To avoid the peak times when visiting, it is best to go early in the morning between 9 am – 11 am or later in the afternoon. From April to October, the site opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm.

Visiting Pompeii in the early morning is widely considered the superior choice, primarily to avoid the intense Mediterranean heat and the heaviest influx of tour groups. Arriving as the site opens at 9:00 AM allows you at least two hours of relatively peaceful exploration before the large crowds from cruise ships and regional buses arrive around 11:00 AM. In the summer, the ruins offer very little shade, and the afternoon sun reflecting off the ancient stone can make the experience physically exhausting. However, there is a strategic advantage to a late afternoon visit (after 3:30 PM), particularly for photographers. During this time, the "Golden Hour" light illuminates the frescoes and cobblestone streets beautifully, and many of the day-trippers have already begun to depart, creating a more serene atmosphere. If you choose the afternoon, you must be mindful of the closing times, which are earlier in the winter months. For the most balanced experience, a 9:00 AM start is the safest bet to ensure you can see the major highlights like the Forum and the Lupanar without "shoulder-to-shoulder" crowds or the risk of heatstroke.