To have the best experience at Pompeii in 2026, you should arrive exactly at 9:00 AM, just as the gates open. Arriving early allows you to explore the most popular sites—like the Forum, the Lupanar (brothel), and the House of the Vettii—before the massive tour groups arrive from Naples and Rome around 11:00 AM. In the peak summer months (June–August), getting there early is also critical to avoid the midday Mediterranean heat, as there is very little shade within the ruins. If you are visiting on a "Free Sunday" (the first Sunday of each month), the crowds will be much higher, so arriving 30 minutes before opening is recommended. For a more "serene" experience, some travelers also enjoy arriving at 3:30 PM in the spring or fall, as the golden hour light is perfect for photography and the crowds begin to thin out significantly as the site prepares to close at 5:00 PM or 7:30 PM depending on the season.