About Green Mountain National Park
Green Mountain National Park protects the forested slopes around the island’s highest point, Green Mountain, on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic; the summit reaches 859 metres above sea level.
The park is notable for its planted woodlands and remnant endemic flora that together form a moist summit environment uncommon on the surrounding arid island. The vegetation functions as the island’s primary water catchment and supports birdlife and several native plants.
Vegetation on the mountain was significantly altered by planting and land management in the 19th and 20th centuries to increase moisture retention and create a more wooded summit. Today the area is managed for conservation and recreation and is reached by maintained trails from the island’s inhabited settlements.
Green Mountain sits near the island’s main settlement of Georgetown on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, within the British Overseas Territory administered from the United Kingdom.
- Vegetation and catchment: The mountain’s slopes support planted woodlands and a mosaic of introduced and endemic plants that capture mist and rainfall, forming the island’s main freshwater catchment.
- Access and trails: A network of waymarked trails leads from the island’s settlements to the summit; typical walking times from the nearest settlement to the peak are about one to two hours depending on route and fitness.
What to See#
- Green Mountain summit: The summit reaches 859 metres above sea level and is the highest point on Ascension Island, providing the island’s principal watershed and the most extensive area of green cover.
Nearby Attractions to Green Mountain National Park
Best Time to Visit Green Mountain National Park
Best visited in the island's cooler months and shoulder seasons to avoid the most persistent fog and to enjoy comfortable hiking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Green Mountain National Park
Green Mountain National Park's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 17° - 22° | 20° | 16 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 6.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Ideal | 17° - 23° | 20° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.2h |
| March | Ideal | 17° - 23° | 20° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 16° - 22° | 19° | 47 mm | some cloud | 77% | 6.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 15° - 21° | 18° | 26 mm | some cloud | 76% | 5.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| June | Excellent | 14° - 20° | 17° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 4.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| July | Excellent | 14° - 19° | 16° | 19 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Excellent | 14° - 19° | 17° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| September | Very Good | 14° - 19° | 17° | 18 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 15° - 20° | 17° | 18 mm | overcast | 79% | 6.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 15° - 20° | 18° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 6.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| December | Very Good | 16° - 21° | 19° | 15 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 7.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
How to Get to Green Mountain National Park
Ascension Island is reached by air from St Helena or by long-range flights arranged through the island’s government. Green Mountain is a short drive from the island’s main settlement and is accessed by marked trails; visitors should coordinate with local authorities for transport and any guided walks.
Tips for Visiting Green Mountain National Park
- Ascension flights are infrequent-plan well in advance and align visits with Green Mountain trails and lodging.
- Expect rapid weather changes and pack layers; fog and drizzle can make summer mornings chilly at altitude.
- Respect signage for protected endemic plants-Green Mountain's cloud forest contains species found nowhere else on the island.