Snow in Australia: Where, Why and What’s Changing

Introduction

Snow in Australia might sound unlikely—but yes, it happens. While many people imagine Australia as sun-drenched beaches and desert landscapes, snow does fall—and even accumulates—in certain regions. From the highlands of southeast Australia to the mountainous terrain of Tasmania, snow is a real part of the Australian climate story. For those interested in winter recreation, check out our guide to Skiing in Australia.

In this article we’ll explore where snow occurs, why it happens (and sometimes doesn’t), how climate change is affecting snow cover, and what this means for regional towns and snow-sport destinations.

Where Does Snow Fall in Australia?

Alpine regions in the southeast

Snow is most reliable in the elevated regions of southeast Australia. In the states of New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the island state of Tasmania, high‐country terrain and elevation provide the necessary cold air and moisture.

For example, the alpine areas above about 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) in NSW and Victoria typically form a consistent winter snowpack. Regions such as the Snowy Mountains, the Brindabella Range and the Victorian Alps have regular snowy days. Wikipedia+2Bureau of Meteorology+2

Snowfalls down to around 900 metres (3,000 ft) are not unusual in favourable conditions, while lighter snow may fall lower still. Wikipedia+1

Regional towns and occasional low‐altitude snow

Snow doesn’t just stay on the high peaks. In NSW, regional towns like Orange average around 3.9 snowy days per year, while other nearby towns like Oberon see about 6.2 snow days. Wikipedia

In Victoria, towns such as Ballarat may receive snow once or twice a year, while smaller towns like Trentham average nearly 8 snowy days per year. Wikipedia

Even more surprising: snow has been recorded in all mainland Australian states and territories, though at sea level it remains extremely rare. Wikipedia

Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland & beyond

In Tasmania, snow is more common at lower elevations because of the southern latitude and mountainous terrain. Mountain peaks above 600 metres often receive snow annually, and in favourable years snow can fall much lower. Wikipedia+1

In western and northern parts of Australia, snow is rarer—but still possible. For example the Stirling Range in Western Australia records snow annually, and there have been historical reports of snow as far north as the Darling Downs and Granite Belt in Queensland. Wikipedia

Why Does Snow Happen—and Why Is It So Variable?

Snowfall in Australia is quite different to the steady, predictable snow seasons of many northern-hemisphere countries. Here are some of the key factors:

Climate drivers

The main driver is the southern-hemisphere high‐latitude dynamics. For instance, the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) plays a strong role: in its negative phase, cold airmasses from the “Roaring Forties” can push further north, increasing the chance of snow. Wikipedia

Other important factors include the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). For example, during an El Niño combined with a positive IOD, alpine snowfall is typically reduced in the southeastern highlands. Wikipedia+1

Elevation, latitude & geography

Elevation plays a huge part: areas above ~1,400 m see more consistent snow. Latitude matters too: Tasmania, being further south, often sees snow at lower elevations than mainland highlands. Geography—such as exposure to cold southerly or south-westerly airstreams—also influences snowfall. For example, the western slopes of mountain ranges in NSW and Victoria may receive more snow than the eastern (leeward) slopes due to the foehn effect. Wikipedia+1

Variability and unpredictability

The Australian snow season varies wildly from year to year. For instance, measurement sites such as the one at Spencers Creek in the Snowy Mountains show deep snowpacks in some years (three metres or more) and very little in others. Wikipedia+1

As the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) notes: “Australia’s snow season is notoriously fickle.” Bureau of Meteorology

How Is Climate Change Affecting Snow in Australia?

Climate change is a major factor altering Australia’s snowy landscapes. Here’s what the data show:

Since the 1950s, the average temperature in the Australian Alps has risen by around 1.4 °C. Wikipedia
At sites with long records, there is a downward trend in maximum snow depth, of about 0.4–0.6 cm per year (depending on altitude). Wikipedia+1
Lower‐elevation ski fields and snow resorts are especially vulnerable, since they have less “vertical margin” (i.e., there isn’t much higher terrain to shift to if lower slopes become too warm). Wikipedia

In short: while snow will continue to fall in Australia, the amount, depth and reliability are likely to decline — with implications for snow sports, tourism and regional communities.

Snow by Region: Highlights

New South Wales & ACT

High-country areas like the Snowy Mountains maintain winter snowpacks above 1,400 metres. Meanwhile, regional towns such as Orange, Oberon and Lithgow may see a few snow days each year. Wikipedia+1

Victoria

The Victorian Alps (for example, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller) average 60–70 snowy days annually. At lower elevations, places like Ballarat may only get one or two snowfalls per year. Wikipedia

Tasmania

Because of its latitude and terrain, snow in Tasmania can descend to lower altitudes than in many mainland locations. At peaks such as Mount Wellington, snow covers the summit frequently in winter. Wikipedia+1

Other States

Snow in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory is uncommon—yet documented. For example, snow has been recorded in the Flinders Ranges (SA), on the Stirling Range (WA), on the Granite Belt (Qld) and even at low elevations in western NSW. Wikipedia

Sea Level & Unusual Snowfalls

Snow at sea level is rare on the Australian mainland, but more frequent in Tasmania’s coastal zones. For example, the city of Hobart recorded snowfalls in recent decades. Wikipedia

Why This Matters & What It Means for You

For winter holiday makers and outdoor enthusiasts interested in snow sports, knowing when and where snow is likely to fall helps plan smarter trips. The season typically runs from June to October in the Australian Alps. Wikipedia+1
For regional tourism and local economies, decreasing snow reliability poses a challenge: fewer snow days mean shorter seasons, less scope for skiing and snow-play, and higher risks in investment.
For the environment and climate, the decline of snow cover affects mountain water cycles, ecosystems and landscape albedo (reflectivity).
For the everyday Australian, it means that the idea of “snow in Australia” is real—but it’s also something to keep perspective on. Many parts of the country will never see snow, and even in the highlands, “good snow years” are becoming less frequent.

Yes, it snows in Australia—but only in certain places, and under particular conditions. From the alpine highlands of NSW and Victoria to the cooler terrain of Tasmania, snow remains a fascinating part of Australia’s climate and geography. But with warming temperatures and shifting patterns, snow in Australia is also under pressure.

Whether you’re a snow-lover planning your next winter trip, or simply curious about the climate down under, the story of snow in Australia shows how even places we associate with sunshine can get white-out moments—and how climate is changing the game.

External Backlinks List

You can use these credible sources for backlinking or further reading:

Does It Snow in Australia? – WorldAtlas (worldatlas.com) WorldAtlas
The Many Surprising Locations of Snowfall Outside the Australian Alps – ABC News (abc.net.au) ABC
When is it Going to Snow? – Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) Bureau of Meteorology
Historic Snowfalls – A Look Back at the Biggest Snowfalls Australia’s Ever Seen – MountainWatch (mountainwatch.com) mountainwatch.com
Snow Depth Trends and Decline in Australian Snow – ClimateHistory Australia (climatehistory.com.au) climatehistory.com.au
Where to See Snow in Australia? – Insider Guides (insiderguides.com.au) Insider Guides
Visiting Australia – Does it Snow in Australia? – Visiting.com.au (visiting.com.au) Visiting Australia

Does it Snow in Australia 2025-2026