EC2 instance 100% CPU utilisation then stuck at 10%, Completely frozen Can't even ssh in

Question

An ec2 t2.micro instance (linux) shows a very abnormal behavior. I have a very light application which usually consumes less than 3% of CPU usage.
Suddenly (almost each 4th day) the instance jumps at 100% CPU usage for around 12 hours and then stucks to 10% .

When the instance is stuck, I can't even ssh in, the ssh connection just times out. 
Ine the image below the behavior is shown. After I stop & start the instance again, everything works again.

Some other details:
-  the instance has a security group that only allows my ip address to connect via ssh.
- The app runs in a docker container and it barely receives traffic.

Any ideas would be highly appreciated :)

https://imgur.com/a/j5BOf61

Answer

This can easily be caused by some sort of (default) scheduled activity on the instance. Unfortunately, you have not disclosed the OS type / Linux distribution.

You may consider upscaling the instance and/or enabling T2/T3 Unlimited mode in order to accommodate the workload without causing a disruption.

You may also consider enabling T2/T3 Unlimited mode just so you will be able to connect to the instance when the activity is happening, and then investigating the cause.

See also https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/burstable-performance-instances-unlimited-mode.html

EC2 instance 100% CPU utilisation then stuck at 10%, Completely frozen Can't even ssh in

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