Climate for Station: Cape Otway Lighthouse, Victoria, Australia
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Climate Analysis & Overview
Cape Otway Lighthouse, located along the rugged coast of Victoria, Australia, is experiencing a subtle cooling trend in its high temperatures over the long term, juxtaposed with a warming trend in its low temperatures. Precipitation is becoming slightly more evenly distributed, reflecting a nuanced shift in local climate dynamics.
Coastal Climate Dynamics
Cape Otway Lighthouse, perched on the edge of the Great Ocean Walk, is classified under the Köppen climate system as Cfb, indicating a temperate oceanic climate. This classification is characterised by mild temperatures and a relatively even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. The coastal geography plays a pivotal role in moderating temperatures, as the Southern Ocean provides a cooling effect during summer and a warming influence during winter.
Subtle Thermal Shifts
The long-term temperature trends at Cape Otway reveal a cooling in high temperatures, with an all-time decrease of 0.10°C (0.18°F). In contrast, the low temperatures show a warming trend, with an increase of 0.06°C (0.11°F). Over the past decade, however, the high temperatures have cooled by 0.13°C (0.23°F), while the lows have warmed more significantly by 0.39°C (0.70°F). This divergence in trends underscores the complexity of local climate patterns, where the overall cooling of highs contrasts with the warming of lows.
Precipitation Patterns
The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) at Cape Otway has seen a marginal decrease from a baseline of 11.80 to a current value of 11.28. This suggests that precipitation is becoming slightly more evenly distributed over time. While not a drastic change, this trend could indicate a shift towards more consistent rainfall events, in contrast to concentrated downpours.
Temperature Extremes
Cape Otway's temperature records highlight its climatic extremes, with a recorded maximum of 40.5°C (104.9°F) and a minimum of -1.1°C (30.0°F). These extremes reflect the region's capacity for significant temperature variation, despite its generally moderate climate. The influence of the Southern Ocean and local topography can lead to sharp temperature contrasts, particularly during weather events influenced by broader regional climate phenomena.
Regional Climate Context
Australia's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change provides a backdrop to these observations. Cape Otway's trends align with broader regional patterns, where coastal areas often exhibit complex interactions between oceanic and atmospheric influences. Recent weather events, such as increased frequency of storms, may further impact these trends, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptation strategies.
Station Statistics
10-Year Trend
High: -0.13 °C/decade
Low: +0.39 °C/decade
Rain: -0.18 mm/decade
25-Year Trend
High: +0.30 °C/decade
Low: +0.27 °C/decade
Rain: -0.40 mm/decade
50-Year Trend
High: +0.14 °C/decade
Low: +0.23 °C/decade
Rain: -0.16 mm/decade
All-Time Trend
High: -0.10 °C/decade
Low: +0.06 °C/decade
Rain: -0.01 mm/decade
Percentage Above-Average Days
Last 12 Months: 44.7%
This Year: 14.9%
Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) ℹ️
Last 12 Months: 11.3
Historical Average: 11.8
Percentile Rank of Last 12 Months ℹ️
High: 80th percentile
Low: 99th percentile
Rain: 2nd percentile
Change in Variance ℹ️
High: -9.7%
Low: -5.7%
Intraday: -9.0%
Data Coverage
81.1%
First Year of Data
1864
Station Location
Historical Weather Records
| Max High | Avg High | Min High | Max Avg | Avg Avg | Min Avg | Max Low | Avg Low | Min Low | Max Precipitation | Avg Precipitation | Max Snow | Avg Snow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 40.5 °C | — | 6.7 °C | 29.0 °C | — | 5.3 °C | 26.1 °C | — | -1.1 °C | 93.0 mm | — | — | — |
| January | 40.5 °C | 21.2 °C | 12.8 °C | 28.3 °C | 17.2 °C | 10.6 °C | 25.0 °C | 13.3 °C | 1.7 °C | 91.7 mm | 1.5 mm | — | — |
| February | 38.9 °C | 21.3 °C | 12.2 °C | 29.0 °C | 17.6 °C | 12.3 °C | 26.1 °C | 13.9 °C | 1.7 °C | 58.2 mm | 1.4 mm | — | — |
| March | 38.5 °C | 20.2 °C | 10.6 °C | 28.3 °C | 16.7 °C | 10.4 °C | 23.9 °C | 13.2 °C | 3.7 °C | 93.0 mm | 1.7 mm | — | — |
| April | 33.3 °C | 17.9 °C | 10.0 °C | 25.4 °C | 15.0 °C | 8.0 °C | 22.8 °C | 11.7 °C | 1.7 °C | 61.5 mm | 2.3 mm | — | — |
| May | 27.8 °C | 15.5 °C | 8.3 °C | 21.0 °C | 13.3 °C | 7.3 °C | 19.7 °C | 10.1 °C | 1.7 °C | 47.2 mm | 2.8 mm | — | — |
| June | 22.2 °C | 13.6 °C | 7.2 °C | 17.7 °C | 11.4 °C | 5.3 °C | 16.7 °C | 8.5 °C | 1.0 °C | 61.0 mm | 3.1 mm | — | — |
| July | 21.2 °C | 13.0 °C | 6.7 °C | 18.2 °C | 10.7 °C | 5.5 °C | 13.4 °C | 7.6 °C | 0.0 °C | 52.6 mm | 3.2 mm | — | — |
| August | 25.0 °C | 13.8 °C | 6.7 °C | 19.0 °C | 11.1 °C | 6.4 °C | 16.1 °C | 7.9 °C | 0.6 °C | 58.2 mm | 3.2 mm | — | — |
| September | 30.0 °C | 15.1 °C | 7.4 °C | 20.7 °C | 11.9 °C | 6.8 °C | 18.9 °C | 8.5 °C | -1.1 °C | 48.3 mm | 2.8 mm | — | — |
| October | 34.2 °C | 16.8 °C | 8.9 °C | 24.1 °C | 13.1 °C | 7.9 °C | 21.1 °C | 9.5 °C | -0.6 °C | 68.3 mm | 2.5 mm | — | — |
| November | 37.2 °C | 18.2 °C | 10.5 °C | 25.2 °C | 14.3 °C | 9.1 °C | 20.6 °C | 10.7 °C | 1.4 °C | 90.2 mm | 2.1 mm | — | — |
| December | 36.2 °C | 19.6 °C | 11.1 °C | 26.4 °C | 15.6 °C | 9.9 °C | 22.2 °C | 12.0 °C | 3.2 °C | 49.3 mm | 1.7 mm | — | — |
Data Visualisations
Remove WatermarksCurrent Year Climate Trends vs Historical
Max Temperature this Year | 1 of 6
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages
Max Temperature 12-Month MA | 1 of 6
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year
Average Max Temperature Throughout Year | 1 of 5
