My husband has been reading many articles on Tasmania...some mention hiking, some beaches. What is the best time of year or month to visit? I don't mind cool weather (live in Wisconsin) but do enjoy 70 degrees or more when possible. Thanks!!!

Late Spring through early Fall would be best (November-February). It never gets as cold as Wisconsin, but late Fall through early Spring (May-August) can be cool and damp,

As I like swimming, we found February to be best month in Tasmania. Not overly hot, but very pleasant weather. we like the beaches east of St.Helens and also the Bay of Fires National Park.
When I say "swimming" - Tasmanian waters are swimmable, but still cool in the water, in comparison to where I live in Qld, which at the moment is around 27 degrees celius in the water.
I think the water temperature on our Tasmanian trip was probably around 18 degrees (bracing)

Yes, you'd need to go between December and March to get average highs of at least 20C. Check www.weatherbase.com for details.

We were there in October last year and it was very pleasant - although there was quite a bit of rain about which we mostly managed avoid Was warm enough to swim while in the north but chilly in the west and at Cradle Mountain etc.
My son and daughter-in-law have just returned and it was very hot everywhere, too much so for their liking, and certainly swimmable. However, that has been the case in most areas of Eastern Australia this summer.

Tasmania, especially around Cradle Mountain (unmissable!) can be quite cool anytime of year. Early December is perfect though! Have fun!