Geography: A City on the Edge of Nature

Penrith sits on the western boundary of the Cumberland Plain, an extensive and relatively flat area of Western Sydney. The suburb is bordered by the Nepean River to the west, with the Blue Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop on the horizon.

The boundaries of Penrith are a matter of debate between the Penrith City Council and the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales. The official description by the Board includes Kingswood Park, Lemongrove, and North Penrith, while the Council recognizes them as separate suburbs.

Climate: Heatwaves and Cool Winters

Penrith experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa – Köppen classification), marked by hot summers, mild winters, and distinct seasonal variations. The suburb is typically several degrees warmer than Sydney’s coastal areas, especially in spring and summer, due to its inland position and lack of ocean breezes.

• Summer temperatures range between 17.9°C and 29.8°C (64.2°F – 85.6°F), but heatwaves can push readings much higher.
• Winter temperatures range from 6.2°C to 18.6°C (43.2°F – 65.5°F), with occasional frost due to mountain breezes and temperature inversions.
• The hottest recorded temperature was 48.9°C (120.0°F) on January 4, 2020, making Penrith the hottest place on Earth that day.
• The coldest recorded temperature was -1.8°C (28.8°F) on July 16, 2018.

A City of Weather Extremes

Penrith receives an annual rainfall of 719.2mm (28.31 inches), significantly lower than Sydney’s coastal average of 1,212.2mm (47.72 inches) due to the blocking effect of the Great Dividing Range on coastal showers.

The Blue Mountains play a crucial role in Penrith’s weather patterns. In summer, they trap hot air, intensifying heatwaves, while in winter, they create dry conditions by blocking cold westerly fronts, leading to foehn winds that warm the region.

Penrith’s geography and climate make it one of the most weather-diverse suburbs in Greater Sydney, balancing natural beauty with climatic extremes, shaping its lifestyle and environment.