When to visit Pompeii
Opening hours, no beating around the bush
From October 15 to March 14, the last entry is at 3:30 PM and the gates close at 5:00 PM. From March 16 to October 14, you can enter until 5:30 PM and the site closes at 7:00 PM. The park is closed on December 25 and January 1. These are the two numbers that matter: if you arrive in the mid-afternoon in winter, you won’t see much.
Morning or afternoon
In low season, early morning always wins: cool air, soft light on the paving stones, fewer people. In high season, things flip by midday: cruise ship tours dump groups in the morning, so afternoons are much quieter—if you can handle the heat. If you’re visiting in July or August, arrive at 9:00 AM and plan to leave before the worst of the heat, or come late and stay until closing.
The seasons
April-May and September-October are the best times to visit Pompeii: mild weather, fewer crowds, and long enough days. Winter is cold and damp, but the site is so much quieter that it’s worth bundling up. In summer, the issue isn’t the crowds—it’s the sun: there’s almost no shade anywhere, and that affects what you should bring.
No matter when you go, book your time slot a few days ahead: on peak days, availability sells out, as I explain in booking ahead.
If you arrive by car
Secure parking is near Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra, and the area fills up during peak hours: aim to be there before 10:00 AM. I’ve written a separate page on which entrance to use, Pompeii entrances.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best time to arrive at the Pompeii ruins?
At 9:00 AM, when it opens, in almost every season. The only exception is high season, when cruise groups fill the morning and the afternoon flows better.
What’s the best month to visit Pompeii?
April, May, September and October: mild weather and fewer people. July and August are the months when the heat on the paving stones cuts the visit short, so plan to spend less time inside than you expected—see how much time you need.
Is Pompeii open at Christmas and New Year’s?
The park is closed on December 25 and January 1. On other winter days it opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, with last entry at 3:30 PM.