Bergen is located on the more temperate southwest coast of Norway and occupies the Bergenshalvøyen peninsula. It is thanks to this position on the peninsula that Bergen has the warmest temperatures in the country. The city is protected by the North Sea by the islands of Askov, Holsnoy and Sotra, and the climate is greatly mitigated by the influence of the warming Gulf Stream.
The climate in Bergen has no extremes. The local climate is mostly oceanic, with mild winters and cool, pleasant summers. Despite its northern latitude, the climate in Bergen is considered temperate, at least by Scandinavian standards. However, the climate in Norway as a whole is still colder than in most other European countries.
Also, due to its proximity to the North Sea, the weather is always changing, so you can often see the sun on rainy days, which is often the case in Bergen. When the rain stops, smiles break through as fast as sunlight, when locals take to the streets and parks.
Fast weather data
- Hottest Month: July (59 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Coldest Month: January (35 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Wettest Month: December (10.6 inches or 270 millimeters)
- Driest Month: May (3.94 inches or 100 millimeters)
- Best Month for Swimming: August (60 degrees Fahrenheit sea temperature)
Summer in Bergen
The summer months of July and August are warm enough for tourists to don shorts and summer T-shirts. It is the “hottest” time of the year with temperatures reaching 21 degrees Celsius. Temperatures can get a bit higher, but this is not the norm. Precipitation in Bergen throughout the season is still relatively high at 150 millimeters per month, but it is still considered low compared to precipitation in the coming winter months.
What to pack: Although you may still need to bring a light sweater for the overnight lows (in the lower 50s), you will also want to bring swimwear and a variety of lighter clothing as summer is the time. warmest and driest of the year in Bergen
Average temperatures and rainfall per month:
- June: 56 F, 5.11 inches for 18 days
- July: 59 F, 6.3 inches for 19 days
- August: 58 F, 7.48 inches for 19 days
Fall in bergen
The heat and dryness of summer quickly give way to cold and higher fall rainfall totals, with temperatures steadily declining from mid-September through early winter. Despite an average temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit and an average of 20.75 days of rain per month throughout the season, fall is a great time to visit Bergen due to its plethora of fall holiday events and beautiful fall foliage to discover. .
What to pack: The later in the season you travel, the more layers and warm clothing you’ll want to bring to prepare for colder, wetter weather. In mid-October, you should drop your bathing suit in favor of a light jacket, and in late November, you may need to bring a winter coat. Be sure to pack a variety of clothes that you can wear to accommodate the volatile weather this season.
Average temperatures and rainfall per month:
- September: 53 F, 8.66 inches for 20 days.
- October: 48 F, 9.45 inches for 21 days.
- November: 41 F, 10.24 inches for 21 days
Winter in Bergen
During the winter, temperatures in Bergen will generally stay above freezing, but the influence of the Gulf Stream can even increase temperatures to a bearable 8 degrees. However, it is not all smooth sailing. High humidity wind conditions will make the city feel much colder than it actually is, so prepare yourself with an arsenal of winter heaters. Snow falls in Bergen every odd day, but it barely accumulates more than 10 centimeters. Compared to the rest of the country, snowfalls are not cause for excitement.
What to pack: A heavy coat, waterproof shoes that can handle snow, and warm clothing such as gloves, earmuffs, and knit hats may be required, especially in January and February when temperatures are lower and the likelihood of snowfall is highest. Thermal underwear, thick or wool pants, and a variety of sweaters can go a long way to keeping you warm this season.
Average temperatures and rainfall per month:
- December: 37 F, 10.63 inches for 20 days.
- January: 35 F, 10.24 inches for 22 days
- February: 36 F, 9.45 inches for 19 days.
Primavera in Bergen
It goes without saying that Bergen is a popular destination in the summer months, but consider visiting the city in May. When it comes to Bergen’s weather, this is the driest month of the year with just 76 millimeters of rain. Precipitation is considerably low compared to summer and winter. If the rain gets on your nerves, fear not. Bergen is an interesting city with many shops, intimate restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and museums to keep you entertained when you want to escape the gloom.
What to pack: The later in the spring you visit, the less you will have to bring to be prepared for the weather. However, although May is the driest month, you can still expect an average of 18 days of rain per month throughout the season, so you will still need to bring waterproof shoes and a raincoat if you want to stay dry. Also, you will likely need to wear a heavy coat until at least mid-April to adjust to the low average temperatures during the first half of spring.
Average temperatures and rainfall per month:
- March: 38 F, 7.87 inches for 19 days
- April: 43 F, 5.91 inches for 18 days
- May: 51 F, 3.94 inches for 17 days
Average monthly temperatures, rainfall and hours of daylight
The city of rain
Aptly nicknamed ‘The City of Rain’, you won’t find a place with more abundant rainfall in Norway than Bergen, which is mainly because the surrounding mountains ‘catch’ rain clouds over the city throughout the year. As a result, the annual average total rainfall is impressive at 2250 millimeters (88.58 inches), and rain is part of daily life in Bergen. However, the city is making the most of these conditions, even touting frequent showers as its claim to fame.
Like most of the world, Bergen has also been a survivor of a number of natural disasters. Rain and strong winds are constantly increasing, and in 2005, rainstorms caused several floods and landslides within the city limits. Due to climate changes, severe storms will only become more powerful, not only in Bergen but in neighboring countries in the coming years. In immediate response to the 2005 disaster, the local municipality created a special unit within the fire department, a 24-person rescue team that was formed to respond to landslides and natural disasters as they arise.
Furthermore, the city is regularly flooded with extreme tides, and it is speculated that as the sea level rises, the flood intervals will also increase. Suggestions have been put forward to prevent this from happening, including the possibility of erecting a retractable seawall outside the port of Bergen.
However, regardless of the climate-related dangers Bergen could face in the future, it is a unique city of almost unsurpassed beauty and unique climatic conditions. The contrast between the mountains, the city and the sea will take your breath away.
