The preserved ancient Roman city of Pompeii in Campania, Italy is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The best time of the year to visit Pompeii is during the off-season, between November and March, since the summer season, between May and September, is always crowded.

Yes, Pompeii is one of Italy's most visited sites and can get exceptionally busy in 2026, often welcoming over 15,000 visitors per day during the peak summer months of July and August. During these times, the main entrance at Porta Marina can see queues of 60 minutes or more, and the narrow ancient streets become congested with large tour groups. To have a better experience, savvy travelers aim for the "shoulder seasons" of April, May, or October, when the weather is milder and the crowds are more manageable. Regardless of the season, the best strategy is to arrive at the 9:00 AM opening to explore the most popular houses before the midday heat and the arrival of cruise ship excursions around 11:00 AM. Alternatively, visiting after 3:30 PM offers a quieter atmosphere and softer light, which is ideal for photography against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius.