Mexico’s Pacific coast sits above the Cocos plate subduction zone, the source of its largest and most destructive earthquakes. This page pulls real records for Mexico: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Mexico.
Check Mexico hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Mexico - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Mexico - FAQ
Is Mexico at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 58 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 722 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M8.1 in 1932.
What was the biggest earthquake in Mexico?
The strongest earthquake on record near Mexico is M8.1, in 1932 (1932 Jalisco, Mexico Earthquake), from USGS.
Does Mexico get tsunamis?
Yes - 28 tsunamis since 1818 (most recently 2022) within 722 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 9,500 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Mexico?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.