Snowy Mountains specials start with timing. The range carries heavy snow from May to October, and that is when the ski resorts are at their busiest, so the value is mostly found outside those months and in how you plan the trip.
Here is what the climate figures show, a few sights that are places rather than ticketed attractions, and the tour and caravan park we list.
Quieter and cheaper months in the Snowy Mountains
Snow normally accumulates in the high country from May to October and usually melts by November. Thredbo and Perisher are the winter drawcards, and all four of New South Wales's snow resorts sit in this region. Expect the busiest period to fall in that window.
The shoulder months give a different mountain. Here are the 1991-2020 averages for the area.
| Month | Max (C) | Min (C) | Rain (mm) | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.9 | 7.5 | 87.1 | 10.7 | 29.4 |
| February | 17.9 | 7.1 | 86.6 | 10.1 | 26.3 |
| March | 15.2 | 4.9 | 66.5 | 8.4 | 28.8 |
| April | 11.0 | 1.7 | 58.0 | 8.2 | 27.0 |
| May | 6.9 | -1.0 | 65.3 | 9.3 | 25.7 |
| June | 3.6 | -2.8 | 99.2 | 11.5 | 20.9 |
| July | 2.4 | -4.1 | 94.3 | 12.5 | 24.0 |
| August | 3.4 | -4.2 | 110.0 | 13.3 | 25.8 |
| September | 7.0 | -2.2 | 106.8 | 12.6 | 26.9 |
| October | 10.7 | 0.0 | 109.8 | 12.9 | 28.8 |
| November | 13.7 | 2.8 | 117.9 | 13.2 | 28.1 |
| December | 16.2 | 5.0 | 102.1 | 11.9 | 28.8 |
Why March and April look appealing
March and April are the driest months in the table, with 66.5 mm and 58.0 mm of rain and 8.4 and 8.2 rain days. Daytime highs are 15.2 and 11.0 degrees, and nights fall to 4.9 and 1.7. That is mild enough for walking, and it comes before the snow season. We reckon it is the best bet for clear days without winter crowds.
Summer and late spring
January and February reach highs near 19 and 18 degrees, with plenty of sunny days. This is the time for Kosciuszko summit walks and fly-fishing. November is the wettest month at 117.9 mm, and the snow has usually gone by then, so it is a less rewarding choice.
Free and low-cost sights
Several of the region's best-known sights are places rather than ticketed attractions. Check current costs with the park or operator before you go.
- Kosciuszko National Park: home to Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 m the tallest peak on the mainland.
- Glacial lakes: the Main Range holds Blue Lake, Lake Albina, Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake and Headley Tarn, the five glacial lakes on the mainland.
- Mountain huts: cattle graziers left huts across the high country, now kept up by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and volunteers such as the Kosciuszko Huts Association.
- Kiandra: a gold-rush ghost town of ruins and abandoned diggings, empty of residents since 1974.
- Snowy Scheme towns: Jindabyne, Khancoban and Cabramurra, the highest town in Australia, all grew from the hydro-electric scheme.
For more ideas, see our page on Snowy Mountains activities.
The lower-priced tour we list
The Snowy Mountains NSW Private Tour, 3 days with pick-up and drop-off, is listed from $1,575. It is a private tour, so it suits those who want transport sorted. Further options are on our Snowy Mountains tours page.
Caravan park option in Jindabyne
Discovery Parks - Jindabyne is a caravan park in Jindabyne, in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council area. It offers powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates and availability before booking. Other stay types are covered in our Snowy Mountains accommodation guide.
Getting there and what it costs in time
Drive distances are long, so factor in fuel and an overnight stop if you are coming from further away. By road, the Snowy Mountains are:
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| South Coast | 335 km | about 294 minutes |
| Jervis Bay | 365 km | about 317 minutes |
| Wollongong | 448 km | about 342 minutes |
| Orange | 472 km | about 393 minutes |
| Sydney | 489 km | about 370 minutes |
| Blue Mountains | 536 km | about 421 minutes |
| Central Coast | 541 km | about 422 minutes |
| Mudgee | 582 km | about 479 minutes |
The Alpine Way and Snowy Mountains Highway are the major roads through the region. For wider planning, start with the Snowy Mountains travel guide, and check the official Visit NSW site for current information. Background on the range is on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Snowy Mountains quietest?
Snow usually covers the high country from May to October, the peak ski period. March and April are the driest months, and the snow is usually gone by November.
What accommodation does the Jindabyne caravan park offer?
Discovery Parks - Jindabyne offers powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates.
How much is the tour?
The 3-day private tour is listed from $1,575.
