Katoomba, New South Wales - Climate

Climate

Climate in the Blue Mountains region varies with height, but generally Katoomba falls within the criteria of a subtropical highland climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb). At Katoomba (1030m), summer daytime temperatures are usually in the low 20s, with a few rare days extending into the 30s (Celsius). Night- time temperatures are usually in the low teens. In winter the temperature is typically about 10 °C in the daytime with 0°C or so on clear nights and 3 to 4 °C on cloudy nights. There are two to three settled snowfalls per year. Katoomba is quite wet all year round; the annual rainfall is about 1,400 millimetres (55 in) with many misty days. Temperatures are on average 7°C lower than Sydney.

The Blue Mountains has a reputation for snow in winter. However, despite the cool temperatures, there are only around five snowy days per year in the upper mountains area. It is extremely rare to see snow below Lawson. It is not unusual to see white blankets of frost covering the ground in the early morning hours. In the evening, thick coverings of ice can form on car windscreens.

Several significant snowfalls have been recorded since 1900, the most significant on 5 July 1900, when snowdrifts were over six feet deep in parts of the Blue Mountains. The snow and ice caused significant problems throughout Central New South Wales, with rail and road closures, damage to buildings, and disruption to telegraph services. A significant winter storm on 18 July 1965 also produced very heavy snow and ice in the area, with damage to buildings and major difficulties with road and rail transport.