Early spring · Weather & things to do
Istanbul in March
Istanbul warms up: highs climb to 53°F (12°C), from 49°F in February, with lows of 42°F (6°C) and about 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 68/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 53°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 2.1 in (53 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 40 min
- Comfort score
- 68/100 · Good
What March feels like
It's cool, with highs near 53°F (12°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights cool to an average low of 42°F (6°C).
Rain is moderate at about 2.1 in (53 mm) for the month.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are May – October.
- Comfort improves from 55/100 in February to 68/100.
- Our Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 53°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Istanbul in March
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Bosphorus Ferry
Public ferry cruise up the strait past palaces and wooden mansions.
Why now March scores 68/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan's hilltop masterpiece with Golden Horn views from the garden.
Why now Highs near 53°F and 2.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Topkapı Palace
Ottoman sultans' palace with courtyards, treasury and the Harem.
Çiya Sofrası
Kadıköy restaurant reviving regional Anatolian dishes rarely found elsewhere.
Mandabatmaz
Tiny Beyoğlu coffee spot famous for thick, foamy Turkish coffee.
Nearby in March
- Selçuk in March~228 mi · highs 63°F, 2.5 in rain · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Istanbul in March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Istanbul?
It's middling, scoring 68/100. The best months are May – October, at up to 96. Expect highs of 53°F (12°C) and 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain. Our Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Istanbul in March?
Average highs are 53°F (12°C) and average lows 42°F (6°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in March?
Not much: about 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 24.6 in (624 mm).
What should I pack for Istanbul in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 53°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Istanbul
Planning Istanbul in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.