You’re about an hour away. Start around 9am to beat the heat and the crowds. You’ll reach the crater just as it opens and still have time for a relaxed afternoon.
Not all hours on the volcano are equal. Here’s how the experience shifts through the day:
🕗 8am – 10am: Clear skies, cool air, zero crowds. Early birds get the best crater visibility and empty trails. Great for photos and quiet time at the top.
🕛 11am – 2pm: Peak heat, peak people. It’s busier and warmer, but also the most active time on the trail. If you're doing a combo with Pompeii, this is usually your window.
🕓 3pm – 5pm: Chill climb, softer light. The sun’s easing off, the crowds thin out, and views can be surprisingly good (unless it gets cloudy late).
🕔 After 5pm (summer only): Sunset glow if you’re lucky. Fewer people, golden light, but crater visibility may drop if the weather turns. Risky, but epic on the right day.
✅ Tip: Clear mornings are best for guaranteed views into the crater. Later in the day, haze or clouds can roll in.
Not sure when to go? Here’s when you should actually start your day, depending on where you’re based:
You’re about an hour away. Start around 9am to beat the heat and the crowds. You’ll reach the crater just as it opens and still have time for a relaxed afternoon.
You're right next door, lucky you! You can go in the afternoon (2–4pm) when it’s less crowded and the light’s better. Perfect if you're doing Pompeii ruins in the morning.
It’s about 45–60 mins by car or transfer. Mid-morning is your sweet spot. Leave around 9:30am, get there before the heat kicks in, and enjoy chill crater views before lunch.
This is a long day, and the trip takes about 2–2.5 hrs by train to Naples, then a transfer up. Start as early as possible. Catch the 7am train or earlier if you can. You’ll reach Vesuvius by late morning and still make it back for dinner in Rome.
The duration of a tour and hike at Mount Vesuvius can vary depending on several factors, including your level of physical fitness, the route you choose, and the time you spend exploring the area. On average, a visit to Mount Vesuvius can take around 2 to 3 hours. The hike from the parking area to the crater of Mount Vesuvius alone takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Once you reach the crater, you can spend as much time as you need exploring and taking in the panoramic views and the descent from the crater back to the parking area usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Mount Vesuvius is open to visitors all year round, except for some periods when the volcano is closed due to high volcanic activity or bad weather.
While Mount Vesuvius is open all year round, your visit during winter months can be affected by factors like visibility and fogging.
Mount Vesuvius is rarely closed, but there may be some days when the volcano is closed due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
No, Mount Vesuvius is not open to visitors at night. The volcano is only open during daylight hours, usually from 9am topm.
Yes, Mount Vesuvius remains open on public holidays for visitors.
Yes, there are some restrictions on visiting Mount Vesuvius. It's important to follow all safety guidelines while on the volcano.
To avoid crowds, it is best to visit Mount Vesuvius early in the morning when it opens. Arriving shortly after the opening time of 9am allows you to enjoy a quieter experience before the peak of visitor traffic arrives.
Yes, the opening times for Mount Vesuvius can vary with the seasons. In the peak summer months, the site might extend its hours, while during the winter, the hours might be shorter. Always check for the latest seasonal schedules before planning your visit.
Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets
From Naples: Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
Combo: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Audio Guide
