When's the best time to visit Bergen?
Bergen, the city between the seven mountains, attracts travellers year-round with its unique charm and dramatic nature. If you're looking for milder weather and long, bright days, the period from May to August is ideal, with average daytime temperatures around 14-19°C. This is the perfect time to explore Bryggen, take the Fløibanen funicular for fantastic views, or go on a fjord tour.
If you want to experience the special autumn and winter atmosphere of Western Norway, the months from September to December are a great choice. Daytime temperatures are cooler, with an average between 5°C and 14°C, and the city reveals a more dramatic side. This is the time for cosy café visits, indoor cultural and music events, and seeing the city decorated for Christmas in December.
Average temperatures throughout the year
Bergen is known for its coastal climate, which brings mild winters and relatively cool summers. Average daytime temperatures range from around 4°C in January at its coldest, to 19°C in July at its warmest. The city's location between the mountains and its proximity to the sea result in frequent weather changes and significantly smaller temperature differences between seasons than inland.
Water temperatures
Although Bergen is not a typical swimming destination, there are opportunities for a refreshing dip in the fjords around the city. In the warmest summer months, the water temperature can reach around 14-17°C. In winter, the water is cold, with temperatures dropping to around 5-7°C, but year-round swimming also has its followers here.
Precipitation
Bergen is famous for its rainy weather. The city has a high number of rainy days year-round, with over 200 days of rain in an average year. In the summer (May-August), you can expect around 13-17 days of precipitation per month. In the autumn and winter (September-December), this increases considerably, with an average of 18-19 days of precipitation per month, where the rain can be both light and intense.
