Pompeii has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The ancient ruins sit in an open basin between Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples at about 14 meters (46 feet) above sea level, which means summer temperatures on the stone-paved streets regularly exceed 35°C (95°F). There is virtually no shade across most of the archaeological site. July and August see average highs of 31°C (88°F) but peak afternoon readings of 36-38°C (97-100°F) are common. Winters are mild by European standards, with January highs around 13°C (55°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F), but this is also the rainiest season. November is the wettest month with 150mm (5.9 inches) of rain spread across 13 rainy days on average. Spring and autumn offer the best balance: daytime temperatures of 18-25°C (64-77°F), moderate rainfall, and comfortable walking conditions on the ancient streets. Before your trip, browse our Pompeii events calendar to time your visit. For more details, see our best time to visit Pompeii guide. For more details, see our things to do in Pompeii guide.
Pompeii Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
The table below shows average high and low temperatures, rainfall totals, rainy days, and daily sunshine hours for each month in Pompeii. These figures are based on 30-year climate data from the Naples-Capodichino meteorological station, 25 km northwest of Pompeii, adjusted for the slightly warmer microclimate of the Sarno River plain where the ruins sit.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 (55) | 4 (39) | 100 | 11 | 4 |
| February | 13 (55) | 4 (39) | 85 | 10 | 5 |
| March | 16 (61) | 6 (43) | 75 | 9 | 6 |
| April | 19 (66) | 9 (48) | 65 | 8 | 7 |
| May | 24 (75) | 13 (55) | 45 | 6 | 9 |
| June | 28 (82) | 17 (63) | 30 | 4 | 10 |
| July | 31 (88) | 20 (68) | 20 | 2 | 11 |
| August | 31 (88) | 20 (68) | 35 | 3 | 10 |
| September | 27 (81) | 17 (63) | 75 | 7 | 8 |
| October | 22 (72) | 13 (55) | 120 | 9 | 6 |
| November | 17 (63) | 8 (46) | 150 | 13 | 4 |
| December | 14 (57) | 5 (41) | 115 | 12 | 4 |
Pompeii Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring is the best season for exploring Pompeii. March starts cool with highs of 16°C (61°F) and 9 rainy days, but by late April daytime temperatures reach 20-22°C (68-72°F) and rainfall drops to 6-8 days per month. May offers near-perfect conditions: 24°C (75°F) highs, only 6 rainy days, and 9 hours of daily sunshine. The archaeological site is lush with wildflowers growing between the ancient stones in April and early May. Morning visits are ideal as the ruins heat up by early afternoon. Our neighborhoods in Pompeii guide covers the areas around Pompeii. Crowds build through May but remain manageable compared to summer. Check our best time to visit Pompeii guide for detailed crowd data by month. Bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings, which can still be cool at 9-13°C (48-55°F).
Pompeii Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer in Pompeii is intensely hot. July and August average 31°C (88°F) but regularly hit 36-38°C (97-100°F) by mid-afternoon. The stone-paved roads and brick walls of the ruins absorb and radiate heat, making the site feel 3-5°C hotter than the official air temperature. There is almost no natural shade within the archaeological area. Rain is rare: July averages just 2 rainy days with 20mm total, August sees 3 days with 35mm. Humidity hovers around 65-70 percent, which makes the heat feel more oppressive. If you visit in summer, arrive at the 9:00 AM opening time and plan to finish by noon. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, wear a hat and sunscreen, and use the water fountains (nasone) scattered through the site to refill bottles. The site can close early on days when temperatures exceed 38°C (100°F) for safety reasons. Read our things to do in Pompeii guide for attraction hours and tips.
Pompeii Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September is an excellent month for visiting Pompeii. Temperatures moderate to 27°C (81°F) highs, crowds thin after the first week, and rainfall is still manageable at 7 rainy days. October brings comfortable 22°C (72°F) highs but rainfall increases significantly to 120mm across 9 days. November is the wettest month of the year with 150mm of rain over 13 days, and the ancient stone surfaces become slippery. The site may close during or after heavy downpours if drainage systems are overwhelmed. If visiting in November, check the official Pompeii website for weather-related closures before heading out. Waterproof footwear is essential for autumn visits. For accommodation near the site, see our where to stay in Pompeii guide.
Pompeii Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is Pompeii’s quietest and wettest season. January highs reach only 13°C (55°F) with lows of 4°C (39°F). December and January each see 11-12 rainy days with 100-115mm of monthly rainfall. Snow is extremely rare , the last measurable snowfall in Pompeii was in 1985. The site stays open year-round with reduced hours (closing at 5:00 PM from November through March, last entry at 3:30 PM). Winter visits offer an uncrowded experience , you will often have entire blocks of the ancient city to yourself. The light is lower and more dramatic for photography. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket. The on-site cafeteria is the only food option in winter months. See our Pompeii travel tips guide for transport, tickets, and what to bring.
