Ankara in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Ankara

12°C (53°F) High Temp

2°C (35°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening brings pleasant daytime temperatures of 10-12°C (50-54°F) perfect for extensive walking without summer's oppressive heat
Nevruz (Persian New Year) on March 21st transforms the city with traditional celebrations, fire jumping ceremonies, and authentic cultural experiences unavailable other times
Accommodation prices drop 30-40% from winter peaks as tourist season hasn't begun, with luxury hotels offering rates from ₺800-1,200 ($27-40) per night
Early spring blooms in Genclik Park and botanical gardens create impressive photography opportunities, while crowds remain minimal at major sites like Anitkabir

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 15°C (59°F) sunny afternoons to 0°C (32°F) mornings require constant layering and clothing adjustments
Rain occurs 10 days monthly with sudden downpours lasting 30-45 minutes, disrupting outdoor plans and making walking tours challenging
Many outdoor restaurants and tea gardens remain closed until April, limiting authentic local dining experiences to indoor venues

Best Activities in March

Anitkabir Mausoleum Complex Exploration

March's cool temperatures make the extensive 1.5km (0.9-mile) walking tour of Ataturk's mausoleum complex comfortable. Spring light provides ideal photography conditions for the massive architecture, and minimal crowds allow respectful contemplation. The changing of the guard ceremony at 9am and 5pm is clearly visible without summer's overwhelming tourist masses.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for individual visits. Guided tours typically cost ₺150-250 ($5-8) and should be booked Easttimor-day. Free audio guides available in English. Allow 2-3 hours for complete experience including museum sections.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

March's cool, damp weather makes hammam visits particularly rewarding as a warming, cultural experience. Historic bathhouses like those in Ulus district operate at comfortable temperatures while outside remains chilly. Traditional treatments cost ₺200-400 ($7-14) and provide authentic local culture unavailable in summer resort areas.

Booking Tip: Book 1-2 days ahead during weekdays. Traditional hammams typically charge ₺200-400 ($7-14) for full service including scrub and massage. Separate facilities for men and women. Sessions last 60-90 minutes.

Ankara Castle (Hisar) Sunset Photography

Cool March air provides crystal-clear visibility for panoramic city views from the 7th-century fortress walls. Spring sunset at 6:30pm offers dramatic lighting without summer haze. The 20-minute uphill walk (200m/656ft elevation gain) is comfortable in cool temperatures, impossible during summer heat.

Booking Tip: Free entrance. Visit 2 hours before sunset for optimal lighting. Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestone paths. Small cafes inside castle open sporadically in March - bring water. Photography workshops available through local guides for ₺300-500 ($10-17).

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations look at

March's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural experiences essential. This UNESCO-recognized museum houses the world's finest Hittite artifacts in a restored 15th-century bazaar. Cool weather eliminates summer crowds, allowing intimate examination of 8,000-year-old treasures. Perfect rainy-day backup plan.

Booking Tip: Entry ₺100 ($3.50) with student discounts. Audio guides ₺30 ($1). Allow 3-4 hours for thorough visit. Private guided tours ₺400-600 ($14-21) should be booked 2-3 days ahead. Open 8:30am-5:30pm except Mondays.

Nevruz Festival Cultural Participation

March 21st Nevruz celebrations offer unique cultural immersion unavailable other times. Traditional fire-jumping ceremonies, folk dancing, and authentic Kurdish/Turkish cultural displays occur throughout the city. Locals wear traditional dress and share homemade foods. Weather is ideal for outdoor festivities.

Booking Tip: Free public celebrations in Kizilay Square and Genclik Park. Traditional costume rentals available for ₺100-200 ($3-7). Food stalls charge ₺20-50 ($0.70-1.75) per item. Evening celebrations run until 11pm with live music and dancing.

Beypazari Ottoman Town Day Trips

Historic Ottoman town 100km (62 miles) from Ankara showcases traditional architecture and famous carrots. March weather is perfect for walking cobblestone streets and exploring 300-year-old houses. Tourist crowds are minimal, allowing authentic interactions with local craftspeople and traditional glassblowing demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost ₺800-1,200 ($27-40) including transport and lunch. Self-drive possible with rental cars from ₺200-300 ($7-10) daily. Trains run twice daily for ₺25 ($0.85). Allow full day for proper exploration.

March Events & Festivals

March 21st

Nevruz (Persian New Year) Festival

March 21st celebration marking spring's arrival with fire ceremonies, traditional music, and Kurdish cultural displays throughout Ankara. Locals gather in Kizilay Square for folk dancing, traditional foods, and symbolic fire-jumping rituals representing renewal and hope.

Mid March

Ankara International Film Festival

Mid-March cinema festival showcasing Turkish and international films across multiple venues. Provides indoor cultural activities perfect for unpredictable March weather, with evening screenings at historic venues and director Q&A sessions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell for temperature swings from 2-12°C (35-54°F)

Waterproof walking shoes with ankle support for wet cobblestones at Ankara Castle and old city areas

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - March showers are sudden and intense but brief (30-45 minutes typical)

Power bank for phone photography - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster during outdoor sightseeing

Light cashmere or wool scarf - indoor venues are heated to 22°C (72°F) but outdoors feels much colder with wind

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating causes skin dryness locals don't warn about

Comfortable indoor shoes for mosque visits - you'll remove shoes frequently and marble floors are cold

Small daypack with rain cover for camera equipment and layers you'll add/remove throughout the day

Warm hat or beanie for early morning Anitkabir visits - 6am temperatures hover near freezing

Hand warmers for outdoor photography sessions - essential for sunset shoots at Ankara Castle

Insider Knowledge

Visit major museums on Friday afternoons when local families are busy - you'll have exhibits nearly to yourself unlike weekend crowds

Ankara's best traditional breakfast (kahvalti) spots in Kizilay district open at 8am when tourists are still sleeping - real feel for ₺80-120 ($2.75-4.25)

Use municipal buses instead of taxis during March rain - locals know buses continue while taxis become scarce and expensive, routes 620 and 625 connect all major tourist sites

Turkish coffee culture peaks in cool weather - spend afternoons in traditional coffee houses in Ulus district where locals play backgammon and discuss politics, cultural experience impossible in summer heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking warm layers - visitors expect spring warmth but March mornings are genuinely cold at 2°C (35°F) requiring winter clothing until 11am

Planning too many outdoor activities - March's 10 rainy days require indoor backup plans, yet tourists book castle and park visits without museum alternatives

Ignoring Nevruz preparations - March 15-21 sees shop closures and changed schedules for festival preparation, tourists arrive finding closed attractions they planned around