Things to do in Pompeii in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Pompeii. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 45—54°F (7—12°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Pompeii during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of the Villa of the Mysteries, explore the ruins of Pompeii in the winter, sample traditional Neapolitan cuisine at local restaurants, and more!

Pompeii has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Pompeii. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Pompeii in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Pompeii in January

Top experiences in January
Take a guided tour of the Villa of the Mysteries
The Villa of the Mysteries is a well-preserved Roman villa located in Pompeii, famous for its stunning frescoes depicting ancient Roman rituals and ceremonies. In January, you can take a guided tour of this archaeological site and learn about the fascinating history and artistry of the villa, without the crowds that often accompany the summer months.
Explore the ruins of Pompeii in the winter
Visiting the ancient city of Pompeii in January offers a quieter and more peaceful experience compared to the busy summer months. The cooler temperatures also make it more comfortable to explore the ruins on foot, allowing you to take your time and truly appreciate the history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sample traditional Neapolitan cuisine at local restaurants
January is a great time to indulge in the delicious and hearty dishes of Neapolitan cuisine, such as pasta e fagioli, pizza, and sfogliatella. Local restaurants offer seasonal specialties that are perfect for warming up on a chilly winter day, and you can enjoy the authentic flavors of the region without the tourist crowds.
Explore the historic center of Naples
January is a great time to wander through the historic center of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. You can visit ancient churches, bustling markets, and charming piazzas, and soak up the authentic Neapolitan culture without the summer crowds.
Take a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast
In January, you can take a boat tour of the stunning Amalfi Coast, just a short drive from Pompeii. The winter months offer a quieter and more peaceful experience, allowing you to admire the dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters without the usual tourist crowds.
Take a day trip to Mount Vesuvius
In January, you can take a day trip to Mount Vesuvius, the infamous volcano that buried Pompeii in 79 AD. The cooler temperatures and clear skies make it an ideal time to hike to the summit and take in the breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside.
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Holidays in Pompeii in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Epiphany (January 6)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Pompeii in January

Temperatures on an average day in Pompeii in January

The average temperature in Pompeii in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 54°F (12°C) to a low of 45°F (7°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Pompeii, August, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 73°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 54°F (12°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Pompeii in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
54°F
highs
45°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
31%
Chance of rain
0.114 in
Amount
12.4 mph
Wind speed
75%
Humidity
9.6 hrs
Daylight length
7:23 AM
Sunrise
4:59 PM
Sunset
48%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 54°F (12°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Pompeii in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Pompeii has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Pompeii that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Pompeii for January.
Reawakened Ancient City: Archaeological Areas of Pompeii
1. Reawakened Ancient City: Archaeological Areas of Pompeii
4.9
(16)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria del Santo Rosario di Pompei
2. Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria del Santo Rosario di Pompei
4.8
(13293)
Sanctuary
Sights & Landmarks
This late-19th-century Catholic cathedral has vaulted ceilings covered with opulent artwork.
Foro di Pompei
3. Foro di Pompei
4.8
(7331)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ruins of temples, municipal buildings & the basilica in the social & civic center of the Roman town.
Villa dei Misteri
4. Villa dei Misteri
4.7
(5648)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Roman villa from the 2nd century BCE, richly decorated with frescoes with unknown meanings.
Teatro Grande
5. Teatro Grande
4.8
(5617)
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
This horseshoe-shaped Roman theater was preserved by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Lupanare di Pompei
6. Lupanare di Pompei
4.7
(2067)
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Ruins of Roman brothel preserved by ash with frescoes on the ground floor of 2-floor building.
House of the Faun
7. House of the Faun
4.7
(1061)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ruins of a luxury Roman 2nd century dwelling with replica bronze faun statue & preserved mosaics.
Terme Stabiane
8. Terme Stabiane
4.8
(28)
Thermal baths
Sights & Landmarks
Forum Baths
9. Forum Baths
4.7
(84)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Remains of a 1st-century Roman bath complex with ornately decorated ceilings & wall carvings.
Centro Commerciale La Cartiera
10. Centro Commerciale La Cartiera
4.2
(13707)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Spacious, airy mall with 100+ stores, including national & global chains, plus a food court.
Santuario di Apollo
11. Santuario di Apollo
4.8
(308)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic remaining columns of a Roman temple dating back to 6th century BC framing Mount Vesuvius.
Teatro Piccolo
12. Teatro Piccolo
4.8
(136)
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Via dell’Abbondanza
13. Via dell’Abbondanza
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Temple of Jupiter
14. Temple of Jupiter
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Pompei
15. Pompei
Sights & Landmarks
Civic Centers
Pompei is a city in southern Italy’s Campania region overlooked by the active volcano at Vesuvius. It’s known for its ancient city, Pompeii, which was buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Ruins here include the frescoed Villa of the Mysteries and the city's amphitheater. In town, the Catholic pilgrimage site of the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary has mosaics and a grand cupola .
House of the Tragic Poet
16. House of the Tragic Poet
4.7
(138)
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Restored Pompeiian home featuring abundant ornamental detail, including a colorful animal mosaic.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Pompeii?

Get inspired for your trip to Pompeii with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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