Soufrière Hills
Mountain Active stratovolcano causing major 1995 eruptions on Montserrat
An active volcano on Montserrat, Soufrière Hills began eruptive activity in the 1990s and altered the island’s settlements. Visitors encounter volcanic landscapes, museum exhibits and guided tours from safe viewing points.
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Soufrière Hills is an active volcanic complex on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, notable for its prolonged eruptive period that began in 1995. The volcano’s activity caused major pyroclastic flows, ash emissions and widespread disruption to the island’s population and infrastructure.
Eruptions in the mid-1990s buried the capital, Plymouth, under hot ash and debris and forced the evacuation and long-term abandonment of much of the southern half of Montserrat. The volcano has produced intermittent eruptions and continues to be closely monitored by scientific observatories.
The activity transformed the island’s settlement patterns and economy and created exclusion zones for public safety; access to affected areas is restricted and controlled by authorities.
- 1995 eruption and impacts: Major eruptive activity began in 1995, producing pyroclastic flows and ashfall that destroyed the island's former capital and led to long-term evacuations.
- Hazard management: A volcanic exclusion zone remains in effect for much of the southern part of Montserrat, and the volcano is monitored continuously by geologic authorities.
Tips for Visiting Soufrière Hills #
- Before visiting check the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) or local government bulletins for current activity levels and any exclusion zones-access and viewing points can change at short notice.
- Only view the volcano from authorized vantage points or with licensed local guides who coordinate with the MVO; entering the red/closed zones is illegal and dangerous even when the volcano is quiet.
- Choose clear, calm mornings for sightseeing-visibility is often best then, and guided viewing platforms provide safer photo opportunities than improvised roadside stops.
Best Time to Visit Soufrière Hills #
Travel in the island's drier months (roughly December-April) for the most reliable conditions; note that parts of Montserrat remain restricted because of the Soufrière Hills eruption that began in 1995.
Weather & Climate near Soufrière Hills #
Soufrière Hills's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1631 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (178 mm).
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (182 mm).
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (171 mm).
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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