Are you thinking about visiting Katoomba, Australia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Katoomba worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for two to four days. Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains. It has a charming personality and makes a great base for exploring the surrounding natural areas. From town you can hike to waterfalls and impressive viewpoints. There are also a number of cafes and breweries where you can sample craft beer.
The Blue Mountains, Australia
Reasons to Visit Katoomba
Hiking
Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.
Museums
For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.
Food
Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.
Nightlife
It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.
Shopping
There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.
Is Katoomba worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Katoomba is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Katoomba is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 24°C (74°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the hiking, and the famous sights and museums. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Katoomba
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| February | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| March | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Is Katoomba worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (65°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Katoomba, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, browse the museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails. Also, you can check out the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Katoomba
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Katoomba worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Katoomba. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Katoomba
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| August | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Katoomba worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Katoomba. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
The stunning mountain scenery at this time of year shouldn't be missed. You can wander around the town to enjoy the sights, but the real charm is when you get out into the nearby mountains. Drive, bike, hike, go camping, or just relax in the awe of the mountain views. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the beautiful scenery. Also, you can experience the small town charm and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Katoomba
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Katoomba
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Katoomba might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Katoomba here or see if Katoomba is expensive here.
Related
What is Katoomba most famous for?
Katoomba is most famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. The town is very popular for its hiking. And many visitors also come to this town for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as stunning, peaceful, serene, natural, relaxing, and breathtaking .
What is the most famous sight in Katoomba?
The most popular sight in Katoomba is Scenic World. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Katoomba on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Scenic World and other attractions here.
How touristy is Katoomba? Is it a popular town to visit?
Katoomba is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike: $248
- Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour: $190
- Small-Group Weekend Rock Climbing Adventure from Katoomba: $284
- Small-Group Full-Day Rock Climbing Adventure from Katoomba: $165
- Truffle Hunt and Taste Experience in Oberon, NSW Australia: $146
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $65
- Private Blue Mountains & Sydney Escape in a Day Tour: $180
- Private Blue Mountains Rainforest and Waterfalls Tour: $198
How long should I spend in Katoomba?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Katoomba is two to four days. Since Katoomba has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Katoomba? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Katoomba?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.