The months of December-April have long daylight hours and warmer average temperatures. These months are recommended for walkers inexperienced in Tasmanian conditions. However, walkers are warned that rapidly changing weather conditions can occur at any time of the year. These can include howling winds, sleet, snow, relentless rain and blazing sun. All of these varied conditions can be experienced within a single day. Temperature and rainfall charts are available online.

Weather forecasts can be obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Bookings are required for each walking season (1 November to 30 April). During the booking period walkers will be required to walk the track from North to South (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and pay the Overland Track Fee. If your departure date is outside the booking period, this won’t apply to you.

If you book on at short notice (i.e. less than 2 weeks before departure) you will find you have a limited choice of departure dates, especially from December – February when many people have holidays. During April, many walkers come specifically to see the changing colours of the deciduous beech.