Rome Attractions
The Pompeii ruins open daily at 9 am. Closing times vary by season:
- April to October (Peak Season): Closes at 7 pm
- November to March (Lean Season): Closes at 5 pm
The last entry is always 90 minutes before closing.
Pompeii remains closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Here are the detailed opening hours for Pompeii during the peak season (April–October) and lean season (November–March).
Peak Season (1 April to 31 October)
| Site | Opening Time | Last Entrance | Closing Time | Closed On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pompeii | 9 am | 5.30 pm | 7 pm | – |
| Villa Regina (Boscoreale) Antiquarium | 9 am | 6 pm | 7 pm | – |
| Villa Arianna & Villa San Marco (Stabiae) | 9 am | 6 pm | 7 pm | Tuesday |
| Villa di Poppea (Oplontis) | 9 am | 6 pm | 7 pm | Tuesday |
| Museo Archeologico di Stabia Libero D’Orsi | 9 am | 6 pm | 7 pm | Tuesday |
Lean Season (1 November to 31 March)
| Site | Opening Time | Last Entrance | Closing Time | Closed On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pompeii | 9 am | 3.30 pm | 5 pm | – |
| Villa Regina (Boscoreale) Antiquarium | 9 am | 4 pm | 5 pm | – |
| Villa Arianna & Villa San Marco (Stabiae) | 9 am | 4 pm | 5 pm | Tuesday |
| Villa di Poppea (Oplontis) | 9 am | 4 pm | 5 pm | Tuesday |
| Museo Archeologico di Stabia Libero D’Orsi | 9 am | 4 pm | 5 pm | Tuesday |
Pompeii has a daily visitor limit of 20,000, and tickets sell out quickly—especially during peak season. To secure your entry and ensure a hassle-free visit, it’s best to book in advance. You have two options – the self-guided Pompeii Express ticket and the guided tour.
Insider tip! Pompeii has three entrances. Porta Marina is the most popular and is closest to the train station Pompei Scavi—Villa dei Misteri. Piazza Anfiteatro is just opposite the Porta Marina and is not as crowded. Piazza Esedra is the best option if you are coming from Naples or Salerno by car, as there are many parking slots close by.
How long does the tour take
If you’re short on time, a quick visit of about two hours will allow you to see the key highlights of Pompeii, including the Forum, the Theater, and a few well-preserved villas.
For a more immersive experience, a standard visit of four to five hours covers additional landmarks such as the House of the Vettii, Lupanar (ancient brothel), and the Amphitheater.
Those who want to explore Pompeii in depth should plan for at least six hours or more. This allows time to wander through lesser-known streets, residential homes, and ancient bathhouses.
Guided tours usually last 2 to 3 hours, offering an efficient way to explore the most significant sites with expert insights.
Note: Many tourists want to know if combining the Pompeii visit with the Herculaneum ruins is possible. Yes, it is possible!
Recommended
Best time to visit Pompeii
The best time to visit Pompeii depends on the season and your preferences for weather and crowd levels.
The ideal months to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September–November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant and mild, and the site is less crowded compared to the peak summer months.
Summer (June–August) is the hottest and busiest time of year, with large crowds and high temperatures. If you plan to visit during summer, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat.
Winter (December–February) is a great option for those who prefer minimal crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures. However, some areas of the site may be muddy or temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
Recommended
Best time of day
Visiting Pompeii in the morning, between 9 am and 11 am, is best for avoiding large tour groups and the intense afternoon heat.
The late afternoon, after 3 pm, is also a good option, as crowds at Pompeii begin to thin out, and the soft lighting makes for excellent photos.
Recommended
Best days to visit
Visiting Pompeii from Monday to Thursday is the best option for a less crowded and more relaxed experience.
From Friday to Sunday, the site tends to be much busier, especially on weekends and public holidays.
