Bergen weather and rain at a glance
Bergen weather is changeable, and rain is part of every season. The official normal for 1991 to 2020 at the Florida station gives an annual mean of 8.4 °C and annual precipitation of 2,495 mm. In 2025 the same station recorded 2,414.6 mm and 201 days with more than 1 mm of precipitation.
That 2025 figure is one year, not a number of rainy days to expect on your trip. Treat it as a reason to pack a waterproof jacket and to keep an indoor plan ready. Some trips on the water also depend on the conditions: a fjord cruise from Bergen can take a different route in ice or bad weather.
Bergen rain: what the numbers say
How to read them.
The 1991 to 2020 normal is the figure to use for the climate of the city today. The older monthly series in the next section covers 1961 to 1990 and counts a rainy day from 0.1 mm, while the 2025 figure counts days above 1 mm, so do not compare the two day counts. No forecast can come from any of these numbers, so check the forecast for your dates the week you leave.
In practice, rain changes the order of your days and not the list. The mountain rides, the museums and the market all run in rain, and the views are what you may lose. On a clear morning, go up first.
Our pick: a fjord cruise with a cabin
Bergen is a rainy city, and this cruise has a cabin as well as a sun deck, so you can choose your spot as the weather changes.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Bergen tours and day trips
Walking tours, fjord trips and day trips from Bergen, with live prices and availability.
Seasons in Bergen
Monthly averages for 1961 to 1990, an older reference period.
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Precipitation mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.6 | −0.4 | 190 |
| February | 4.0 | −0.5 | 152 |
| March | 5.9 | 0.9 | 170 |
| April | 9.1 | 3.0 | 114 |
| May | 14.0 | 7.2 | 106 |
| June | 16.8 | 10.2 | 132 |
| July | 17.6 | 11.5 | 148 |
| August | 17.4 | 11.6 | 190 |
| September | 14.2 | 9.1 | 283 |
| October | 11.2 | 6.6 | 271 |
| November | 6.9 | 2.8 | 259 |
| December | 4.7 | 0.6 | 235 |
These are older averages and not today's normal, so use them for the pattern only. May is the driest month in the series, July and August are the warmest, and autumn from September to November is the wettest stretch. The pattern is no guarantee of dry weather in any month.
Best time to visit Bergen
It depends on what you want to do.
May to September
This is the widest choice. The outdoor fish market runs from 1 May to 30 September, the Bryggen guided walk goes at 11:00 and 13:00 from 28 March to 30 September, Fantoft opens from 2 May to 15 September and Gamle Bergen from 20 May to 13 September. Fløibanen costs more in summer, NOK 200 return for an adult bought digitally.
Hiking on Vidden
The route between Ulriken and Fløyen is about 13 km and takes 4 to 6 hours across an exposed, stony plateau with boggy patches, fog and wind. June to September is the recommended season, and winter is for experienced mountain walkers only. Bring waterproof and warm clothing, food, water and an offline map.
October to March
Fløibanen runs Monday to Friday 07:30 to 24:00 and weekends 08:00 to 24:00, and an adult return costs NOK 145. The indoor Mathallen stays open while the outdoor market is closed. The Ulriken cable car is closed on Mondays from October to March and all of January 2027. See Ulriken and Fløibanen.
November to January
Pepperkakebyen, the gingerbread town, is open from 14 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. The Christmas market at Festplassen runs from 20 November to 22 December 2026. See Bergen at Christmas. The goats on Fløyen go to their winter pasture on Osterøy from about 20 November and return at Easter, so you cannot count on seeing them in winter.
For most visitors, May to September gives the most open sights and the longest hours. If you want fewer people and accept rain, October to March still has the funicular, the museums and the Christmas season.
When wind, fog or rain turn the plan
What to do instead.
The Ulriken cable car can stop in strong wind, so check the status before you travel up. In fog the view from the top can vanish, so save the mountain rides for the clearest part of your stay. Rain is the better moment for Bryggens Museum, Schøtstuene, the KODE art museums, the aquarium and the Mathallen. The things to do in Bergen list opening seasons for each.
Bergen weather: frequently asked questions
How much does it rain in Bergen?
The official normal for 1991 to 2020 is 2,495 mm a year. In 2025 the station recorded 2,414.6 mm and 201 days with more than 1 mm.
What is the best time to visit Bergen?
May to September gives the widest choice of open sights and the longest hours. October to March suits visitors who accept rain and want the Christmas season.
Is May the driest month?
In the older 1961 to 1990 averages, May is the driest month at 106 mm. That is a pattern, not a promise of dry weather.
Can I hike Vidden in winter?
Only experienced mountain walkers should. The route is about 13 km, takes 4 to 6 hours and crosses an exposed plateau with fog, wind and boggy ground.
What should I pack for Bergen?
A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes in every season, and warm layers outside summer. For hikes, add food, water and an offline map.