Ankara Weather in March

March weather in Ankara

March feels like a stop-start arrival of spring. Afternoons can reach 12°C, but lows around 0°C make mornings and evenings cold. Rain falls on about nine days, and cloudy skies are common, so keep outdoor plans flexible.

You can explore Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations between showers. The Castle's steep, uneven lanes are less pleasant when wet, and a long picnic day may feel chilly. Compared with February, afternoons are milder, but March is still changeable.

What to do and see

March 18 is Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs' Day, marked with remembrance ceremonies across Turkey. You may notice events in Ankara, including around Anıtkabir. March 21 is also associated with Nevruz, the spring festival celebrated in Turkey and across the region.

If you hate crowds, March is a quieter choice than the popular April-to-June season. It's usually easier to enjoy central sights without peak-season foot traffic, and accommodation can cost less than in busier spring months. Don't expect summer-style warmth, though.

A useful local tip

Travelling with kids? Pair a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with a warm lunch in Ulus. Ankara tava, a local rice-and-lamb dish, is a filling choice after a cool walk.

For a practical rainy-day plan, take a taxi up to Ankara Castle, then walk downhill through its lanes towards the museum. The route avoids a tiring climb, though the old stones can be slippery when wet. You can also duck into cafés around the castle if a shower interrupts your visit.