El Chichón
Volcano Active volcano in Chiapas, Mexico with crater lake.
Volcano in Chiapas known for its major 1982 eruption; visitors come for crater viewpoints, hiking routes through secondary forest and to study ash-scarred terrain in nearby rural communities.
El Chichón is a volcanic complex in northeastern Chiapas, Mexico, notable for its steep-sided summit and cratered summit area. It is an active volcano within the Chiapas Highlands volcanic region.
The volcano is best known for a major explosive eruption in 1982 that caused extensive damage to nearby communities and injected volcanic gases into the stratosphere, with measurable effects on global atmospheric chemistry. Prior eruptive activity has produced a cluster of summit craters and a rugged caldera landscape.
El Chichón sits in the eastern part of the state of Chiapas amid hilly terrain and tropical highland forest. It is remote compared with major cities and is accessed via local roads from nearby towns in the Chiapas highlands.
- 1982 eruption: The volcano produced a major explosive eruption in 1982 that injected large amounts of ash and sulfur into the atmosphere and caused significant local devastation.
- Summit craters: The summit area contains multiple craters and crater lakes formed by past eruptions and collapse events.
How to Get to El Chichón #
El Chichón is in the Los Altos region of Chiapas; access is via rural roads from towns such as Ocosingo or Palenque. Road conditions vary; coordinate with local authorities and guides and check CENAPRED advisories before travel.
Tips for Visiting El Chichón #
- If planning fieldwork or visits near El Chichón, obtain permissions and local guides-terrain and access are restricted.
- Monitor Mexico's geological service (CENAPRED) for current activity reports and safety advisories.
- The volcano has a crater lake formed after the 1982 eruption-approach only with local authorities' permission.
Best Time to Visit El Chichón #
Visit only with up‑to‑date geological guidance; dry season offers better access when allowed.
Weather & Climate near El Chichón #
El Chichón's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with warm summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2567 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (287 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (262 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (298 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (367 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (333 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (216 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm).
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