Kanlaon

Volcano Active stratovolcano and highest peak on Negros Island

Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island is an active stratovolcano and the Visayas’ highest peak; hikers attempt guided ascents, and conservation zones protect native forest and wildlife.

Main image
"No matter how difficult life is, there is always hope.".jpg
Arhopala aronya natsumiae, Negros Is..JPG
Arhopala aronya natsumiae, Negros Island.JPG
Drone Shot of Mt. Kanlaon.jpg
Guintubdan Ranger Station.jpg
Kanlaon (Canlaon) Volcano - panoramio.jpg
KanlaonScape.JPG
Mambukal Falls, Murcia.JPG
Main image

Kanlaon is an active stratovolcano on Negros Island in the central Philippines and is the island’s highest peak at roughly 2,465 meters above sea level. It is a major topographic and ecological landmark in the Visayas region.

Hiking routes lead into montane forest and towards the summit areas, where the crater and fumarolic zones are visible from safe distances when conditions permit. The surrounding protected area supports biodiversity and offers trail-based nature tourism.

Documented eruptions have occurred intermittently in historical times, and the volcano is monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Over time the mountain has been managed as a protected area to conserve its ecosystems and to regulate recreational access.

Located in the central Visayas region on Negros Island within Western Visayas administrative boundaries, the volcano dominates the island’s interior and is accessible from towns and cities on Negros’ coasts.

  • Peak elevation: At about 2,465 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on Negros Island and a dominant feature of the island's central highlands.
  • Active volcano status: Classified as an active stratovolcano; it is monitored for fumarolic activity and periodic eruptions by Philippine volcanological authorities.

What to See #

  • Summit crater: The summit crater area, which defines the volcano's active vent and is the focus of scientific monitoring and mountaineering visits.
  • Kanlaon Natural Park: A designated protected area that covers the volcano and surrounding forests, offering trails and biodiversity protection for the mountain's slopes.
Kanlaon
10.4110, 123.1328

How to Get to Kanlaon #

Approaches begin from nearby towns on Negros Island such as La Castellana or Canlaon City (note spelling differences). Local tourism offices and mountaineering clubs provide guidance on trailheads, permits and current advisory levels from PHIVOLCS.

Tips for Visiting Kanlaon #

  • If attempting a summit, join a certified local guide-the terrain is active and weather can change rapidly.
  • Check for municipal bulletins before climbing-the volcano is monitored and access may be restricted when activity increases.
  • Plan for multi-day treks from the nearest towns; infrastructure near the summit is minimal.

Best Time to Visit Kanlaon #

Dry season (December-May) is generally preferred for climbing and safer travel conditions.

Dry season/Climbing season
December-May · 15-25°C (lower elevations); cooler higher up
Lower rainfall and more stable conditions for ascent.
Wet season
June-November · 20-30°C
Heavier rains, slippery trails and increased eruption risk during stormy months.

Weather & Climate near Kanlaon #

Climate

Kanlaon's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (3043 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit
AprilFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

151 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

May is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (296 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

296 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

June

June is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (357 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

357 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

July

July is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (401 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
14° 21°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

401 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

August

August is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (342 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
14° 21°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

342 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

September

September is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (345 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

345 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (304 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

304 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

November

November is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (276 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

276 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

December

December is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

219 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Kanlaon