Istanbul Weather in March
March in Istanbul brings low temperatures around 12°C (54°F) during the day, dropping to 7°C (45°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 76 mm (3 in) for the month.
Rainfall in Istanbul in March
Historically, March sees about 14 days of rain, with a monthly average of 76 mm (3 in). Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Istanbul in March
March in Istanbul brings typical temperatures with highs around 12°C (54°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. At 7°C (45°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Istanbul in March
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 145 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.
Average water temperature in March
The water sits at 8°C (46°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May, June, July, August, September and October typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Turkey, check out our Istanbul's climate page.
Istanbul Temperature in March
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Water Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
45%
Precipitation
76 mm (3 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Sunshine
145 hours
Percentage Sunshine
38%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Istanbul typically rise from around 11°C (52°F) at the start of March to approximately 14°C (57°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in March
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in March
Historical weather for Istanbul in March
Browse day-by-day weather records for Istanbul spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Istanbul historical weather extremes in March
Our historical data for Istanbul spans 1980 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- On March 31, 2013, temperatures climbed to 26°C (79°F), marking the warmest March day on record.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -7°C (19°F) on March 7, 1987, marking the coldest March night on record.
Best Places in Turkey in March
Find out more about the weather in Turkey and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Turkey in March →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Istanbul in March
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in March, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. With water temperatures around 8°C (46°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the monthWhat To Do in Istanbul in March
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Turkey, check out our Istanbul's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Water Temp
See the full Istanbul climate overview or explore weather in Turkey.
