My husband and I are contemplating a long weekend trip to Naples, Italy and surrounding area in late January. We have been to Italy a number of times, but not to that area and his ancestors are from that region. We of course would plan to visit Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvio - but how crazy is it to go at that time of year? Thank you in advance.

Why would it be crazy? In my opinion, the winter would be the best time to visit any large Italian city. The trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius would depend on the weather while you're there, but there are plenty of other things to see and do in Naples.

Just about the best time of the year to visit in and around Naples. I doubt if it will be cold, unless you hit a rainy weekend. PLanning to visit the ancestral town?

I was there one January not long ago and it was in the 60s and sunny- will not be cold and unlike summer not sweltering and not many other tourists - great time to go.

Sounds just perfect to me. Good going!

Thank you all for your reassurances and encouragement - now I am getting excited about this. And, yes, ekscrunchy, we would hope to visit the ancestral village. Thanks again (now get ready for more inquiries about hotel, restaurants, etc!)

It's a great time to go. My family live there and we have Christmas/New Year in the area. The temps are in the high teens/low 20's (celsius). Brilliant sunny days and very few people at the sights.