Anatahan

Island Uninhabited volcanic island in Northern Mariana Islands

A largely uninhabited volcanic island in the Northern Mariana chain, with steep coasts and a central crater. Occasional sailors and scientific teams make landings for wildlife observation and to study recent volcanic activity; there are no regular tourist facilities.

Main image

Anatahan is a volcanic island in the Northern Mariana Islands with a prominent central stratovolcano that dominates the small landmass. The island is largely uninhabited and notable for intermittent volcanic activity that can produce ash plumes and local disruption.

During periods of quiescence the island has sparse vegetation and seabird colonies; volcanic events have in the past led to temporary evacuations and restrictions on access. There is little permanent infrastructure and visits require coordination with Northern Mariana authorities.

Anatahan lies in the central part of the Northern Mariana island chain in the western Pacific, north of Saipan and within the Northern Islands Municipality.

  • Volcanic activity: The island has an active volcanic summit and is monitored for eruptions; access is restricted during eruptive activity.
Anatahan
16.3620, 145.6420

How to Get to Anatahan #

Access to Anatahan is controlled and typically limited to scientific missions or government-chartered vessels. Travel requires prior permits from Northern Mariana Islands authorities.

Tips for Visiting Anatahan #

  • Anatahan is an active volcanic island with restricted access - do not attempt independent landings.
  • Only visit as part of authorised scientific or government operations; check local Northern Mariana Islands authorities for permits.
  • Be prepared for no facilities and rapid weather changes on approach.

Best Time to Visit Anatahan #

Access is restricted and largely impractical for casual visitors; the dry season offers the only relatively safer maritime window.

Dry Season (Dec-Jun)
Dec-Jun · 24-30°C
Generally calmer seas and better conditions for maritime access.
Wet Season (Jul-Nov)
Jul-Nov · 24-31°C
Typhoon risk increases; sea travel can be dangerous.

Weather & Climate near Anatahan #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2017 mm/year), wettest in September.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 27°

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
22° 27°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (248 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

248 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (290 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

290 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (316 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

316 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (259 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

259 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

173 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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