Mount Pavlof

Mountain Highly active Aleutian volcano known for frequent eruptions

One of Alaska’s most active volcanoes on the Alaska Peninsula, Mount Pavlof frequently produces ash plumes that affect regional air routes. Scientists, pilots and the occasional adventurous trekker monitor eruptions from safe distances.

Main image

Mount Pavlof is an active stratovolcano located on the Alaska Peninsula in southwestern Alaska. It is part of the Aleutian volcanic arc and has a history of frequent eruptive activity, often producing ash plumes and lava flows.

The volcano’s eruptions tend to be strombolian to vulcanian in style, and activity is closely monitored because ash can pose hazards to aircraft and nearby settlements. Pavlof stands as a classic, snow- and ice-covered conical volcano in a rugged, sparsely populated part of the peninsula.

Geographically the volcano lies on the Alaska Peninsula within the Aleutian Range, in a remote coastal region of southwestern Alaska. Access is limited and typically accomplished by air or boat to nearby communities followed by overland approaches.

  • Volcanic activity: Active stratovolcano on the Alaska Peninsula and one of Alaska's more frequently erupting volcanoes.
  • Monitoring: Monitored by the Alaska Volcano Observatory; eruptions commonly produce ash plumes that can affect aviation and nearby communities.
Mount Pavlof
Mount Pavlof - Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, USA (remote volcanic peak)
55.4172, -161.8938

How to Get to Mount Pavlof #

Mount Pavlof is a remote active volcano on the Alaska Peninsula with no road access to its summit. The usual access is by air or sea: fly to a regional hub (for the peninsula that commonly includes King Salmon or Cold Bay from Anchorage) and then charter a bush plane or boat to a landing near the volcano; visits require experienced pilots/guides and careful planning due to weather and volcanic hazards.

Tips for Visiting Mount Pavlof #

  • Check the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) status and recent advisories before planning any visit-Pavlof is one of Alaska's most active volcanoes and conditions can change rapidly.
  • Plan any viewing from a safe distance or via an organized flightseeing operator rather than attempting to approach the volcano on foot; if you need local logistics or transport, work with operators experienced on the Alaska Peninsula and factor in frequent bad-weather delays.
  • Target summer weather windows for clearer visibility and confirm aircraft/boat availability well in advance, since remoteness and eruptive activity commonly disrupt transport and viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Visit Mount Pavlof #

If visiting Mount Pavlof, aim for the summer months for safer access and milder conditions, but always check volcano advisories.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 0-10°C
Relatively milder weather and longer daylight make access and observation easier, though conditions remain cool and changeable.
Winter
Dec-Feb · -10-0°C
Cold, stormy and often snowy - access is difficult and weather can be severe.

Weather & Climate near Mount Pavlof #

Climate

Mount Pavlof's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in April). Temperatures range from -10°C to 2°C. Abundant rainfall (1148 mm/year), wettest in September.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -3°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-5° -4°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-10° -9°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-10° -9°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-6° -5°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-3° -1°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (129 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-6° -3°

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-6° -3°

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-5° -2°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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