Opening and Closing Hours of Pompeii

Planning a visit to Pompeii? Knowing the opening and closing hours can help you make the most of your time at this incredible archaeological site.

All Pompeii sites open daily at 9 am, but closing times vary by season.

From 1 April to 31 October (summer/peak season), the last entry to Pompeii is at 5.30 pm, with the site closing at 7 pm.

During the winter/off-season, from 1 November to 31 March, the last entry is at 3.30 pm and closes at 5 pm. 

Remember that Pompeii remains closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Not sure which Pompeii entry tickets are right for you? Let us guide you through the best options, from skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to convenient day tours to Pompeii, to make the most of your visit!

Seasonal closing time 

The Castle of Lettere operates on a seasonal schedule. From November to April (winter), it is open daily from 10 am to 1 pm and in the afternoon from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm. During the summer months, May to October, the castle opens every day except Tuesdays, from 10 am to 1 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Plan your visit to Pompeii:

# Find the best entrance for your Pompeii adventure
# Explore the must-see highlights of Pompeii
# Get essential tips for an unforgettable visit to Pompeii
# Find nearby hotels for a comfortable stay in Pompeii

Check the official site for the latest updates regarding opening and closing times to know which sites are open and closed for visitors.

Note: To visit all these areas, visitors need the Pompeii tickets.

Wondering how to reach Pompeii from different locations? Whether you’re coming from Rome, Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento, or Positano, we’ve gathered the best travel options to make your journey easy and hassle-free.

Best time to visit Pompeii

The best time to explore Pompeii is before 10 am. The weather is pleasant, and the site is less crowded during these early hours, allowing for a more peaceful experience. 

By 10.30 am, large tour groups begin to arrive, filling up the ticket booths, entrance lines, and popular sights within the ruins.

These crowds can significantly impact your visit, making it harder to fully appreciate the site’s historical significance.

The crowds start to thin out after lunch. Arriving around 3 pm is another excellent option for visiting Pompeii.

The site remains open until 7 pm during peak season, giving you ample time to explore with fewer people. The ruins close at 5 pm in the off-peak months, so plan accordingly.

Even if you arrive at 3 pm, you will have four hours to enjoy and explore the ruins thoroughly, taking in the remarkable history and preserved artifacts without the midday rush.

Learn about the facilities available onsite, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for visitors, and enjoy convenient dining and refreshment spots within Pompeii.

Tips for visiting Pompeii

To make the most of your trip to Pompeii, consider the following tips:

• Buy your tickets in advance to skip the long lines and ensure easy entry
  
• Plan to arrive either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times
  
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses if you’re visiting during the summer months
  
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Pompeii’s ancient cobblestone streets are uneven
  
• Select a few sites that you most want to see and map out your route
  
• Consider booking a guided tour to gain deeper insight into the history and significance of Pompeii ruins
  
• Carry water and snacks to stay refreshed as the site is large and walking is extensive
  
• Check the weather forecast for heavy rain or extreme heat conditions
  
• If time allows, explore some nearby sites like Herculaneum, Oplontis, or the Stabiae Villas, to obtain unique perspectives on ancient Roman life

Note: If you are staying in Rome or Naples, reaching Pompeii by 10 am is nearly impossible due to travel time. This makes purchasing your Pompeii tickets in advance even more crucial, allowing you to enter the ruins without difficulty upon arrival.

Pompeii Day tours

# Journey from Naples to Pompeii for an unforgettable day tour
# Take a Rome to Pompeii day adventure through history
# Experience Sorrento to Pompeii with guided tours of ancient ruins
# Embark on an Amalfi to Pompeii day trip to explore the past
# Discover Pompeii’s secrets with a guided tour from Positano