Cold, wet and alpine weather: avoiding hypothermia on Australian hikes
Last updated: 1 November 2026
Australia is known for heat, but every year walkers get into trouble with cold. In the alps, in Tasmania and even on exposed coastal headlands, wind and rain can drop your body temperature quickly, even in summer. Hypothermia is preventable, but only if you plan for it.
Where cold catches walkers out
- Alpine areas of NSW, Victoria and the ACT, such as the Main Range Walk and the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. Exposed ridges have no shelter from wind.
- Tasmania's highlands, on walks like Cradle Summit, Hartz Peak and the Overland Track. Parks Tasmania warns that snow can fall at any time of year.
- Desert nights in Central Australia, where winter temperatures can drop below freezing even after a warm day.
- Coastal cliffs in the far south, where cold southerly winds can blow hard.
Why it happens so fast
Your body loses heat much faster when it's wet. Rain, sweat or a creek crossing, combined with wind, can chill you far more than the air temperature suggests. Tiredness, hunger and dehydration make it worse.
Spotting hypothermia early
Watch yourself and others for the "umbles": someone who stumbles, mumbles, fumbles or grumbles.
Early signs include:
- Shivering and feeling cold
- Clumsiness and trouble with zips or buttons
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Poor decisions or unusual irritability
As it gets worse, shivering may stop, and the person becomes drowsy and confused. This is a medical emergency.
What to do
- Stop and shelter. Get out of the wind and rain, behind rocks, in a tent or in a hut.
- Replace wet clothes with dry layers, including a hat and gloves.
- Insulate from the ground. Sit on a pack or a sleeping mat.
- Add warmth. Use a sleeping bag or emergency blanket, and share body heat if needed.
- Give warm, sweet drinks and food if the person is alert and can swallow. No alcohol.
- Call for help. If the person is confused, drowsy or no longer shivering, call 000 or use your PLB.
Handle someone with severe hypothermia gently and keep them lying down.
Layering: the simple fix
Good layering keeps you warm whether you're climbing or resting.
- Base layer: merino wool or synthetic, never cotton. Cotton stays wet and cold.
- Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated jacket.
- Outer shell: a waterproof, windproof rain jacket with a hood. In alpine areas, waterproof overpants too.
- Extras: beanie, gloves and a spare pair of socks in a waterproof bag.
Take layers off before you start sweating heavily, and put them back on as soon as you stop.
Other gear for cold-weather walks
- An emergency blanket or bivvy bag
- A thermos or a stove for hot drinks
- Extra high-energy food
- A head torch, since shorter winter days catch people out
- A map, compass or offline navigation app, as fog and snow can hide tracks and markers
- A registered PLB on remote walks
Check the forecast the right way
Use the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the nearest mountain location, not the nearest town. Look at wind, rain and the "feels like" temperature as well as the maximum. Alpine and Tasmanian forecasts may include snow levels and severe weather warnings for damaging winds.
Have a turnaround time and a plan B. If cloud closes in on an exposed summit, the view is gone anyway, and turning back is the smart call.
Snow walking is different
Walking on snow and ice needs extra skills and gear, such as gaiters, waterproof boots, sometimes snowshoes or crampons, and strong navigation skills. Tracks that are easy in summer can become serious winter trips. If you're new to snow, join a guided trip or a club before going alone.
The bottom line
Pack for the worst weather the area can throw at you, not the weather in the car park. With good layers, food, shelter and a willingness to turn back, cold weather becomes part of the adventure.
For a full checklist, see our guide to what to pack for a day hike, and for heat and fire risk, see hiking in heat and bushfire season.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get hypothermia in summer? Yes. A wet, windy day on an exposed alpine ridge or Tasmanian plateau can cause hypothermia at any time of year.
Is a poncho enough? For short, sheltered walks it may be fine, but in wind it flaps and lets rain in. A proper hooded rain jacket is far safer in alpine areas.
How warm should my sleeping bag be for a winter overnight walk? It depends on where you're going. Check typical overnight minimums for the area with the Bureau of Meteorology and choose a bag rated a little below that.
What if someone in my group feels cold but says they're fine? Trust the signs, not the words. Confusion is one of the early signs of hypothermia. Stop, add layers and give them food and a warm drink.
Should I keep walking to stay warm? Moving generates heat, but only if you have the energy and dry layers. Shelter first if conditions are bad.