The Weather in Bergen, Norway

The photos always show the sun shining, but Bergen has a reputation as one of Europe’s wettest cities. Here’s the truth about the city’s famously unpredictable climate and what to expect when you visit.

Are you planning a trip to Bergen? This historic port city on Norway’s west coast is framed by mountains and known for its colourful waterfront and easy access to the fjords.

One of the most common questions I receive about Norway’s second-largest city concerns the weather. That should come as no surprise, as Bergen is well known for its frequent rainfall. I often joke about the city’s soggy reputation, but the reality is more nuanced than many people expect.

Just because the statistics suggest a high number of rainy days does not mean your entire visit will be a washout. In fact, it took me three visits to the city before I experienced any rainfall at all.

And during one particularly warm summer, a weather station just outside Bergen recorded a new temperature record that surprised many locals and visitors alike.

So, what is really going on with Bergen’s weather? Let’s take a closer look at the data and the seasonal patterns that define the city’s famously changeable climate.

Rain in Bergen: The Facts Behind the Reputation

Let’s begin with what most people want to know. Yes, Bergen is wet. On average, some form of precipitation is recorded on 239 days each year. That figure might sound extreme at first, but it is important to understand what it actually means.

A “rainy day” is counted whenever more than 0.1 millimetres of precipitation is measured. That could be a heavy storm or a brief overnight drizzle.

In other words, Bergen does not endure torrential downpours every other day. Instead, it experiences frequent light rain, often for short periods. Still, 239 days is a lot by any standard. For comparison, Seattle, another city known for its wet climate, sees rain on around 150 to 160 days per year.

There is no defined dry season in Bergen. Rain can and does fall in every month. However, the amount and intensity vary throughout the year.

In some years, conditions can swing widely. For example, in April 2019, only 12.9 millimetres of rain fell. By contrast, that same August recorded nearly 400 millimetres, and December saw over 360 millimetres.

The Weather in Bergen by Season

Of course, there is much more to the weather than rainfall alone. Bergen’s climate is shaped by its coastal location and surrounding mountains, which produce a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers.

During the winter months of December through February, the city is noticeably milder than many other parts of Norway. Average temperatures usually remain above freezing, often hovering between one and five degrees Celsius.

Snow does occasionally fall, but it rarely lasts long. In recent years, Bergen has experienced winters with only brief snowy periods, such as the three weeks between mid-January and early February in 2019.

Spring is perhaps the most variable season. April and May are typically the driest months of the year, although rainfall can still be expected. Temperatures in spring rise gradually, ranging from about six to twelve degrees.

However, sudden swings are not uncommon. In May 2019, Bergen recorded a high of 24.3 degrees on Norway’s National Day. Just two weeks earlier, the temperature had dropped to almost freezing.

Summer brings Bergen’s warmest weather and also the peak of the tourist season. Although average temperatures in July and August remain modest, around fifteen to seventeen degrees, warmer days are not unusual.

The city can experience stretches above twenty degrees, sometimes even higher. That said, rain remains a constant possibility. Warm sunny mornings can give way to grey afternoons, so it pays to be prepared for both.

Autumn is generally the wettest time of year. September and October typically bring the highest monthly rainfall, along with an increase in wind and the occasional storm. Average temperatures fall steadily during this time.

September usually sees highs around eleven or twelve degrees, while November often drops to around four or five. As autumn progresses, daylight fades and the city settles into its darker, rainier rhythm.

How to Check the Weather Before You Travel

If you are planning a visit to Bergen, you will probably want to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. This is especially true if your trip involves a Hurtigruten or Havila voyage, as many travellers begin or end their coastal journey in the city.

If your visit is still several months away, the best thing you can do is review the seasonal trends and keep your expectations broad. Once your trip is a few weeks away, long-range forecasts may give some indication of whether unusually warm, cold, wet, or dry conditions are expected.

As your travel dates approach, you can turn to Norway’s best-known weather service at yr.no. This free service, developed by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK, offers highly detailed forecasts in English.

It includes a useful hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 48 hours, along with a longer forecast that covers the coming week.

While long-term forecasts should be taken with caution, the short-term outlook is generally reliable and will help you pack accordingly. The service is also available as a mobile app, which I recommend downloading before your trip.

How to Pack for Bergen

Bergen is a difficult city to pack for because the weather is often unpredictable, no matter the forecast. I never visit without bringing a waterproof and windproof jacket, even in July. Rain can appear suddenly and leave just as quickly.

Footwear is just as important. Bring comfortable shoes that can withstand getting wet, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors or walk through the city’s cobbled streets.

Thanks to the relatively mild temperatures, thick thermal layers are rarely necessary, even in winter. However, if you are planning a fjord cruise or spending time on the water, it can get quite chilly, particularly when the wind picks up.

In those cases, warm layers and a wind-resistant outer shell are advisable no matter the season. Check out our guide to layering in Norway for more advice.

Embrace the Rain!

Bergen’s weather may have a damp reputation, but there is a certain charm in its ever-changing sky.

A sudden burst of sunshine after a rain shower can make the city’s colourful harbourfront shine even more brightly. Rain clouds clinging to the mountains only add to the drama of the landscape.

With the right clothing and a flexible attitude, Bergen is a wonderful destination to explore in any season. Enjoy your trip to Bergen!