Weather in Turkey in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Turkey in March run from 11.0°C (Istanbul) to 17.2°C (Belek). Even in Belek only 0% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 7.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Istanbul fall to 2°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 10 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Belek the driest (8 days) and Side the wettest (16 days). The wettest March at Belek between 1991 and 2020 was 1995 with 168 mm; the driest was 2001 with 16 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 14.9°C around Turkey in March - warmest at Alanya (16.9°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.7 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Turkey

March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in Turkey. It is 2.4°C warmer than February and 3.3°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (31°C) and the coolest January (12°C).

Which part of Turkey in March?

• Most sunshine: Belek, 7.0 h a day.
• Driest: Belek, about 8 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Alanya, 17°C.
• Hottest: Belek, 17°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Istanbul, 11°C.

What to pack for Turkey in March

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 15°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 8°C; a rain jacket - roughly 10 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Turkey's March daytime average: Sicily (17°C, sea 15°C), Paphos (17°C, sea 17°C), Lisbon (17°C, sea 14°C), Majorca (17°C, sea 14°C), Porto (16°C, sea 13°C). See the full ranking for March.

Where to go for the mildest weather

For warmth, start with Belek, Fethiye, Dalyan, Marmaris or Dalaman, all averaging 17°C by day. Belek has a useful edge if avoiding rain matters: its 8 rainy days compare with 10 in Fethiye. Evenings are another distinction. Marmaris averages 10°C at night, while Fethiye drops to 7°C, so an evening outdoors calls for a warmer layer there. Antalya and Lara Beach are slightly cooler by day at 16°C, but still suit travellers happy with mild rather than hot conditions. Istanbul, at 11°C by day, is the coolest option in the fact sheet and not the choice for a warm-weather trip.

Think coastal walks rather than swimming

The coast is a better fit for walking and sitting outside when conditions allow than for a holiday centred on swimming. Sea temperatures of 17°C around Belek, Fethiye, Marmaris and Antalya will feel cold to many swimmers; Kusadasi is cooler still at 16°C. Those readings are a reason to be cautious about choosing March mainly for the water. Daytime warmth is modest too, so do not build plans around hot afternoons or assume you will spend the day in swimwear. If you enjoy being beside the sea without needing to get in, the weather is a more comfortable match.

Pack for sunshine, rain and cool evenings

Pack light layers, a warmer outer layer for evenings and a waterproof jacket. The country average of 6.3 hours of sunshine leaves scope for time outdoors, but 10 rainy days make a flexible schedule sensible. Keep weather-dependent plans movable rather than treating every day as a beach day. Use the warmer part of the day for longer spells outside, then have something warmer ready as temperatures fall. Coastal nights vary enough to affect comfort: Icmeler averages 11°C, compared with 7°C in Antalya and Fethiye. March suits travellers willing to adjust their clothing and plans, rather than those who need consistent warmth.