Cradle Mountain in October

Summer (December to February) brings the warmest weather and longest days, but also the biggest crowds and mandatory shuttle bus periods. Temperatures hover around 20°C during the day but can drop to near freezing at night. March and April offer fewer crowds with still-decent weather, though you'll get more rain. This is when the deciduous beech trees turn golden – the only native deciduous tree in Australia. Winter (June to August) is harsh but beautiful if you're prepared. Snow often blankets the peaks, and you might have the trails to yourself. Just be ready for temperatures around 5°C and lots of rain. Spring (September to November) is unpredictable – you could get snow, sunshine, or horizontal rain all in one day. But the wildflowers are spectacular, and the waterfalls run full from winter rains.