Weather Comparison
Istanbul vs Bucharest
Side-by-side weather comparison for March
March Weather: Istanbul vs Bucharest
| Metric | Istanbul | Bucharest | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 11°C (52°F) | 11°C (52°F) | Tie |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 5°C (41°F)▲ | 1°C (34°F) | Istanbul |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 11 days | 8 days▲ | Bucharest |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 73 mm | 47 mm▲ | Bucharest |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 9h/day▲ | 8h/day | Istanbul |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 6 | 6 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 22 km/h | 17 km/h▲ | Bucharest |
Which City is Better in March?
Istanbul and Bucharest are closely matched in March. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Istanbul is on the cooler side at 11°C, requiring warmer clothing. Bucharest is cooler at 11°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Bucharest is the stronger choice in March. Istanbul receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in March
Istanbul reaches an average high of 11°C (52°F) and drops to 5°C (41°F) at night during March. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Bucharest averages 11°C (52°F) for the high and 1°C (34°F) for the low, with a daily range of 10°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in March.
Rainfall Comparison in March
Istanbul receives approximately 73 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during March. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Bucharest sees 47 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Bucharest the drier option by 3 rain days and 26 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Istanbul vs Bucharest
Packing for Istanbul in March
Highs of 11°C, lows of 5°C, 11 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Bucharest in March
Highs of 11°C, lows of 1°C, 8 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during March.
Year-Round Comparison: Istanbul vs Bucharest
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.March is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Istanbul | Bucharest | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 8°C | 13d | 3°C | 7d |
| Feb | 9°C | 12d | 6°C | 6d |
| Mar | 11°C | 11d | 11°C | 8d |
| Apr | 15°C | 8d | 17°C | 9d |
| May | 20°C | 6d | 23°C | 11d |
| Jun | 25°C | 6d | 26°C | 12d |
| Jul | 28°C | 4d | 29°C | 10d |
| Aug | 28°C | 3d | 29°C | 7d |
| Sep | 24°C | 7d | 23°C | 7d |
| Oct | 19°C | 9d | 17°C | 7d |
| Nov | 14°C | 10d | 10°C | 7d |
| Dec | 10°C | 13d | 4°C | 7d |
Istanbul Weather in March
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Bucharest Weather in March
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities