Pompeii Opening Hours — Seasonal Times & Last Entry
Pompeii Opening Hours
The Pompeii Archaeological Park is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 between April and October and from 09:00 to 17:00 between November and March. Last entry is roughly 90 minutes before closing. The site closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
These are the standard Pompeii visiting hours that apply to all three entrances. Below is the full seasonal breakdown so you can plan your day precisely.
Seasonal Hours Table
| Season | Months | Opening | Closing | Last Entry (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | April-October | 09:00 | 19:00 | ~17:30 |
| Winter | November-March | 09:00 | 17:00 | ~15:30 |
Closed dates: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December every year.
The switch between summer and winter timetables follows the high and low tourist seasons rather than the exact calendar change, so dates near the end of March or October can vary slightly. The last entry time is the moment the ticket offices stop selling and the gates stop admitting visitors; staff begin guiding people toward the exits before the final closing time, so do not arrive at the last minute.
What Time Does Pompeii Open and Close?
Pompeii opens at 09:00 every operating day, in both summer and winter. The difference between seasons is only the closing time — 19:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter. Because the ruins are spread across more than 40 hectares of open ground with little shade, arriving at opening lets you cover more in the cooler morning hours.
Free-Entry Days
The park occasionally runs free-admission days, most commonly the first Sunday of certain months under Italy's Domenica al Museo programme. These days are not guaranteed every month and the schedule changes, so they are not a reliable part of the standard timetable. Free-entry days are also extremely busy. Always confirm current free days and exact hours on the official site, pompeiisites.org, before you travel.
Planning Around the Hours
- Arrive at 09:00 to beat both the heat and the tour groups.
- Allow 3-5 hours inside; aim to enter at least three hours before closing.
- Check the last-entry time for your season and do not cut it close.
- Avoid free Sundays if you dislike crowds, or arrive at opening if you go.
- Confirm holiday dates on pompeiisites.org, especially around 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Hours and closures are set by the park authority and can change for special events, maintenance or exhibitions, so a quick check of the official website the day before your visit is always worthwhile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Pompeii open?
Pompeii opens at 09:00 every day it operates, in both summer and winter. The ticket offices and the three entrances (Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro) begin admitting visitors from 9am. Arriving at opening is the best way to beat the crowds and the midday heat, especially from April to October.
Is Pompeii open on Sundays?
Yes, Pompeii is open on Sundays with the same hours as the rest of the week. Sundays are among the busiest days, and the first Sunday of each month often offers free entry, which draws large crowds. Arrive early and book ahead if you plan a Sunday visit.
Is Pompeii open on holidays?
Pompeii is open on most public holidays but closes on three fixed dates: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Hours on other holidays generally follow the normal seasonal schedule. Because dates can shift, always confirm on the official site pompeiisites.org before travelling.
What is the last entry time at Pompeii?
Last admission is roughly 90 minutes before closing. In summer (Apr-Oct, closing 19:00) the last entry is about 17:30; in winter (Nov-Mar, closing 17:00) it is about 15:30. The site begins clearing visitors before the gates lock, so arrive well before last entry to enjoy a full visit.