Best Moment to Visit Pompeii

Its history, tragic past and the exhaustive work of historians and archaeologists will take you back 2000 years in time. But, if you're planning Pompeii and have some flexibility, before you book your Pompeii excursion from Rome, take note of the following times of the year and week to find out when the best time to visit Pompeii is.

Whether you're worried about the cold or the heat, or the crowds of tourists you'll encounter, read on to find out what to expect.

Spring, in general, is one of the best times of the year to visit Italy, especially if your destination is the centre and south of the country, such as Pompeii. Temperatures in spring are mild, days are longer and you have a good chance of finding sunny days during your trip.

Vesuvius shining in the April or May sun, with a perfect temperature, will make you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Keep in mind that the tour takes place outdoors, there are not many places to take shelter from the sun or rain, so spring is the perfect time to go.

Checking the weather forecast or the average temperatures for Pompeii in Spring will help you to organise the clothes you need, although it's probably a good idea to bring several layers in case it's cool early in the morning and the heat gets more intense in the middle of the day.

Either way, don't be overconfident and take some sunscreen and a hat, as even if it's not too hot, the sun can still get annoying after several hours of walking.

Tourist crowds in spring

Many visitors feel the same way and so choose to go to Pompeii in spring, so after the cold winter the crowds start to increase in April (especially at Easter) and May, although don't worry: they don't reach the levels of visitors that come here in summer.

The weather in Pompeii in autumn is similar to that of spring, especially if you visit in October. The thermometer has not yet dropped completely, temperatures are still mild and although the daylight hours are beginning to shorten, you will find Pompeii the perfect temperature for a day outdoors.

My recommendation is to bring a jacket or windbreaker in case of a cooler day, but in principle you shouldn't have any problems with the cold. In case it rains, don't worry because you'll still be able to visit, although an umbrella and a mackintosh will be good allies.

Check the forecast a few days before you travel, but here are some statistics on rainfall and average temperatures in Pompeii in autumn to help you pack your suitcase.

Tourist crowds in autumn

FromOctober onwards (and especially in November) the number of visitors to Pompeii starts to decrease dramatically. Gone are the months of the year with more tourists and large organised groups coming to the archaeological site of the city of Vesuvius.

Chances are you can spend a relaxing day strolling through the ancient streets of the city without having to dodge anyone to enjoy the ruins.

In summer Italy is at its most splendid: long days of sunshine, people on the terraces, tourists enjoying the Italian cuisine... And Pompeii is no exception. Thousands of visitors come here as part of a tour of Naples or the Amalfi Coast or as a day trip from Rome.

If you choose to visit Pompeii in summer, rest assured that rain is unlikely, but the heat is likely to be quite stifling, so be well prepared: cool water, hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

Avoid black or very dark clothes, and opt for cool, loose-fitting fabrics to make the most of your day in Pompeii. If you want to know more, I have prepared an article with the best tips for visiting Pompeii.

Tourist crowds in summer

Pompeii is at its busiest during the summer season, especially in July and August. During this time it's common to see large groups of organised tourists, so you'll also find plenty of timetables available for guided tours in English.

The cold and dampness in the streets of Pompeii starts to make itself felt from the end of November. The days are also shorter, the sun sets earlier and many visitors do not choose this time of year to visit Pompeii.

So if you are a traveller who shuns mass tourism, this is a great time to visit the city of Vesuvius. I recommend arriving early in the morning to make the most of the daylight hours.

Dress warmly, remember that most of the day will be spent outdoors, so a good coat, comfortable and warm shoes and a scarf will be your allies. However, it's very likely that you'll find a sunny day when it's nice to walk around even if the temperatures aren't very high.

Monday to Friday the crowds are much smaller than on weekends or public holidays. You are likely to find a group of students walking with their teacher through the streets of Pompeii and of course, there are organised groups that do the tour with a guide (which I highly recommend you do).

Either way, Monday to Friday you'll find more available times, so although it's still advisable to book your tour or tickets in advance, you'll be spoilt for choice.

As with major tourist attractions around the world, weekends tend to be very busy. On long weekends, long weekends, long weekends or public holidays, you are also likely to encounter large groups of domestic tourists.

Pompeii is no exception: on Saturdays and Sundays many Italians and foreigners come here to enjoy the historic streets of Pompeii, so the visit will not be as relaxing as at other times of the week.

If you plan to visit Pompeii on your own, remember that public transport may have a different (or reduced) timetable during public holidays or weekends, so keep this in mind when planning your arrival. Otherwise, you can always join an organised guided tour to enjoy Pompeii without worrying about anything.