Opening Hours Of Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is not a traditional museum with a set closing date for the entire year. As a rule, the visit involves access to Trail No. 5 the Gran Cono route, which takes the visitor towards the rim of the crater. The opening time is easy: Gran Cono is open at 09:00 all year long. The closing time varies from month to month as the day light, the weather, the safety and the trail conditions all play a role on an active volcano.
The trail is accessible from 09:00 to 15:00 from January to February, and November to December. In March and October, it opens from 09:00 to 16:00. It is open 09:00 – 17:00 in April, May, June and September. The longest access period is in July and August, between 09:00 and 18:00. If you’re planning Vesuvius with Pompeii or Herculaneum, these times are particularly significant as the last entry varies considerably throughout the year.
The park is also managed by timed entry. Access is available in 10 minute time periods – 60 people allowed each 10 minutes, 360 hiker/hour. Trail No. 5 is ticketed online and admission is based on the date and time on the ticket. Hence the phrase “arrive before closing” is not just the word of the day, it’s the right time of day to be there, which also includes enough time for transport with a walk uphill.
When booking with Headout, please use the Headout ticket and tour reference. Prices for entry to Mount Vesuvius and transfers from Naples or Pompeii are available, as are audio guide upgrades, volcanological guide options and combo tickets with Pompeii, on the Headout website. Many products contain Mount Vesuvius National Park entrance fee and timed access, make sure to always check the time on your booking confirmation.
The final rule is last entry. The time spent on the trail must be completed within one hour of the last time that one enters the crater. This doesn’t mean a late visit is a casual visit. If you want to take time to hike and to enjoy the area of the crater, without the need to rush to the end of the day, then you should go in the morning or early afternoon.
The weather can be a factor too. The park may shut down for safety reasons, particularly during weather alerts, strong winds, storms, fog and other unsafe conditions. Therefore, it is wise to find out about your visit day, and have some flexibility in your plans for Naples.
Opening and Closing Time
09:00 - 15:00 (Jan, Feb, Nov and Dec)
15:00 - 09:00 (Jan, Feb, Nov and Dec)
9:00 - 16:00 (Mar and Oct)
16:00 - 09:00 (Mar and Oct)
9:00 - 17:00 (Apr, May, Jun, Sept)
17:00 - 09:00 (Apr, May, Jun, Sept)
9:00 - 18:00 (Jul and Aug)
18:00 - 09:00 (Jul and Aug)
Opening Hours Table (January, February, November and December)
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
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 |
Opening Hours Table (March and October)
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
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 |
Opening Hours Table (April, May, June, and September)
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
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 |
Opening Hours Table (July and August)
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
Monday | 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 |
Closing Day
Always open, does not have weekly or occasional closing day
Last Entry Time
1 Hour Before Closing
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Vesuvius is in the morning, particularly if you prefer cooler temperatures, better visibility, and the opportunity to hike before it gets too dark. The Gran Cono trail starts at 09:00 and you will get the best combination of comfort, views and flexibility with an early start.
The best times to climb are usually spring or early fall. April, May, June, September and October are generally better walking months than the hottest summer months and provide a valuable window of opportunity for visiting. The months are also good if you are interested in visiting Vesuvius in the morning and Pompeii or Herculaneum in the afternoon.
The months of July and August provide the longest hours, but are also the hottest and most crowded. In summer, don’t delay a visit to the trail because it remains open later in the day. Exposed parts, volcanic gravel, and few shades are revealed on the climb, and a morning time is generally easier. Take water and wear appropriate footwear and take time to move slowly.
Visits in winter may be quieter and more atmospheric but the season is shorter. Last entry is at 15:00 in January, February, November and December so late start is risky. The morning or late morning is best, as the weather can shift quickly around the volcano.
When booking via Headout, select the ticket or transfer option for the day that best suits you. Headout products are all entry-focused or include transfers from Naples or Pompeii. If you have the product, then use the chosen time as the focal point for your plan. The volcano is not a place to make it up as you go.
Visitor Traffic Year Round
Months | Visitor Traffic Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
January | Low | Winter weather can close the trail |
February | Low | Short hours keep traffic lighter |
March | Medium | Spring hiking demand starts rising |
April | High | Easter trips boost crater visits |
May | High | Mild weather draws many hikers |
June | High | Long days support heavy demand |
July | High | Peak season fills many time slots |
August | Medium | 2025 fires disrupted crater access |
September | High | Warm weather keeps demand strong |
October | Medium | Cooler days soften visitor flow |
November | Low | Snow and ice can restrict access |
December | Low | Short days bring quieter traffic |
FAQ
Is Mount Vesuvius open all year round?
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.
What time does Mount Vesuvius open?
Are there any days when Mount Vesuvius is closed?
What is the best time of day to visit Mount Vesuvius?
Are there any seasonal changes in the opening times for Mount Vesuvius?
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.