Weather in Bergen
The climate in Bergen is often described as wet and mild. But the sun always lurks behind the clouds.
Rain in Bergen
There's a saying in Norwegian: there is no bad weather, there is only bad clothing. Yes, let's be honest, it rains a fair bit in Bergen. In fact, in rains more than 200 days a year on average. However, for a day to be officially recorded with precipitation, only 0.1 mm needs to have fallen. So don’t let the 200 days scare you off. On many of those 200 days, the sun will shine occasionally.
Over the years, there have been almost twice as many rainy days in Bergen as in Oslo. Rain in Bergen varies from place to place, and the difference can be significant.
Dealing with rain
Love it, hate it. Some people can't stand the rain, while others embrace it. But there's nothing you can do about it. Learn to love the rain, enjoy the positive sides of a rainy day – or finally master the art of using an umbrella.
If you live in Bergen (or anywhere else in Vestlandet for that matter), “opplett” (a word that means a (brief) pause in the rain) becomes a very welcomed element when it rains. And when the sun finally does shine, there is no better place to be than Bergen!
We can show you 7 reasons to love the rain and give some tips on how to maneuer your umbrella.
Why does it rain in Bergen?
Actually, it doesn't only rain in Bergen, but generally everywhere in Vestlandet. The reason is that warm winds from the west hit the mountains of Western Norway. The air is pushed up along the mountains and cooled. This causes the steam to condense and turn into rain.
Facts about rain in Bergen
- Bergen had 201 rainy days in 2025
- In January 2020, Gullfjellet in Bergen was the wettest weather station with 814.7 mm of rain
- In Bergen, the average annual rainfall is 2,495 mm, and the wettest month is December with 290 mm (based on the normal period 1991-2020)
- May is on average the driest month in Bergen with 109 mm of rain (based on the normal period 1991-2020)
Is it raining in Bergen now?
You can always look out the window to check the weather, but bear in mind, it changes quickly. So a little help will be to check the weather forecast on Yr.
Weather in Bergen by Season
A useful thing to know about the weather in Bergen, is that the differences between the seasons aren’t as extreme as in many other places in Norway. While there are varations throughout the year, the climate is generally mild, and wet. This means you can usually wear much of the same clothing year-round, so you won’t need to pack an entirely different wardrobe for each season!
Spring in Bergen (March – May)
Sping in Bergen is very changeable. You can expect rain, sleet, sunshine, chilly days and even warm days! As the days get longer, and tempatures gradually rise, nature starts to bloom and the city really comes to life, making it a great time to to explore. May is typically the driest month of the year in Bergen, and for students this is perfect timing, as exam revision can often be done in the city parks.
Summer in Bergen (June – August)
Summers in Bergen are mild and comfortable, with temperatures on average ranging between 13 – 17 degrees, with maximum daytime highs around 20 degrees. Although summer is generally drier than other seasons, it can still rain frequently. While you can’t experience the midnight sun in Bergen, the long daylight hours and late sunsets maked it easy to enjoy evenings outdoors.
Autumn in Bergen (September – November)
Temperatures start cooling in Autumn and the city’s reputation for rain becomes much more noticeable. October is statistically the wettest month of the year in Bergen. With shorter days and longer nights, Autumn marks the start of the cosy season, which is perfect for exploring bars, and indoor activities. You’ll notice that whenever the weather clears, many of the city’s residents head out for hikes in the mountains around Bergen.
Winter in Bergen (December – February)
Winters in Bergen are relatively mild compared to many other parts of Norway, with temperatures often hovering around freezing. So don’t expect a lot of snow. January is on average the coldest month in Bergen, although still not extremely cold. The darker days also mean thereøs a chance to see the Northern Lights, although sightings in Bergen are not as common as in Northern Norway.
No matter the season, the key to enjoying Bergen is to be prepared for changing weather and to make the most of it.
