Weather in Bergen

Planning your time in Bergen? In this section, you will find the latest weather information, including current data, forecasts, and useful charts.

Bergen, located on the southwestern coast of Norway, possesses a temperate maritime climate. This means there is no extreme heat in summer or severe frost in winter here. However, the main feature of the weather in Bergen is the very high number of rainy days throughout the year, so travelers should be prepared for this.

There are four distinct seasons in Bergen. Winters (December-February) are mild here, with average temperatures around 0-1°C and frequent precipitation, although severe frosts are rare. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with the average temperature rising to 5-9°C, and the number of rainy days decreases slightly, especially in April. Summer (June-August) in Bergen is cool and refreshing, with average temperatures around 13-14°C, and also a high probability of rain. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling and an increase in the number of rainy days, especially in October, when their number is at its maximum.

Although the monthly rainfall in millimetres might not seem very large, it is the frequency of rain that defines the character of Bergen's weather. An umbrella and waterproof clothing will become your indispensable companions. Thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, the climate here remains relatively mild year-round, making Bergen attractive to visit in any season, provided you are not afraid of changeable and damp weather.

The temperature regime in Bergen is characterized by moderation throughout the year, without sudden fluctuations. The warmest months are July and August, when the average temperature holds at around 13.7-13.8°C, and maximum daily values reach approximately 16.3°C. The coldest months are January and February, with an average temperature of about 0.4-0.8°C. At this time, night temperatures can drop to -1.5°C, and daytime temperatures rarely rise above 2-3°C.

The summer months in Bergen (June, July, August) offer pleasantly cool weather, far from exhausting heat. Average daily highs range from 15.7°C in June to 16.3°C in July and August. Night temperatures in summer drop to 9.9-11.2°C, creating comfortable conditions for sleep. Summer weather here is refreshing rather than hot, and is ideal for walking and outdoor activities, but it is worth being prepared for the frequent rains characteristic of this region.

Winter in Bergen (December, January, February) is quite mild, with temperatures often hovering around zero. Average minimum temperatures in January and February are about -1.5°C to -1.1°C, and average maximums are about 2.2°C to 2.8°C. This means that severe frosts are rare here, although light freezes are possible at times. The difference between day and night temperatures throughout the year is not very large, usually amounting to about 3-6°C, which is typical for a maritime climate. The greatest daily fluctuations are observed in spring; for example, in April the difference can reach 6-7°C.

Bergen is known for its high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year. There is no distinct absolutely dry season here, so readiness for rain or wet snow is an important part of planning a trip to this picturesque city. Winter months, especially January, February, and December, bring not only rain but also a high probability of snowfall. Average temperatures at this time hover around 0°C, and minimums often drop below freezing point, creating conditions for snow.

The greatest amount of precipitation and the highest number of days with it traditionally occur in the autumn-winter period. October stands out as the wettest month: on average, about 11 mm of precipitation falls here, and the number of days with precipitation reaches approximately 23. It is followed in frequency of precipitation by January (about 22 days with precipitation), February and August (21 days each), as well as December (about 20 days). Even in summer months, such as August, the number of rainy days remains significant.

Spring months bring some reduction in the intensity and frequency of precipitation. April is considered the "driest" month of the year for Bergen, with an average rainfall of about 3 mm and the fewest rainy days – approximately 13. May and June are also characterized by relatively lower rainfall (4 mm and 5 mm respectively) and rainy days (16 and 17 days), although precipitation remains a frequent occurrence even at this time. In general, regardless of the season, you should expect that it might rain in Bergen, so waterproof clothing and an umbrella will become your reliable companions.

When planning a trip to Bergen, it is important to remember its changeable and humid weather. Regardless of the time of year, a waterproof and windproof jacket, as well as waterproof shoes, will become your best friends. Due to the large number of rainy days (from 13 to 23 per month) and frequent winds, a good umbrella will also be very handy, although many prefer high-quality outerwear with a hood. The principle of layering in clothing is the key to comfort in Bergen. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and when moving from indoors to outdoors.

In summer (June-August), when average temperatures hover around 13-14°C, you will need light sweaters or fleece jackets, T-shirts, jeans, or trousers. Even in the warmest months, evenings can be cool, so bring something warmer. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is cooler, with average temperatures from 2°C to 11°C. During these periods, it is worth adding warm sweaters to your wardrobe, perhaps thermal underwear (especially in early spring and late autumn), a hat, and gloves. Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory at any time of the year, as Bergen invites long walks along its picturesque streets and surroundings.

In winter (December-February), average temperatures stay around 0-1°C, so a warm winter jacket (preferably waterproof and windproof), warm sweaters, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and mittens or gloves are necessary. Given the possibility of wet snow, waterproof and non-slip shoes are especially important. Although the sun in Bergen is not as active as in southern latitudes, on clear days, especially in spring and summer, light sunscreen may come in handy, particularly if you plan walks by the water or in the mountains.