The Acropolis and Odeon of Herodes Atticus lit up at dusk

Istanbul at sunset over the Bosphorus, minaret and domes in silhouette

Athens vs Istanbul in March

Athens edges it in March. Athens averages 9–17°C with low-moderate crowds; Istanbul 5–12°C with moderate crowds.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Athens and Istanbul

The verdict for March

WeatherAthens has the better weather7/10 vs 6/10
CrowdsAthens is quieterLow-Moderate vs Moderate
PricesVery similar€€ vs €€
OverallAthens comes out ahead8/10 vs 7/10

Athens in March

Spring starts to show: milder days, longer daylight and a city that becomes much easier to explore on foot.

Temperature: 9–17°C
Crowds: Low-Moderate
Prices: €€

+Spring starts to show: milder days, longer daylight and a city that becomes much easier to explore on foot.

–Weather can still be unpredictable, and Easter-related demand can spike when Orthodox Easter falls in March or around the month.

Spring starts to show: milder days, longer daylight and a city that becomes much easier to explore on foot. Weather can still be unpredictable, and Easter-related demand can spike when Orthodox Easter falls in March or around the month.

Athens in March

Istanbul in March

The city wakes up

Temperature: 5–12°C
Crowds: Moderate
Prices: €€

+The city becomes increasingly active and outdoor sightseeing gets more comfortable.

–Weather can be unpredictable and cold days are still possible.

Spring conditions before spring prices.

Istanbul in March

Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.

Another month