The best time to visit Pompeii is early in the morning, just after the gates open for visitors at 9 am.
The crowds are minimal between 9 am and 11 am, allowing you to explore properly.
If you can’t make it in the morning, you must skip the mid-day hours and arrive in the late afternoon after 3.30 pm.
The site is open until 7 pm, and the last entry is at 5.30 pm, so you will have plenty of time to explore it with fewer people around.
If you are planning your trip in advance, we’ve also identified the best months to visit Pompeii below!
Peak vs Low Seasons: The Best Time of the Year to Visit Pompeii
The peak tourist season in Pompeii is in the summer, from June to August, seeking the highest number of visitors.
Alternatively, the low season is in winter, from December to February.
So, summers are good for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. But if you want cheaper tickets and accommodations, consider the winter months.
However, if you want a perfect balance of weather, crowds and prices, we highly recommend the shoulder season in spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).
If you want a particular month, you can choose either April or May; these months offer more daylight hours and beautiful spring blossoms.
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Here’s simplified information with pros and cons to help you understand better:
| Season | Pros | Cons | Who Should Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summers (June – August) | – Mediterranean sunshine – Lively Atmosphere | – High temperatures -Large crowds | Travelers who don’t mind the heat and want a lively atmosphere. |
| Winters (December – February) | -Off-Peak Season – Fewer visitors | – Cooler temperatures -Potential rain | Budget-friendly travelers or those who like winter visits. |
| Spring (April to May) | – Mild weather – Manageable crowds | -Crowds may increase towards the end of the season – Possibility of higher rain in may | Travelers who want a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. |
| Autumn (September to October) | – Mild weather – Manageable crowds | – Possibility of rain showers | Travelers who want a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. |
Weekends vs Weekdays: Best Time of Day to Go to Pompeii
Pompeii is quite busy on weekends compared to weekdays due to the greater number of locals, including families with school kids and friend groups.
So, if you want fewer people around, consider a weekday visit, particularly in the early morning. If you don’t mind crowds, weekends can still work for you!
Also, Pompeii provides free entry on the first Sunday of every month, when crowds can be much larger than expected. So, you can avoid it for a hassle-free experience.
Similarly, try visiting on a weekday to avoid long lines of tourists.
Saturdays and Sundays are usually packed with tourists, so the visit will not be as relaxing as any other day of the week.
If you are planning a trip to Pompeii, consider visiting it during the spring or winter months.
Visitors usually thin out by October, ensuring that you face minimal crowds.
You can stroll its ancient streets without dodging a flood of people.
| Time Period | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Day | Morning (9 am to 11 am)Evening (4 pm to 6 pm) |
| Week | Monday to Friday |
| Month | September December |
Tip: Pompeii is generally open from 9 am to 7 pm, but its opening hours can vary depending on the time of year. Make sure to check them in advance before planning a visit.
How to avoid crowds at Pompeii?
Although Pompeii is spread over 163 acres, its highlights can still be very crowded. Here are certain tips to avoid crowds at Pompeii:
Visit out of season: Choose to visit Pompeii during off-peak times, such as April (after Easter) or October, to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Go mid-week: Visit Pompeii from Monday to Thursday to avoid weekend crowds and the peak tourist influx.
Go early or late in the day: Arrive at Pompeii either early in the morning or later in the day, preferably after 3:30 pm, when most early birds have left.
Consider guided tours: You can save time and have more flexibility by exploring Pompeii with a knowledgeable guide who will have useful tips for avoiding crowds during your visit.
Choose your entrance wisely: There are three entrances to Pompeii. Choose the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance over the Porta Marina entrance to avoid the crowds.
How is the Climate in Pompeii?
The climate in Pompeii is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The summer months (June to August) are warm, with temperatures ranging between 20° and 33° Celsius. August is the warmest of all.
Alternatively, the winter months (December to February) are quite cold, with temperatures ranging between 17° and 7° Celsius and potential rain.
November and May bring the highest rainfall in Pompeii.
You can take a glance at month-on-month climate change in Pompeii here:
| Month | High Temp (°C) | Low Temp (°C) | Rain (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C | 7°C | 3 days |
| February | 17°C | 9°C | 4 days |
| March | 18°C | 10°C | 9 days |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | 3 days |
| May | 21°C | 13°C | 15 days |
| June | 32°C | 20°C | 1 day |
| July | 32°C | 23°C | 3 days |
| August | 33°C | 24°C | 2 days |
| September | 30°C | 21°C | 3 days |
| October | 26°C | 17°C | 6 days |
| November | 20°C | 14°C | 23 days |
| December | 18°C | 10°C | 9 days |
FAQs
1. What is the best time of year to go to Pompeii?
The best times to visit Pompeii are during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer compared to peak summer months.
2. How many days do you need at Pompeii?
Pompeii is one of those attractions where you can easily spend your entire day, including the time to reach and return.
3. What is the best month to visit Pompeii?
April and May are typically the best months to visit Pompeii.
They offer mild weather, manageable crowds, light rain showers and beautiful spring blossoms, perfect for those who want to enjoy history and nature together.
4. What is the best day of the week to visit Pompeii?
Any weekday between Monday to Thursday is good for visiting Pompeii.
If you want the best experience, you can visit from Tuesday to Thursday, particularly in the early morning.
5. Are there long queues at Pompeii?
Yes, Pompeii has long queues, particularly at the entrance and ticketing office.
If you want to avoid these lines, consider booking tickets in advance and learning more about choosing the best Pompeii entrance for yourself.
6. Is 2 hours enough at Pompeii?
Yes, two hours is good for exploring Pompeii’s major highlights. You can also take a two-hour guided tour of the site with a knowledgeable guide.
7. Is it better to visit Pompeii in the morning or afternoon?
It’s better to visit Pompeii in the morning, just after it opens at 9 am than in the afternoon.
If you are planning an afternoon visit, you can consider visiting later in the afternoon, after 3.30 pm.
8. What is the busiest day to visit Pompeii?
Due to increased local and tourist traffic, Sunday is the busiest day in Pompeii.
The first Sunday of the month also seeks the highest crowd due to free visits.
9. Can you visit Pompeii all year round?
Yes, Pompeii can be visited year-round except on certain public holidays, such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and International Worker’s Day.
10. Is Pompeii crowded in October?
No, Pompeii is not crowded in October. It offers a perfect balance of fewer crowds and mild weather.
11. Which hours to avoid visiting Pompeii?
It’s best to avoid visiting Pompeii during the peak hours of 11 am to 3 pm when the crowds are at their highest.
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