Temperature

The climate of the Blue Mountains is somewhat more temperate than the lower Sydney region. There is generally a 2°C drop in temperature every 300 metres increase in altitude. Therefore with Mount Victoria being over 1000 metres above Sea Level, you would expect the temperature to be around 7°C lower than Sydney.

During the winter months (June, July August), the average temperature in the Upper Mountains is around 5°C while in Summer (December, January February), the average temperature is around 18°C.

The Lower Blue Mountains has a much warmer climate. Lapstone is only 160 metres above sea level through to Faulconbridge which is 446 metres. The average temperature is 16°C in winter and 29°C during the summer months.

Below is a graph which illustrates the average maximum and minimum temperatures for each month of the year within Katoomba

1981-2010 average max and min temperatures (°C) - Katoomba

Rainfall

The Blue Mountains has a similar rainfall to Sydney.

The Upper Blue Mountains receives an average of around 1050mm per year while the Lower Blue Mountains receives around 850mm per year.

1981-2010 average rainfall (mm) for each month - Katoomba.

1981-2010 average number of rain days (>1mm) - Katoomba.

Snowfall

The Blue Mountains generally has a reputation for snow in winter, however, despite the cool temperatures there are only around 5 snow days per year in the upper mountains.

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.

Of an evening, thick coverings of ice can form on car windscreens. The crisp cool air of winter makes the Blue Mountains an ideal location for Yulefest. Cosy log fires can be found in many fine establishments.