Pompeii in the rain- boots needed?

I just looked at my large online album of my Pompeii photos and all I can see are paths with very large cobblestones on them or, in one case, what looks like modern day concrete. One grassy edge had grown onto the cobblestones but did not obscure them. No boots needed. I don't own rain boots, haven't since high school days, and find that wearing sneakers in heavy rain works well as they dry overnight most of the time.

You will not find much mud since most the walking area are paved with stone. But I would wear something that prevents wet feet.

It’s mostly streets with large cobblestones.
https://images.app.goo.gl/hVYDNuBhyFpKGKcv9

Some areas might accumulate a few pools of water, but not bad enough to require boots.
https://images.app.goo.gl/qfPm9x86FCnDx6Vp9

I always travel with light weight hiking shoes that are water proofish -- There is a lot of rough terrain in travel and they are comfortable on hikes and coblestoned streets and when it is rainy they protect the feet. At home if my shoes are soaked, I just put them aside and don't wear them for the week it takes them to dry but in travel, I only have two pair and I want to avoid sodden shoes moldering away or being worn damp.

You will find much mud since most the walking area are paved with
stone.'

I think Frank meant that you will NOT find much mud since most the walking areas are paved with stone. 😉

I remember some gravel as well as some dirt paths. You will want footwear with a sturdy tread that won't slip on wet surfaces. This is important not just for Pompeii but any place in Italy with lots of cobbles and/or smooth stone surfaces that can be deadly slippery in the rain.

The BBC forecast for Naples for Thursday is light rain showers. I don't see any heavy rain, and the chance is only in the 40-60% range all day, more in the later afternoon.

Enjoy the tour

You may be required to check your backpack, to protect art and other tourists, especially when you enter villas. Your feet will get muddy when you walk on entry paving stones now surrounded by grass. Your parka will drip on your feet while you are in line for the Brothel.

thanks so much to all - you guys are invaluable. I have lightweight waterproof gym shoes so will hope that weather holds out and wear those.

The cobblestones are large, uneven, rounded after centuries of wear, with sometimes large gaps between them. In some places there are sidewalks, often very very narrow. Walking when it's dry is difficult in places. I'd be concerned that the cobblestones might be slippery, so I'd go with water-resistant shoes with thick soles and good traction.

I'd be concerned that the cobblestones might be slippery, so I'd go with water-resistant shoes with thick soles and good traction.

Ditto.

Ed

A gym shoe does not sound like a smart choice.

Echoing both Chani & Ed. We did Pompei in early March on a beautiful dry day with temps about 60, and still I turned an ankle. The traction thing is huge. Don't walk backwards like I did whilst talking to the wife.

But Pompei is absolutely spectacular in any weather so don't be deterred, but be prepared.

Here are my photos of the conditions.