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.
Blue Mountains
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...
Katoomba Average Annual Temperatures (Degrees Celcius)
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.