Things to do in Pompeii in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Pompeii. The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 58—70°F (14—21°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 Temple of Apollo in May, explore the Villa of the Mysteries during May, hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius in May, 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 May trip to Pompeii. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. 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 May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, 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 May

Top experiences in May
Take a guided tour of the Temple of Apollo in May
This ancient temple is one of the most important religious sites in Pompeii and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's history. In May, the weather is perfect for exploring the ruins, and you can learn about the temple's significance from a knowledgeable guide.
Explore the Villa of the Mysteries during May
This ancient Roman villa is famous for its well-preserved frescoes depicting the initiation rites of a secret cult. Visiting in May allows you to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience as you marvel at the stunning artwork and architecture.
Hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius in May
The weather in May is ideal for a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit of this iconic volcano. From the top, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside.
Sample the seasonal fruits and vegetables at the local markets in May
May is the perfect time to indulge in the fresh, ripe produce that is abundant in the markets of Pompeii. From juicy tomatoes to sweet strawberries, you can savor the flavors of the season and support local farmers.
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Holidays in Pompeii in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Mother's Day (May 12)
Other notable holidays
  • Easter Monday (April 1)
  • Liberation Day (April 25)
  • The Feast of St Mark (April 25)
  • Republic Day (June 2)
  • The Feast of St. John (June 24)
  • The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29)
  • Assumption of Mary (August 15)
  • Ferragosto (August 15)
  • The Feast of Saint Januarius (September 19)
  • All Saints' Day (November 1)
  • The Feast of St. Ambrose (December 7)
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
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Weather in Pompeii in May

Temperatures on an average day in Pompeii in May

The average temperature in Pompeii in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 70°F (21°C) to a low of 58°F (14°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

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 May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
70°F
highs
58°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
22%
Chance of rain
0.070 in
Amount
9.7 mph
Wind speed
68%
Humidity
14.4 hrs
Daylight length
5:46 AM
Sunrise
8:12 PM
Sunset
55%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 70°F (21°C) and a low of 58°F (14°C), it generally feels mildly cool, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Pompeii in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Pompeii has to offer for travelers in May, 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 May.
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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