Plaine de CendresAbout Plaine de Cendres
The Plaine de Cendres is a broad volcanic ash plain on Ambrym island in Malampa Province, Vanuatu, created and maintained by repeated eruptions from the island’s central volcanoes.
The landscape is a flat expanse of black ash, scoria and recent volcanic deposits lying between and around Ambrym’s two main craters, Marum and Benbow; it presents extensive volcanic terrain and views of lava-affected ground. Visits typically form part of volcano treks or guided excursions rather than conventional sightseeing.
The plain has been formed and reshaped by episodic eruptions and ashfall during the 20th and 21st centuries, and its surface continues to change with volcanic activity.
It is located inland on Ambrym island in Malampa Province, occupying the central volcanic zone between the island’s active craters.
- Access: Access normally requires local transport on Ambrym and, for many routes, a guide because tracks are rough and the plain is close to active volcanic terrain.
Best Time to Visit Plaine de Cendres
The dry season (May-October) is generally the best time to visit Vanuatu's outer islands and volcanic plains.
Weather & Climate near Plaine de Cendres
Plaine de Cendres's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (3993 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 387 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 383 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 413 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 18° - 26° | 22° | 436 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 18° - 25° | 21° | 283 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 17° - 24° | 20° | 271 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 23° | 19° | 284 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 23° | 19° | 200 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 291 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 316 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 17° - 26° | 22° | 346 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 18° - 27° | 23° | 383 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Plaine de Cendres
Reach Ambrym by inter-island flight or ferry from Port Vila or Santo; from the island’s coastal villages arrange local transport inland to the Plaine de Cendres. Boat schedules and road conditions are variable; local coordination is essential.
Tips for Visiting Plaine de Cendres
- Hire a local guide or arrange transport through a village on Ambrym - inter-island services are irregular.
- Bring sun protection and sturdy footwear; the cinder and volcanic ash terrain can be sharp and hot in the sun.
- Check tide and weather conditions when approaching by boat; seas can be unpredictable.