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.
Today
Open 09:00–18:00
January, February, November, December: 9am to 3pm
March, October: 9am to 4pm
April, May, June, September: 9am to 5 pm
July, August: 9am to 6pm
Jul 1 TO Aug 31 Timings Days (Jul 1 TO Aug 31) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday (Today) | 09:00–18:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–18:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–18:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–18:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–18:00 |
Sep 1 TO Sep 30 Timings Days (Sep 1 TO Sep 30) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–17:00 |
Oct 1 TO Oct 31 Timings Days (Oct 1 TO Oct 31) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–16:00 |
Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–15:00 |
Jan 1 TO Feb 28 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Feb 28) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–15:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–15:00 |
Mar 1 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Mar 1 TO Mar 31) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–16:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–16:00 |
Apr 1 TO Jun 30 Timings Days (Apr 1 TO Jun 30) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–17:00 |
The volcano can also be closed to visitors during periods of high volcanic activity or bad weather.
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:
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 Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
From Naples: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip
From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip
