For the Overland Track, there is a significant difference in the weather between the northern end of the track at Cradle Mountain and the southern end of the track at Lake St Clair. Cradle Mountain weather is much wetter with more rain and colder conditions. Average rainfall for Cradle Mountain is 2800 mm (110 inches) compared with 1500 mm (60 inches) at Lake St Clair. This explains why most walkers follow the track from north to south - the worst weather section is then completed first. This reduces the risk of being delayed by large storms as they are often less severe in the south.
For walkers who leave the tracks and head east towards the neighbouring Walls of Jerusalem National Park then study the Central Plateau Weather graphs. While they are similar to the Cradle Mountain weather, there is less rain but just as many rainy days, which suggest more drizzle and light showers. This is because the plateau is effectively in the rain shadow region of the Cradle Mountain peaks. The same clouds pass over but contain less moisture.
