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Weather Comparison

Istanbul vs Bucharest

Side-by-side weather comparison for March

Istanbul: 11°CBucharest: 11°C447 km apart

March Weather: Istanbul vs Bucharest

MetricIstanbulBucharestBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer11°C (52°F)11°C (52°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder5°C (41°F)1°C (34°F)Istanbul
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days8 daysBucharest
PrecipitationLess is drier73 mm47 mmBucharest
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier9h/day8h/dayIstanbul
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better22 km/h17 km/hBucharest

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.

MonthIstanbulBucharest
HighRainHighRain
Jan8°C13d3°C7d
Feb9°C12d6°C6d
Mar11°C11d11°C8d
Apr15°C8d17°C9d
May20°C6d23°C11d
Jun25°C6d26°C12d
Jul28°C4d29°C10d
Aug28°C3d29°C7d
Sep24°C7d23°C7d
Oct19°C9d17°C7d
Nov14°C10d10°C7d
Dec10°C13d4°C7d
11°

Istanbul Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

11°

Bucharest Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul warmer than Bucharest in March?
Istanbul and Bucharest have the same average high temperature of 11°C (52°F) in March. The average lows are 5°C and 1°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in March, Istanbul or Bucharest?
Istanbul gets more rain in March with 11 rain days and 73 mm of precipitation. Bucharest is the drier option with 8 rain days.
Is it better to visit Istanbul or Bucharest in March?
It depends on your preferences. Istanbul averages 11°C and 9 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Bucharest averages 11°C with 8 sunshine hours and 8 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Bucharest. For fewer rain days, Bucharest is the better pick.
How far apart are Istanbul and Bucharest?
Istanbul and Bucharest are approximately 447 km (278 miles) apart. Istanbul is located in Turkey (Europe) while Bucharest is in Romania (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Istanbul and Bucharest?
For Istanbul, July tends to be the best month with 14 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 28°C. For Bucharest, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 29°C highs.

Compare Istanbul and Bucharest in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Istanbul coordinates: 41.01°N, 28.98°E | Bucharest coordinates: 44.43°N, 26.10°E