Istanbul in March 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air and water temperature, how to dress and what to take with you, prices for air tickets and hotels, for tours and excursions. What to do in Istanbul at the beginning of March and closer to April, what to see and where to go – says Eurotraveler.
Istanbul – city of tulips. The most spring and seemingly especially cheerful flowers.
Strongly associated with World Women’s Day on March 8, and – let’s take it higher – hope for the best and happiness
It may be naive to believe that this is not a mere coincidence. But leaving the harsh winter behind and looking ahead at the summer timidly looming ahead, I really want to believe that March in Istanbul and tulips are such a sign. Obviously indicating the direction in which to move.
Moreover, there are no special obstacles on the way. And Türkiye—as if on purpose—even today remains a wide-open foreign destination for Russians! Much more expensive, of course – unlike previous years – but still desirable!
Just for reference, the first tulips bloom in Istanbul at the end of March. And a real riot of colors is coming even a little later.
Because in April the weather in Istanbul gives real warmth. And the city blossoms, welcoming spring with the traditional Tulip Festival.
During this period, the parks and gardens of the metropolis turn into natural flower paintings.
Tourists are noticeable is added — everyone wants to visit the Topkapi gardens, bathed in an ocean of fresh leaves and flowers? Sit on the square in front of the Blue Mosque, admiring the sky with such delicate spring colors.
Enjoy views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn from the observation deck in the Suleymaniye courtyard. Just walk along the streets and see the unusual sights of Istanbul. A city that seems to not just wake up, but to be born again!
But… we’re in a hurry. Since our focus today is a little earlier history.
Weather in Istanbul in March
From the point of view of literally any European tourist – good! Enough warm, not particularly rainyand most importantly, it doesn’t throw handfuls of snow at your feet.
That is, those accustomed to tropical resorts may curl their lips at the promise of “only” +14-16 degrees Celsius. But where will you find them, accustomed to them, in large quantities today?
Those times have long been forgotten, tourists are adapting to new realities. And how children learn to enjoy simple things human joys – a trip to Istanbul in March will easily remind you that they exist!
It’s wonderful to experience happiness from simple, completely ordinary things! From the bright, but not yet scorching sun, blossoming greenerygradually filling with bright turquoise sea.
From a leisurely walk through the old quarters in a tour group, where there will be no one except you and the guide…
You will definitely feel the tenderness even on your skin. breath of the coming summer. Although, of course, there is no point in relaxing too much yet, this is not the time.
Allow yourself the luxury of traveling to Istanbul on March 8th! Well, or a little later – during spring school holidaysFor example.
Usually, the air temperature in Istanbul jumps into the range of +10-14 degrees Celsius already at the beginning of March without swinging. On some days the atmosphere warms up even more.
Although closer to night, strong cooling regularly occurs: up to +6-10 °C
And, by the way, keep in mind that you cannot expect stability from the local climate at the start of spring.
Further
there will be more. Although it is not necessary that immediately – in the middle of the month don’t expect anything above +12-14 °C.
But the very end of March in Istanbul often indulges in much warmer weather. And in other years, street thermometers, enchanted, reach to +19-22 degrees Celsius.
But most often they stop around +17-18 °C
One way or another, take into account this feature of the local climate. And take advantage of it if you have the opportunity to travel to Turkey in March.
Sun in Istanbul in early spring warms very noticeably – when it is not covered by clouds. So you will probably want to sunbathe on a bench more than once or twice. Just like taking off a warm jacket that’s tired of you during the winter.
Rains are rare and, how can I say this – not a bit sad. But the wind is very angry.
And on the banks of the Bosphorus he not only tries to rip off a cap or unwind a poorly tied scarf, but also to pierce a body that is completely overheated and therefore carelessly exposed.
Keep this in mind if you decide to take a boat trip between Europe and Asia (who wouldn’t?)…
Water temperature
During this period of the year, the Sea of Marmara is heated to a maximum of +9-11 degrees Celsius. So if you intended, if not to swim, then to wander along the water’s edge, – leave this idea as ridiculous.
For waterphiles, I can only recommend a trip to Yalova. This thermal resort in a mountainous area near Istanbul is especially good – because it is not crowded – in March and April.
Even in the off-season, especially on weekends, there are plenty of healthy tourists in local swimming pools
Do I need to rent a car to travel to Yalova? Not at all – the destination is perfectly mastered by local tour operators (the excursion costs from 45-50 € per person).
How to dress
Hoping for the best. At the same time, not forgetting that winter is not completely gone. And in the evenings it can return in the form of cold snaps down to +4-8 degrees Celsius.
Insulated jackets are preferable to lightweight windbreakers. And the sweater will almost certainly turn out to be a sought-after wardrobe item.
At times you will want strip down to a t-shirt and expose vitamin D-starved skin to the sun. But, alas, such periods in March Istanbul are not too numerous and long.
Pay special attention to your equipment when you are planning to take a walk along the Bosphorus, whether on a pleasure boat, yacht or ferry. Because the wind literally cuts near the water!
It’s best to leave winter boots and shoes at home. As well as – naturally – sandals and light moccasins. Practical demi-season shoes – no fur, but no holes – just what you need!
- What things are best to take on holiday to Turkey?
Prices 2026
An independent trip to off-season Istanbul promises the best experience. Not because of savings – it’s possible that there won’t be any. And mainly because you determine for yourself duration and format of the trip.
Plus yes – this is important – choose a hotel. Thus, avoiding shabby walls, annoyingly loud dripping taps, rude receptionists and windows in the room at the same level or even below the sidewalk.
And in our opinion this is a reasonable fee. If you take into account the location, breakfasts and where you will taste them – on a closed (!) view terrace on the roof.
The Grand Peninsula Hotel, which is also located in the Sultanahmet area, is well located. Breakfast here is included in the price, the staff is friendly, and the room is clean. And all this for less than 50 € per night!
Air travel from Moscow to Istanbul and back, unfortunately, is currently quite expensive. So a couple of travelers will pay for tickets in the first half of March about 50-60 thousand rubles (500-600 €) – in case of a direct flight without luggage.
For comparison, a round trip flight from London with the same crew will cost ~350-400 €.
Tours of the main Turkish metropolis with a guide (even an English-speaking one) have in recent years turned into “pleasure is not for everyone” — for just one walk around the city you will have to pay about 40-50 €. If you plan to visit any attractions that require the purchase of entrance tickets, you will have to pay already from 60-75 €.
However, Bosphorus cruises are very affordable: for a walk in the company of an audio guide and without lunch you need to pay from 15-20 €. But if you want to have a snack on board, you will have to splurge for twice as much.
Things to do
As should be clear to anyone who has even heard about the history of Constantinople, there are interesting places in Istanbul that are simply must see. Starting from some strangely surviving signs of Roman civilization like Basilica Cisterns and ending with the modern metro tunnel under the Bosphorus, Marmaray.
By the way, it is second in the world in terms of its depth under the seabed. And the only one in the world connecting two parts of the world!
Other possible entertainments are not too standard, but, in general, they are well known. Who, for example, has not heard about a boat trip along the Bosphorus that leaves a literally wonderful aftertaste? Or he won’t visit Topkapi Palace with its gardens and seraglio?
Widely known and therefore visited by every first grandiose Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Suleymaniye, the creation of the great Sinan, also seems to be an extremely interesting architectural and historical monument.
And what views of the Bosphorus it offers – it’s just a classic!
In March, you are unlikely to miss the opportunity to climb Galata Towerstill preparing for an unprecedented influx of tourists. And definitely take a ride on an authentic old tram on route T1 along Istiklal Boulevard.
And then you will visit other Sultan’s residences (Dolmabahce, Beylerbeyi), and see the Bosphorus castle fortress Rumelihisar. It is definitely worth taking a stroll in the Asian districts of the great city: aristocratic Uskudar and common Kadikoy.
And, if you are in Istanbul on the threshold of April, take a look at Emirgan Park. After all, this is where the Tulip Festival takes place!
Active people will certainly want to explore the surroundings of the metropolis.
At least visit in the Princes’ Islands or visit Edirne. Get to an unknown but very interesting landmark, village Anadolukawagi. After all, old wooden houses from the imperial era have been preserved there!
Someone will probably plan to go on a real trip to Turkey for a couple of days. Because, if you didn’t know, even by car you can get from Istanbul to Cappadocia in 7-8 hours!
Well, for some, the closer places will probably be enough. The same ruins of Troy or the ruins of the great ancient city of Ephesus, which are located near the modern city of Selchuk…
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© Eurotraveler
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