss the location of snow in Australia, the mountains that cause snowfall, its historic snow patterns and what a visitor can reasonably expect to see in this article.
Does It Snow in Australia?
Yes, there is snow in Australia, but the snow is not abundant, it is very localized. As compared to other countries with the Northern Hemisphere, snow in Australia falls in the areas with high heights, with most of the areas mainly in the southeast and in some parts of Tasmania.
The Australian winter usually occurs in the months of June to August when snow usually falls. Snowfall may be experienced up to May or September but this is rare especially during very cold years. Snow is something that most Australians travel to experience, often checking a snow day calculator in advance, rather than seeing snow fall outside their window.
Mountains in Australia Where Snow Occurs
Australia has relatively low mountains compared to other continents, but a few ranges are high enough to support regular winter snowfall.
Australian Alps
The Australian Alps are the most reliable snow region in the country. They stretch across:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
This range includes Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters).
Victorian Alps
Located in Victoria, these mountains receive consistent snow and are home to popular ski resorts such as Falls Creek and Mount Hotham.
Tasmanian Highlands
Tasmania experiences colder temperatures overall. Areas like Mount Wellington and the Central Highlands receive snowfall, though it is less predictable than on the mainland Alps.
Where Does It Snow in Australia?
If you're specifically wondering where does it snow in Australia, here are the main locations:
New South Wales
- Snowy Mountains region
- Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts
- Mount Kosciuszko National Park
Victoria
- Falls Creek
- Mount Hotham
- Mount Buller
Tasmania
- Mount Wellington (near Hobart)
- Cradle Mountain
- Central Plateau
Snow in these regions is common enough to support skiing, snowboarding, and snow tourism every winter.
When Does It Snow in Australia?
Snowfall in Australia typically occurs between:
- Late May and early September
- Peak snow season: July and August
During this time, alpine areas often receive enough snow for winter sports. Snow depth varies each year depending on weather patterns such as cold fronts and snowfall systems coming from the Southern Ocean.
Historic Snowfall Records in Australia
While Australia is not known for extreme winter weather, there have been notable snowfall events:
- Mount Kosciuszko regularly records snow depths of 1 to 2 meters during peak winter.
- Perisher Valley has recorded snow depths exceeding 3 meters in particularly strong seasons.
- Tasmania's Central Highlands often receive multiple snowfalls each winter, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
- Melbourne has seen snow in nearby regions like Mount Dandenong (rare and light).
- Sydney snowfall is extremely rare, but light snow or sleet was recorded in 1836, 1858, and 1965 in outer suburbs.
These events highlight how unusual snow is outside alpine zones.
Does It Snow in Australian Cities?
One of the most common follow-up questions is whether snow falls in major cities.
- Sydney: Almost never; only historical freak events
- Melbourne: Snow is extremely rare; nearby hills may see dustings
- Canberra: Occasionally sees light snow, but it rarely settles
- Hobart: Snow can fall on nearby mountains, but rarely in the city itself
- Brisbane & Perth: No snowfall due to warm climates
In short, Australian cities do not experience regular snowfall.
Why Snow Is Rare in Australia
Several factors limit snowfall across the country:
- Australia's low latitude compared to snow-heavy countries
- Generally low elevation of most landscapes
- Warm ocean currents influencing coastal climates
- Snow requires both cold air and moisture, which rarely align outside alpine regions.
Conclusion
So, does it snow in Australia? Certainly, but only in certain mountainous areas in the winter. Although the rest of the nation is generally warm throughout the year, the Australian Alps and some of Tasmania have a dependable snowfall which has made winter sports and tourism viable.
Snow in Australia is scarce to make a special occasion, but is constant in the alpine regions to be enjoyed on a regular basis. In case you want snow, visit the highlands in winter-time, and do not rely on it in big towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow every year in Australia?
Yes, snow falls every year in alpine regions like the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps.
What month does it snow the most in Australia?
July is typically the snowiest month, followed closely by August.
Does it snow in Australia at Christmas?
No. December is summer in Australia, and snowfall does not occur during Christmas.
Is snow common in Tasmania?
Snow is fairly common in Tasmania's highlands but rare in coastal cities.
