Herculaneum Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit

Timings

Herculaneum

The Archeological Park of Herculaneum is open throughout the week, except on January 1 and December 25.

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Mar 15 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 15)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	08:30–17:00	15:30
Tuesday	08:30–17:00	15:30
Wednesday	08:30–17:00	15:30
Thursday	08:30–17:00	15:30
Friday	08:30–17:00	15:30
Saturday	08:30–17:00	15:30
Sunday	08:30–17:00	15:30

Mar 16 TO Oct 14 Timings Days (Mar 16 TO Oct 14)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	08:30–19:30	18:00
Tuesday	08:30–19:30	18:00
Wednesday	08:30–19:30	18:00
Thursday	08:30–19:30	18:00
Friday	08:30–19:30	18:00
Saturday	08:30–19:30	18:00
Sunday	08:30–19:30	18:00

On April 25, June 2, November 4 and the first Sunday of each month, Herculaneum offers free entry.

Best time to visit the Herculaneum

Weekday vs Weekend

The best time to visit Herculaneum is on a weekday, especially during the lean season between the months of November and March.
Tourist influx is fewer and your experience will be more relaxed.
Weekends draw scores of tourists, so be prepared for long wait times (sometimes even up to 30 minutes) at the ticketing office.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs low season

Peak season is between the summer months of June and September, which draws maximum amount of crowds.
The weather during peak season is also much hotter and may not be suitable for all.
Low season is between November and March, where tourists are fewer. Hotel rates and air fares are cheaper (especially if booked in advance), so this would be the ideal time to visit.
During lean season, the weather is more manageable and pleasant. You can stay out longer and explore the ruins unhurriedly.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long does it take to visit Herculaneum?

A visit to the Herculaneum typically takes 2 to 3 hours, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of this ancient Roman town. Your actual time might vary based on your interest (for example, history buffs spend longer than 2.5 hours here), season, and crowd levels. Ensure a rewarding experience by tailoring your visit to your interests.

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum opening hours

Is Herculaneum open throughout the year?

Herculaneum is open in all days of the year barring January 1 and December 25.

Do Herculaneum opening hours vary by season?

Yes. From March 16 to October 14, the timings are from 8:30am to 7:30pm, with last entry at 5pm. From October 15 to March 15, you can visit between 8:30am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

On an average, how much time do I need to set aside for a visit to Herculaneum?

The recommended duration for a visit to Herculaneum depends on your interests and availability. Families with children, for instance, generally finish their tour in under 2 hours. If you're a history buff, you might want to stay longer. In general, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the main highlights.

For a relaxed and less-crowded experience, when should I tour the ruins?

Herculaneum is often less crowded during weekdays especially right after the ruins open. Aim to arrive before 11am for a peaceful visit. To enjoy a more peaceful and hassle-free visit, it is recommended to plan visit Herculaneum Ruins on a weekday morning during the off season (November to March).

Should I arrive early at Herculaneum?

Arriving by the appointed time is usually enough if you've booked skip-the-line tickets. If you've booked regular entry tickets, then arriving as soon as the counter open i.e. 8:30am might give you a head start vis-a-vis other tourists seeking regular entry.

What if I miss the appointed time on my ticket?

Unfortunately, in this case, you will not be permitted inside the ruins. You can however, purchase a new ticket to enter.

Is it a good idea to visit Herculaneum on a public holiday?

Herculaneum is a fairly popular destination in Naples and public holidays draw a lot of crowds. If you want to avoid the rush, it is better to avoid visiting the ruins on public holidays and weekends. However, if you must go, consider visiting immediately after the archeological park opens or 2 hours before closing time.

If I have just about 1.5 hours to tour the ruins, what are the must-see attractions I should not miss?

Definitely visit the House of Neptune and Amphitrite. Make a pitstop at the House of the Deer and Samnite House, and visit the Central Baths. Before you leave, go down to the boathouses to see the skeletons of people who were trying to escape the eruption of 79 AD.