Yes, Pompeii is significantly busier on weekends, with Fridays and Saturdays seeing the highest tourist volume. Sunday can also be crowded, especially on the first Sunday of the month when entry is traditionally free for residents. Interestingly, Mondays are also peak days; since many other regional museums in Naples close on Mondays, Pompeii becomes the default destination for almost every tour group in the area. For a quieter experience in 2026, the "Goldilocks" days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To beat the heat and the heaviest crowds, arriving at the 9:00 AM opening is essential, as massive tour bus groups typically arrive between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Visiting in the late afternoon (after 3:30 PM) is another great strategy, as the site stays open until dusk and most of the day-trippers have departed, leaving the ancient streets much more serene for photography and exploration.