March in Istanbul tends to be somewhat cloudy and cold with rainy periods.
Temperatures
Daytime high temperatures tend to be around 8-10 C (46-50 F) early in the month, warming to 12-14 C (54-57 F) near the end of the month.
A few of the warmer afternoons, especially near the end of the month, can reach up to near 20 C (68 F). The record high temperature for March in Istanbul during recent decades is 25 C (77 F).
Late night and early morning lows will tend to be around 3 C (37 F) early in the month, gradually warming to 6-7 C (43-45 F) near the end of the month.
A few of the colder mornings, especially early in the month, can dip down near 0 C (32 F). The record low temperature in Istanbul during March in recent decades is -6 C (21 F).
Sky and Rain
During March you can expect about 15 days with sunny, or at least, partly sunny skies with 16 mostly cloudy days.
Some rainfall falls on about 8-12 days this month, but snowfall is rare, occurring only about once every 5 years.
Wind speed
Wind speeds during this month will be mostly gentle to moderate at 12-28 kph (8-18 mph) but can briefly be fresh at 29-38 kph (19-24 mph).
Ocean Temperatures
The beaches near Istanbul lie mostly along the shores of the Sea of Marmara and along the Bosphorus Strait. The sea temperatures during March remain cold, averaging around 8-9 C (46-48 F).
What to Wear in Istanbul during March?
March is still cold, so it is best to bring along a coat, jacket, a few sweaters, jeans and leggings and some warm socks.
For the warmer afternoons, later in the month, also consider some lighter spring attire with a windbreaker. Don’t forget to pack some comfortable walking shoes as well.
Things to Do in Istanbul in March
As spring approaches, you have a much better chance of experiencing some nice, sunny days during the month of March in Istanbul.
While most free walking tours run rain or shine, it's certainly going to be a better experience on a warm spring day!
This is technically a shoulder season, so it should be easier to get tickets for most attractions and activities.
Although it should be warmer, it probably still won't be quite hot enough to warrant spending any time at the beaches, but there are plenty of great parks and architectural sites to visit suich as Ephesus.
March is usually the month of the Istanbul Dance Festival, and the 21st marks the date of Nevruz, a festival welcoming the arrival of spring.
Fred Pickhardt
Ocean Weather Services
