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28-02-2023 -
Months in Istanbul
Istanbul in March 2024: What to Do, Wear, Eat, and More
Here comes the spring! Istanbul is beautiful in March. It is still cold but generally sunny, the trees are green, and life is joyous! But there is a Turkish saying “March makes you look through the door, burns a pickaxe and a shovel” which means that march has unreliable weather. In this article, we will have a look at March 2024 in Istanbul from weather to events.
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Istanbul Weather in March 2024
This year, Istanbul was warmer in winter than in previous years. On the contrary, we expect a colder March in 2024 with temperatures between 7°C and 18°C, so beware of the fact that packing warm clothes is a good idea. Because of the humidity, the difference between night and day is not that great, so you don’t need to carry a lot of warm clothes with you, just prepare yourself for a bit chilly nights.
We expect about 3 to 8 days of rain and even a few days of snow in Istanbul in March. So it’s a good idea to carry your umbrella all time with you so that you don’t get caught in rainy weather. But don’t bother to bring your umbrella with you, there are cheap and useful umbrellas everywhere in Istanbul, you can just buy one here.
To sum up, this year we expect a cold March but it will be still much warmer than in other European capitals. On most days, you will enjoy the sunshine and clear weather. On other days you can enjoy the inside attractions and keep having fun.
What to Wear in Istanbul in March 2024
Istanbul will be a little cold and maybe a bit rainy in March. Although January and February were warmer this year than in previous years, we expect rainy 3 to 8 days in March so it is a good idea to bring your waterproof shoes and windshield jackets.
You can pack a scarf if you like to cover your neck, or a hat may be to keep your head warm. It is good to have an umbrella with you but as we told you above, you don’t need to bring that from home, you can just easily buy one in Istanbul. You can’t believe how many umbrella vendors you see in rainy weather in Istanbul.
Don’t pack too heavy with winter coats, Istanbul is never cold as London or Berlin. Pack also thinner clothes because inside spaces will be warm and other than that if you need anything thicker you can easily buy it in Istanbul. With the recent economic condition, Istanbul is now heaven for shopaholics! You can buy quality clothes, coats, sneakers, and boots for great prices.
Is It a Good Idea to Visit Istanbul in March 2024?
Yes, yes, and yes! It is a great idea to visit Istanbul in March. It is still off-season so the prices will be still lower and there will be fewer people in attractions. Especially if you like to take long walks in the city, this March is great for you, it won’t be sweaty or freezing, just in between!
And if you love colder weather, hot drinks, and less crowded places, then you will love March in Istanbul. Just in case you should search for the top indoor attractions this amazing city has to offer. Actually, the majority of Istanbul's top attractions are indoors, or at least accessible even when it's pouring. Check out here 100+ amazing attractions you can choose among.
Sapanca Lake & Maşukiye Day Trip
Istanbul is a gorgeous city but it can be tiring sometimes. Daily tours are perfect for getting away from Istanbul's bustling city life. Due to its natural and pristine beauty, Sapanca Lake is one of Turkey's most well-known and most visited lakes. The Maşukiye region is well recognized for its peaceful surroundings and nearby river. Especially in March, nature’s waking up from a long winter is worth witnessing.
To get away from the colorful city life of Istanbul for a day and to be in nature, take a day trip to Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye. Sapanca Lake is a local gem and one of Turkey's most beautiful and most visited lakes. Daily tours of Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye are a great way to relax. Breathing in the pure country air and seeing the gorgeous environment will entirely cleanse your soul. Istanbul Tourist Pass® allows you to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for free. This march, take this day trip, and you will have unforgettable memories and great pictures in Sapanca.
Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque
Istanbul has many places to visit as a result of its rich history. The historical mosques are among the most popular tourist attractions, and our pick for this month is the Eyup Sultan Mosque. It is a must-see if you are planning a cultural tour in Istanbul because it is the city's oldest and one of the most important mosques.
The Eyup Sultan Mosque was built on the tomb of Abu Eyup el-Ensari, the Prophet's close friend. He fell ill and died outside the walls of Constantinople while carrying the banner of the Prophet's army. After the siege was over, he asked his friends to bury him deep within Constantinople. Though they were unable to breach deep into the walls, they did bury him by the Golden Horn in accordance with his request. "Tomb of Ebu Eyyub" was written in Sufi letters on the tomb.
There is more history to dig into and many stories to learn. For that reason, Istanbul Tourist Pass® has a great guided Eyup Sultan Mosque tour just for you! You can witness the rich history of the mosque and the cemetery through our guided tours. Actually, this guided tour is part of a half-day tour including a scenery Pierre Loti Sky Tram journey and a visit to Miniaturk. So basically it is a great way to spend time. Check out for details and buy your Pass today!
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It is a beautifully designed physical card delivered at your hotel by Istanbul Tourist Pass® and after using it, you can keep it as a souvenir. Up to 40% advantage in buying with Istanbul Tourist Pass® and you can not buy this card in vending machines. So why worry? Just add this card to your cart and it will be delivered to your hotel upon your arrival. You don’t need to think about transfer fees while you are traveling.
Bonus: Guided Dolmabahce Palace Tour
Get ready to dive into thousands of wonderful stories, legends, treasures, and Sultan’s life! You will be amazed by Dolmabahce Palace Harem, the blue hall, and the pink hall. You will discover the most strategic place of the palace called the Hunkar office and the private office.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is March a good time to visit Istanbul?
Does Istanbul snow in March?
In March, we don’t expect it to snow, but there will be some rainy days. The weather generally will be around 7-15 celsius degrees.
Is Istanbul warm in March?
Yes and no, if you think 8-15 celsius degrees in spring is warm, then yes. But it is fair to say Istanbul is pretty chilly but still warmer than Berlin or London! There will be days around 20 degrees, you will feel the real spring with sunny and clear weather.
What clothes to wear in Istanbul in March 2024?
Take your waterproof sneakers and warm clothes with you if you are coming to Istanbul in March. You can always buy warmer clothes here instead of carrying them here.
Is it rainy in Istanbul in March?
In March, it is expected to rain in Istanbul so don’t forget to bring your waterproof clothes and shoes with you. You can always buy an umbrella easily from street vendors.
Which is the best month to visit Istanbul?
Your travel expectations are what determines the best month to visit Istanbul. If you’d love to visit Istanbul when it is less crowded even if it is a bit chilly, then March is the best month to visit Istanbul.
Yes, since it is still off-season March is great for Istanbul especially if you are on a budget. There are many indoor activities in Istanbul on cold days and many to do in sunny days.