Pompeii opens daily at 9:00 am. From April 1 to October 31 it closes at 7:30 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm. From November 1 to March 31 it closes at 5:00 pm, with last entry at 3:30 pm. Pompeii is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
The most important thing to understand about Pompeii’s opening hours is that last entry is significantly earlier than closing time. Many visitors have arrived 30–60 minutes before closing, assuming they can still enter — only to be turned away at the gate. This guide gives you the exact 2026 schedule, explains the timed entry system, and tells you when to visit for the best experience.
Top Tickets
# Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
# Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
# 2-Hour Small Group Tour
Table of Contents
Pompeii Opening Hours by Season (2026)
Summer Season: April 1 – October 31
- Opens: 9:00 am daily
- Closes: 7:30 pm
- Last entry: 5:30 pm
- Timed entry slots: Two bands in peak season — 9:00 am–1:00 pm (up to 15,000 visitors) and 1:00 pm–5:30 pm (up to 5,000 visitors)
Winter Season: November 1 – March 31
- Opens: 9:00 am daily
- Closes: 5:00 pm
- Last entry: 3:30 pm
- Note: November 1 has a special reduced schedule — check the official site for that specific date
Closed Dates
- 25 December (Christmas Day)
- 1 January (New Year’s Day)
- 1 May (Labour Day)
Always check the official Pompeii website for any additional closures announced due to maintenance, excavation work, or weather.
Understanding Last Entry Time
Can I arrive at Pompeii 30 minutes before closing? No — last entry is 90 minutes before closing in summer (5:30 pm for a 7:30 pm close) and 90 minutes before closing in winter (3:30 pm for a 5:00 pm close). Arriving after the last entry time means you will be refused entry even if visitors already inside can continue until closing.
This is the single most common mistake made by Pompeii visitors. Last entry is not the same as closing time. After the last entry cutoff, the gates stop admitting visitors. If you arrive at 5:45 pm in summer thinking you have until 7:30 pm — you do not. You need to plan to be inside the site by the last entry time, which means arriving at the gate at least 15–20 minutes earlier to account for security checks.
A safe rule of thumb: plan to enter at least 3 hours before closing for a meaningful visit. For a full day visit, enter at opening. See our how long to spend at Pompeii guide for realistic time planning.
The Timed Entry System
How does the timed entry system work at Pompeii? From mid-March to mid-October, Pompeii uses a timed entry system with two daily slots: 9:00 am–1:00 pm and 1:00 pm–5:30 pm. A daily cap of 20,000 visitors applies. You can enter at any point during your booked slot and stay until the site closes, regardless of when you entered.
The timed entry system was introduced to manage Pompeii’s 20,000-visitor daily cap — one of the highest sustainable visitor limits for any archaeological site in the world. In practice:
- Morning slot (9:00 am–1:00 pm): Up to 15,000 admissions — 12,000 Express and 3,000 Plus tickets
- Afternoon slot (1:00 pm–5:30 pm): Up to 5,000 admissions — 3,000 Express and 2,000 Plus tickets
- You can stay as long as you want after entering — the slot controls when you arrive, not how long you stay
In winter (November–March), the timed slot system is less strictly enforced, but the daily cap still applies. Booking in advance is recommended year-round to guarantee your entry.
Best Time to Visit Pompeii
What is the best time of day to visit Pompeii? The best time to visit Pompeii is right at opening — 9:00 am. The first 60–90 minutes are the quietest and coolest of the day. Tour groups from Naples and Sorrento typically arrive from 10:00 am onward. Morning light also makes photography significantly better, particularly in the Forum.
By Time of Day
- 9:00–10:30 am: Best — quiet, cool, good light for photos
- 10:30 am–1:00 pm: Busy — tour groups arrive, popular sights queue
- 1:00–2:00 pm: Peak crowds and peak heat — use for lunch break
- 2:00–4:00 pm: Moderate — afternoon visitors, site still busy
- 4:30–7:00 pm (summer): Good — day-trippers leave, crowds thin, beautiful afternoon light
By Season
For the full seasonal breakdown — including month-by-month ratings, Italian holiday dates to avoid, and whether free Sunday is worth it — see our best time to visit Pompeii guide.
Does Pompeii Open Every Day?
Yes — Pompeii is open daily throughout the year with the exceptions of 25 December, 1 January, and 1 May. Some individual buildings within the site operate on a conservation rota and may be temporarily closed — notably the House of the Vettii, Villa of the Mysteries, and the Garden of the Fugitives. Always check the official schedule if you are visiting specifically for one of these buildings.
Pompeii Night Tours
From June to October, Pompeii offers after-hours evening access on selected nights. The site is lit differently from daytime visits — softer, more atmospheric lighting and significantly fewer visitors. See our dedicated Pompeii Night Tour guide for dates, routes, and how to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the ticket office open at Pompeii?
The ticket offices at all three entrances open at 9:00 am — the same time as the site. There is no early-morning walk-up option. To avoid queue time at the ticket office, book your entry ticket online in advance.
Can you visit Pompeii for free?
Yes — Pompeii is free on the first Sunday of every month (Domenica al Museo initiative). EU citizens under 18 enter free year-round. See our free entry guide for full details.
What happens if I arrive late?
If you arrive after the last entry time, you will be refused entry. There are no exceptions — even with a pre-booked ticket. If you have a pre-booked ticket for a specific slot you miss, check the cancellation/rebooking policy with your booking platform. GetYourGuide tickets generally allow rescheduling with sufficient advance notice.
