Hobart experiences a cool to mild oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), influenced heavily by its coastal location along Tasmania’s southeast. Characterised by cool summers and temperate winters, the city’s climate stands out among Australian capitals for its moderation and variability.

While Hobart's highest recorded temperature hit 41.8 °C (107.2 °F) on 4 January 2013, temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) are not uncommon in summer due to dry, northerly winds blowing in from mainland Australia. In contrast, winter temperatures are much milder, with the coldest readings reaching −2.8 °C (27.0 °F) in June 1972 and July 1981.

Despite its southerly position, snowfall in Hobart’s city centre is rare, largely due to the foehn effect produced by the Central Highlands to the west. This natural barrier blocks moist air and reduces snowfall at sea level, while nearby suburbs built on higher elevations — especially those nestled against kunanyi / Mount Wellington — frequently experience snow throughout the colder months. Snow is generally observed from June through September, though it only settles in the lower city areas about once every five years on average.

Hobart has the lowest average sunshine hours of any major Australian city, receiving just 5.9 hours of sunshine per day and only 40.8 clear days per year. However, during the winter months, Hobart's sunshine levels surpass many inland towns at similar latitudes. In June and July, Hobart averages 132 and 152 sun hours, far exceeding those of western Tasmanian locations like Strathgordon, which average just 51 and 62 hours, respectively. This contrast again reflects the effect of foehn winds, which clear clouds as they descend into the Hobart basin.

While air frosts are relatively uncommon, light frost occurs regularly during the colder months, adding to Hobart’s distinctive winter ambiance. Sleet is more frequent, and it can be observed in the city between June and September. Meanwhile, kunanyi / Mount Wellington often features a picturesque snowcap that remains well into the warmer months, a defining feature of Hobart’s skyline.

Altogether, Hobart’s climate offers a striking mix of temperate calm and dramatic seasonal contrasts, with sunlight, snow-dusted mountains, and ocean winds shaping the rhythms of life in Tasmania’s capital.