Pompeii Hours

Opening hours of Pompeii from 1st November to 31st March are from 9 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 3.30 pm.

Pompeii opening hours from 1st April to 31st October are from 9 am to 7 pm.

The last admission for these month ends at 5.30 pm.

It’s crucial to understand that closing and final admission times are different. 

Visitors can explore the site up to two hours beyond the last admission time.

That means you can stay at Pompeii until 9.30 pm in the summer and 7 pm in the winter. 

Want to explore more about Pompeii in detail? You can opt for a Pompeii guided tour that can be reserved in advance. 

If you plan to visit Pompeii, we suggest you learn the best ways to reach the attraction. 

This information will help you save time and avoid inconvenience.

The archaeological site of Pompeii is open every day of the year. However, it remains closed on 25th December, 1st January and 1st May.

Note: Many tourists combine Pompeii with nearby archaeological sites such as Herculaneum, Boscoreale, Stabia and Oplontis. 
Their opening hours are the same as that of Pompeii.

Best time to visit Pompeii 

The off-season, between November and March, is the best time to visit Pompeii because the summer season is always crowded between May and September.

Pompeii has Mediterranean weather, so the mild winters and dry summers make it a pleasant place to visit all year. 

Arrive early in the morning to make the most of the daylight hours.

If you’re worried about the cold, the heat, or the crowds of tourists, keep reading to find out what to expect.

Best time of the year

Spring temperatures are mild, the days are longer, and you have a good chance of seeing some sunshine during your trip to Pompeii. 

Mount Vesuvius shining at a perfect temperature in the April or May sun will make your trip unforgettable. 

Remember that most tours take place outside, and there aren’t many places to get shade from the weather change, so spring is the best time to go.

Many visitors choose to visit Pompeii in the spring, so crowds increase in April (especially at Easter) and May after the cold winter.

Autumn weather in Pompeii is similar to spring weather, especially if you visit in October. 

The number of visitors to Pompeii began to decline dramatically in October. 

There are no longer months of the year when more tourists and large organized groups visit the archaeological site of Vesuvius.

You should be able to spend a relaxing day strolling through the city’s ancient streets without dodging people to enjoy the ruins.

Thousands of visitors come here on day trips from Rome or as part of a Naples or the Amalfi Coast tour.

Pompeii is busiest during the summer months, particularly in July and August. 

Large groups of organized tourists are common during this time, so plenty of timetables are available for English-language guided tours.

The cold and dampness in Pompeii’s streets begin to be felt around the end of November. 

The days are also shorter, and many visitors avoid Pompeii at this time of year.

So, if you prefer to avoid many tourists, this is an excellent time to visit Vesuvius. 

Arrive early in the morning to make the most of the daylight hours.

However, even if the temperatures aren’t very high, you’ll likely find a sunny day when it’s pleasant to walk around.

Best time of the week 

Crowds are much smaller from Monday to Friday than on weekends or public holidays. 

In any case, Monday through Friday have more available times, so we recommend booking your tickets for Pompeii in advance. 

Large groups of tourists are also likely to be encountered on long weekends.

Many tourists visit on Saturdays and Sundays to enjoy the incredible Pompeii, so the visit will not be as relaxing as on any other day of the week.

However, you can book a Pompeii guided tour to enjoy this archeological site without worrying about wait times and large crowds.

How long does it take

The Pompeii ruins cover 44 square hectares, and touring the park would take at least two full days. 

Most of the highlights can be seen in 4 hours, and the visits can extend more – especially on a hot day. 

You can also spend an entire day exploring the park and stopping for lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas.

The recommended amount of time to spend in Pompeii is 2 to 3 hours, which allows you to see some of the more popular attractions. 

Those interested in doing a lot of walking should plan on spending 4 to 6 hours. 

The time to tour the area will also depend on whether you wish to visit Mount Vesuvius. 

Purchase the Pompeii tickets online to choose your desired time slot and benefit from the skip the line entrance.

FAQs

Featured Image: Pompeiisites.org