Augustine Volcano
Volcano Active Cook Inlet stratovolcano in Alaska, eruption history.
An active stratovolcano in the Aleutian arc, Augustine Volcano rises from Cook Inlet; researchers and flightseeing tours approach the mountain to observe ash plumes, lava domes and recent eruption deposits.
Augustine Volcano is an active stratovolcano located in lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the region. It rises from the sea and produces explosive eruptions that have significant ash hazards.
The volcano has produced several notable eruptions in the modern record, including a major eruptive episode in 2006 that generated ash plumes and local tsunamis. Its activity is closely monitored by the Alaska Volcano Observatory and local authorities.
Augustine has been used as a case study for explosive island-arc volcanism and for monitoring ash impacts on aviation and nearby coastal communities.
The volcano sits in Cook Inlet off the southern coast of the Alaska mainland, southwest of Anchorage and is accessed and viewed from ships or aircraft rather than by road.
- Hazard note: Because it is an active volcano close to shipping lanes and air routes, recent eruptive activity can affect aviation and nearby communities; check Alaska Volcano Observatory notices before travel in the region.
How to Get to Augustine Volcano #
Augustine Volcano is on an uninhabited island in Cook Inlet with no road access. You reach it only by air or sea - charter a floatplane or ski‑plane (seasonal, weather dependent) from Homer or Anchorage, or arrange a private boat charter out of Homer; landings depend on conditions and local regulations. The volcano lies roughly 280 km (about 175 miles) southwest of Anchorage, so plan long charter legs or multi‑day boat passages and confirm permits and safety arrangements in advance.
Tips for Visiting Augustine Volcano #
- Plan for summer weather and long daylight-July-August typically offers the calmest seas and best visibility for viewing Augustine Volcano from boats or scenic flights.
- Book a scenic flight or charter from Homer (or other Kenai Peninsula operators) rather than attempting a self-organized approach; the island is remote and the safest, most reliable views are from air or licensed boat tours.
- Check the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) before you go and on the day of travel-Augustine is active and AVO alerts determine safe viewing distances and any access advisories.
Best Time to Visit Augustine Volcano #
Visit in summer (June-August) for the most reliable access, milder temperatures and longer daylight-always check eruption advisories before travel.
Weather & Climate near Augustine Volcano #
Augustine Volcano's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (994 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and breezy conditions.
