During peak months (16 March to 14 october), Herculaneum’s opening hours are from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, with the last entry at 6 pm – 30 minutes before the closing.
During the lean period of 15 October to 15 March, Herculaneum visiting hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 3:30 pm.
Herculaneum remains closed every Wednesday and on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
| Summers (16 March to 14 October) Last Entry | 9:30 am to 7:30 pm 6 pm |
| Winters (15 October to 15 March) Last Entry | 8:30 am to 5 pm 3:30 pm |
| Closed | Every Wednesday, New Yera’s Day (1 January), 1 May and Christmas (25 December) |
Best Time to visit Herculaneum
To avoid the crowd, consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Typically, the park is busiest between 11 am and 2 pm.
The site remains peaceful during the first hour of the opening, and ticket lines are shorter right at the entry time.
Similarly, visiting the ruins around two hours before closing time, you will find the site calm or progressively more peaceful.
Avoid visiting on weekends, school holidays and the first Sunday of every month when the admission is free.
Note: Here, summers are hot, so keep all your summer accessories, such as hats and sunscreen.
If you intend to visit Herculaneum in the winter, arrive before evening as the site is in an extensive archaeological pit and doesn’t receive much natural light.
FAQs
1. What time does Herculaneum open?
From March 16 to October 14, Herculaneum remains open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, with the last entry at 6 pm. From 15 October to 15 March, the visiting hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 3:30 pm.
2. Is Herculaneum open every day?Â
Herculaneum remains open throughout the week except on Wednesday and New Year’s Day (1 January), 1 May and Christmas (25 December).
3. Is Herculaneum closed on Wednesdays?Â
Herculaneum is closed on Wednesday and other holidays like New Year’s Day, 1 May and Christmas Day.
4. What are Herculaneum closing times?Â
During Summers, from March 16 to October 14, Herculaneum closes at 7:30 pm, with the last entry at 6 pm. And in Winters, from 15 October to 15 March, it closes at 5 pm, with the last admission at 3:30 pm.
Featured Image: Edella from Getty Images
