What March feels like in Istanbul
In Istanbul, March brings early spring. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Istanbul in March
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 6.7 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in March
On 15 March the sun rises at about 7:18 am and sets around 7:10 pm local time, giving 11 h 52 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 15 min more daylight than in mid-February. About 69% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in Istanbul. Compared with February, afternoons are 2.4°C (4.3°F) warmer, with 1 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into April. The next month's average high: 16.1°C (61°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Istanbul in March
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Istanbul in March?
Expect around 12.1°C (53.8°F) in the afternoon and 5.7°C (42.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in March?
Quite a lot — 73 mm spread over about 11 days.
What should I wear in Istanbul in March?
Based on the averages: rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is March or April better for visiting Istanbul?
On our 12-month climate ranking, April comes out ahead (#7 of 12 vs #9). April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.