Temporal and spatial variations of seismicity scaling behavior in Southern México

► Use of R/S analysis for quantifying correlations, via the Hurst exponent, in interevent period sequences in Southern Mexico. ► Temporal variations of the Hurst exponent show a 1-year cycle. ► High/seismicity occurs in periods of low correlations (i.e., low Hurst exponent values). ► Spatial variations of the Hurst exponent determined by the structure of fracture zones in the Cocos plate. ► The Hurst exponent can be used for monitoring the risk of high/magnitude seismicity.