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Mount Mahawu

Mountain

Overlooking Tomohon and Manado, Mount Mahawu is a small stratovolcano with a visible crater and steam vents; hikers climb for sunrise views, crater rims and easy day treks.

Mount Mahawu MakassarPantai BiraTana TorajaKendariLake PosoTogean IslandsGorontaloManadoBunakenMount Mahawu
In this guide

Mount Mahawu essentials

Address: Mount Mahawu, near Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Admission: Free (temple/hot spring donations may apply)
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Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mount Mahawu

Best visited in the dry season for crater rim walks and visibility; local guides can provide up-to-date safety information.

Dry season
June-September · 18-26°C (64-79°F)
Best for hiking and clear views.
Wet season
October-May · 20-28°C (68-82°F)
Lush vegetation but more rain and fog obscuring views.

Weather & Climate near Mount Mahawu

Climate

Mount Mahawu's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C. Heavy rainfall (2461 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 48 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 16° - 24° 20° 273 mm overcast 85% 2.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
February Good 16° - 25° 20° 223 mm overcast 84% 2.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
March Good 16° - 25° 21° 224 mm overcast 84% 2.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Good 16° - 25° 21° 240 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
May Good 17° - 25° 21° 269 mm partly cloudy 82% 1.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
June Very Good 16° - 25° 21° 188 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
July Very Good 16° - 25° 21° 150 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
August Very Good 16° - 25° 21° 107 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
September Very Good 16° - 25° 21° 118 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.4 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 16° - 26° 21° 180 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
November Good 16° - 26° 21° 242 mm overcast 81% 2.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
December Good 16° - 25° 21° 247 mm overcast 84% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mount Mahawu

Tomohon is about 30-40 minutes by car from Manado. Local minibuses and hired drivers provide access to the mountain’s parking and trailhead; the crater rim is a short walk from the lot.

Tips for Visiting Mount Mahawu

  • A short hike from Tomohon city gives good views-combine the climb with a visit to market vendors selling local produce and smoked fish.
  • Check volcanic monitoring updates-Mahawu has had fumarolic activity and park authorities sometimes restrict access.
  • Sunrise views are excellent but require an early start and a torch for the trail.