The climate of Bergen
Bergen,
Norway, is distinguished by its Marine west coast, warm summer climate, classified as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. This classification is influenced by its geographical location, enveloped by mountains and the North Sea. Winter temperatures barely fall below freezing, and summers are comparatively moderate. However, Bergen is notorious for being one of the wettest cities in Europe.
Throughout the year, Bergen experiences quite modest temperature fluctuations. High temperatures range from 2.8°C (37°F) in
January and
February to 16.1°C (61°F) in
August. Lows vary from a chilly 0.6°C (33.1°F) in January up to a mild 12.7°C (54.9°F) in August.
Relative humidity contributes significantly to Bergen’s overall climate. With levels hovering between 75% in
May and 81% in
March, Bergen is a fairly humid city, which contributes to the overall dampness year-round. Precipitation varies, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from
September to
December, peaking in
October with 201mm (7.91"). Conversely,
April has the least amount of rain at 73mm (2.87").
Unique to Bergen's climate is its noticeable snowfall, reaching 127mm (5") in January and 109mm (4.29") in December. Although, snowfall is virtually non-existent from May to September.
The Best Time to Visit Bergen
For those considering a trip to
Bergen, the summer months of
June to
August are arguably the most pleasant. During this time, high temperatures range from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 16.1°C (61°F) and low temperatures stretch from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F). The city also enjoys the highest amount of sunlight, with daylight hours extending from 18.1 hours to 18.9 hours. Additionally, these months have the lowest recorded snowfall, aligning with most people's ideal weather conditions for sightseeing.
The Worst Time to Visit Bergen
Visitors may want to avoid planning a visit to
Bergen during the late autumn and early winter months. The period from
October to
December is characterized by heavy rainfall, with
November receiving the most precipitation at 201mm (7.91"). Furthermore, temperatures begin to drastically drop, from 10.1°C (50.2°F) in October, 6.5°C (43.7°F) in November, down to 4.4°C (39.9°F) in December. Likewise, daylight plummets considerably to an average of 5.9 hours in December.
Spring Weather in Bergen
In
Bergen, spring sees an emergence from the colder winter months.
March temperatures range from
September a high of 4.3°C (39.7°F) to a low of 1.2°C (34.2°F), and by
May, there's a notable increase in warmth with temperatures ranging from a high of 10.9°C (51.6°F) to a low of 7°C (44.6°F). Rainfall and snowfall decrease substantially in spring, and daylight hours increase to as much as 17.3 hours, indicating the arrival of longer and brighter days.
Summer Weather in Bergen
Summer is inviting with the coastal city experience temperatures from a high of 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 16.1°C (61°F) and lows from 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F). Rainfall is moderate, between 80mm (3.15") and 99mm (3.9"), compared to other times of the year, and snowfall is practically absent. Daylight hours reach their peak, with up to 18.9 hours visible in
June.
Autumn Weather in Bergen
Autumn signifies the shift from pleasant summer weather to the more challenging conditions of winter.
September witnesses temperatures of 13.9°C (57°F) high to 11°C (51.8°F) low, dipping to 4.4°C (39.9°F) high to 2.1°C (35.8°F) low by
December. Rainfall increases significantly, with
October marking the height of the rainy season at 201mm (7.91").
Winter Weather in Bergen
Winters in
Bergen are markedly cold with temperatures hitting a low of 0.6°C (33.1°F) in
January. High temperatures in January and
February hover around the freezing point, at 2.8°C (37°F) and 2.9°C (37.2°F) respectively. Snowfall is a distinguishing feature of Bergen's winter climate, reaching 127mm (5") in January, and remaining significant throughout the entire winter duration. Daylight is at its minimum also, with a mere 5.9 hours in
December. With the significant decrease in temperature and daylight, winter illustrates Bergen at its most extreme weather conditions.
Weather in January
In the depth of winter,
January in
Bergen,
Norway, exhibits a typical chilly Nordic climate. The primary weather pattern for January ties highs up at only 2.8°C (37°F) and the lows at a frosty 0.6°C (33.1°F). In comparison to
December, there is an obvious shift in the weather system as January experiences less snowfall and an increase in daylight hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sees a minor rise in temperature, which slightly melts the snow from
January. Still, the vestiges of winter maintain the status quo with chilly temperatures and brisk northern winds. February is less wet than the previous month with 119mm (4.69") of rainfall over 14.8 days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather starts to soften in
March as temperatures gradually rise, signaling the onset of spring in
Bergen. It's noticeable that rainfall becomes more common with 134mm (5.28") spread over 19.1 days of the month, as the region ushers in the spring season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences a larger leap in temperatures introducing a breath of warmth to the still cool
Bergen. With 73mm (2.87") of rainfall over 15.7 days, the month is drier than
March. Rapid transitions from wintry showers to sunny blossoms characterize the month of April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the arrival of warmer weather with a pleasant bloom of spring blossoms around
Bergen. As the mercury rises, the precipitation trend follows suit with 82mm (3.23") of rain making an appearance. May offers an ideal blend of mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and picturesque landscapes.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The city of
Bergen bursts into summer in
June, boasting of warmer temperatures. June remains consistent with the trend of rainfall seeing 80mm (3.15") over 16.2 days. The substantial rise in maximum temperatures compared to
May marks the commencement of the summer season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July outshines other months with the highest average temperatures of 16°C (60.8°F) (high) and 12.3°C (54.1°F) (low), making it the hottest in
Bergen. July also brings the highest number of rainy days with 20.4 wet days throughout the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Bergen experiences consistent summer warmth, closely following the warm temperatures of
July. The high vessel traffic of August in Bergen’s port echoes the busy summer season that culminates the year’s peak tourism period.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a mild transition from summer to fall, marking the beginning of cooler days in
Bergen. Despite this change, September still retains some of summer's warmth. The month records on average 179mm (7.05") of rain that falls over 22.3 days, making it wetter than
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October weather distinctly ushers in the autumnal season, with temperatures noticeably cooler than
September. It is also the wettest month, with rainfall reaching an all-time high of 201mm (7.91") throughout the month. As the month progresses, the transition to the cooler season becomes more apparent with falling leaves and shorter daylight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Bergen witnesses a further decrease in temperature, aligning more towards the colder end of the spectrum. The chilling gusts of wind and lowering temperatures herald the approaching winter season. There are 139mm (5.47") of rainfall in November, fewer than in
October, but still substantial.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Bergen embraces its chilly winter temperatures, with chilly days and colder nights. The city is draped in December's unique holiday charm, creating a picturesque scene against the wintry backdrop. It records a high snowfall of 109mm (4.29"), reinstating the wintery charm that December brings.
Weather in December »