Türkiye in March 2026 – is it worth going on vacation and where is it warmer? Weather and reviews, air and water temperature, is it possible to swim and how to dress, prices for air tickets and hotels. What to do and what to see in Turkey in March, where to go and visit – says Eurotraveler.
We are sure that 80 percent of tourists who have been to Turkey at least once have never thought about visiting this country outside the high beach season. At the very least, we could think about a holiday in Turkey in May. Well, or for the New Year – if prices do a favor and fall significantly.
We will argue that this is wrong and unfair. After all, March in Turkey is a great time to travel!
What is there – a whole trip. Both on the dates “around” International Women’s Day, and even more so on the threshold of April…
No, you should swim most likely you won’t have to – we need to wait a while with this. But there will be no time to feel disadvantaged due to the proximity, but inaccessibility of the sea.
Especially if you profess an active (at least moderately) lifestyle and know how to drive. Because, without a car – your own or even rented – a holiday in Turkey in March will give not the same feeling at all.
More faded or something, not so large-scale. Which is not surprising – non-standard excursions are often expensive, and group bus excursions are a complete compromise.
Where to relax in Turkey in March
Therefore, when compiling the list, we were not oriented to a southern or coastal location – preference was given to those places where it was guaranteed to be interesting. And the weather will allow you to implement the planned routes for walks and trips.
Or even – who knows – exceed the excursion plan?!
And the first we will, of course, study
Istanbul
The main Turkish metropolis looks exceptional in early spring promising direction. Due to both (very likely) good weather – the air temperature in Istanbul in early March reaches +12-15, and at the end of the month even up to +20-22 degrees Celsius – and a very small number of foreign tourists.
And there aren’t too many of our own, locals, roaming the streets and squares at this time
Naturally, such sluggish interest from tourists has a positive effect on prices. As a result, you don’t even have to really choose where to stay in Istanbul in March to save money – stay right in Fatih (it’s better, of course, generally in Sultanahmet) and period!
Where, for example, Hotel Orkide (rating 8) is ready to accommodate a couple of travelers for about 30 €/day (three for 40 €). Yes, this is an “economy” option, but what are the prices?
The much more centrally located Ada Hotel Istanbul will cost more – about ~50-60 € per night (this is with a discount). Moreover, breakfast is free for this money!
At the beginning of spring they keep nice prices tourist offices, as well as single guides. Which is very relevant these days – who doesn’t know that everything in Turkey is constantly becoming more expensive, not excluding excursions!
There is a lot of sunshine in Istanbul in March, and rains are rare. Which, against the backdrop of the usual freshness for the beginning of spring, charges you with such energy and optimism that just walking around the city becomes not enough – you want to go somewhere else.
Not necessarily, by the way, very close – to the same Princes’ Islands or to the Belgrade Forest. Active travelers initially build where more difficult routes.
Providing, for example, a real trip by car from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Or – which is not much more difficult – a trip to the Turkish Riviera.
This is a smart step – there are enough interesting places near Antalya for a week of vigorous travel. And the weather there at the beginning of spring… truly spring: warm and sunny!
Cappadocia
As mentioned above, a visit to this region goes perfectly with a holiday in the seaside resorts of Turkey. In particular, many tourists deliberately buy a last minute trip to the sea for a trip to Cappadocia. And from there, leaving your suitcases at the hotel, for 2-3 days going to Goreme.
If you have money, you don’t have to imagine it – a trip to Cappadocia in March will be a bright event in the year and life. And absolutely – it will be remembered!
Because the weather may not be conducive to a (chocolate) tan. But it will not interfere with your activity – depending on the year, the air temperature in March Cappadocia ranges from +3-7 °C to even +12-15 °C during the day.
A what could be better for hiking through the valleys or participating in the same “Color” tours?
Yes, it is more often cloudy than sunny. But this is not so important – the main thing is that it rains moderately and infrequently.
As a result, you will be able to explore the main valleys of Cappadocia (depending, of course, on the duration of the visit), crawl along the rocks, and explore cave churches.
And also visit one or several – although why so many – underground cities – the same Derinkuyu. Climb the Uchisar fortress and bargain to your heart’s content with the owners of pottery workshops in Avanos – you have to bring something from Turkey as a gift, right?!
You will almost certainly fly in a hot air balloon – compared to winter, winds weaken in March
Note that prices for flights are much lower than in summer. And certainly no less impressive!
Hotel prices? They are lower only in winter!
According to the promotion, for example, you can rent a room for two at the Vintage Cave House Hotel for ~60-70 €. The high-season price tag of this cave hotel, by the way, is not nearly as attractive. And a room for two will cost at least 120-130 € per night.
Is it possible to get to Cappadocia directly from Russia? Alas, no, only with transfers.
There are several convenient routes that have been tested many times by travelers: through Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya and Alanya. And you are free to choose the one that suits you best!
- Inexpensive tours and activities in Cappadocia
Bodrum and Marmaris
In the absence of the opportunity to swim and sunbathe, both the first and second Turkish resorts on the Aegean Sea are not very interesting to mass tourists. The reason for such coolness on the part of potential vacationers is obvious – small number of attractions.
Moreover, if in Bodrum you can explore St. Peter’s Castle and wander through the ruins of the “wonder of the world”, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, then in Marmaris you will clearly get bored. And the matter is unlikely to be saved by walks through the old part of the city, trips to Cleopatra Beach (it is available not only in Alanya) and to the cozy resort town of Datca.
Maybe the weather will help? Yes, in March it is warmer in Bodrum or Marmaris than in Istanbul – the air temperature is in the range of +16-22 °C.
But obviously it won’t be so warm that you’ll want to not only sit by the sea, but also swim in it
However, those who habitually run away from the bustle and crowds, will be happy to host a week in March on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Moreover, the cultural program can be sufficiently expanded with a trip to Ephesus, as well as to Pamukkale – relatively deserted at the dawn of spring.
Yes, even to Cappadocia! If you are not taken aback by the distance that will need to be covered.
If you decide, don’t forget that on a multi-day hike in the mountains you need to take “mandatory” things. After all, in isolation from civilization, you will have to solve problems entirely on your own!
Kash
The town of Kas, which is gradually gaining popularity but has not yet become a delight for mass tourists, halfway from Fethiye to Antalya, can hardly be recommended for visiting in March. Since its main attractions are the beaches.
Scenic – Kaputas, regularly claiming the title of the most beautiful in Turkey. And the incredible length (20 km) of Patara, where anyone, it seems, can find unity with nature.
Let us emphasize that prices in Kas hotels, which are crowded in the summer, are low in early spring. And you can sometimes relax there for absolutely no time. a ridiculous amount.
Swimming during this period, however, is not a pleasure for everyone – the water in the Mediterranean Sea is warmed up well, up to +17-18 °C. But there is a lot of sunshine, and rains are rare guests.
The air temperature is standard for this coast: from +16-18 °C at the beginning of the first month of spring +20-22 °C at the end.
Antalya
As well as Kemer and cozy Cirali, Side, Belek – these are the places in Turkey where we recommend going in March. Better at the end of the month than at the beginning, of course.
And generally ideal – during the March school holidays
Not because, of course, the weather is promised to be summer, although that too – it is getting warmer literally every day. You just can change the situation and recover before the final push of the school year.
And this is important – especially if there are exams ahead. Or even more so – admission to university.
Again, the cost of accommodation in apartments and hotels – it just hasn’t touched the bottom. And if you compare it with the amounts you would pay for a vacation of similar (or even worse) quality somewhere in Russia or Western Europe, then it will not lose its attractiveness!
In Antalya at the end of March you can expect an average daily temperature of +18-20 degrees Celsius and high probability nice days.
That is, healthy exercise by the seashore will certainly become a daily habit for the entire duration of the trip. Along the way, you can organize an extensive entertainment program for yourself.
Moreover, prices for excursions at this time are low. And the number of tourists on buses is minimal.
Unique abandoned city Termessos and snowy Tahtalithe ruins of Perge and Side, the amphitheater of Aspendos – this is an approximate list of attractions that you should pay attention to first. Excursions to Demre and Kekova are very popular regardless of the time of year.
Here – where to go in Antalya and travel nearby.
Alanya
The warmest of the resorts in Turkey, even at the beginning of spring it can give charge of vivacity and optimism almost everyone. And it’s not so much about air temperatures – they are not very different from those recorded by “colleagues in the shop.”
And with an abundance of sunny days and a low chance of rain!
Wind? As elsewhere on the southern coast, it often ruffles the surface of the sea, turning swimming even for brave people into a challenge. But, in principle, it is not so strong as to create problems for “properly” dressed citizens.
No, none no winter clothes required. But a windbreaker or some kind of parka should always be at hand.
Or maybe even a sweater with a blanket. Especially if you like to sit on the beach for a long time, fascinated by the pristine beauty of nature.
Don’t know what a tourist can see in Alanya and the surrounding area? Oh, there are so many interesting places there that you will have to curb your curiosity and carefully select the “best” options!
Equally often, for some reason, there is an impulse to take a bus from Alanya to Cappadocia. Perhaps because a distance of 400 km, even in a leisurely mode, can be covered in 6-7 hours?
Or because, in general, you have nothing to lose. After all, the cost of a package tour for two during this period may be comparable to prices for a regular flight to Turkey and back.
© Eurotraveler
