Bergen
Bergen
Norway
Ready to explore?
Bergen, known as the 'Gateway to the Fjords,' is a city where history and nature collide against a backdrop of colorful wooden houses and dramatic mountains. As Norway's second-largest city, it offers...
About Bergen
Bergen, known as the 'Gateway to the Fjords,' is a city where history and nature collide against a backdrop of colorful wooden houses and dramatic mountains. As Norway's second-largest city, it offers a distinct contrast to the more metropolitan vibe of Oslo. While Bergen is famously known as the rainiest city in Europe, its temperate oceanic climate means winters are surprisingly mild and summers are pleasantly cool. Travelers typically flock here for the summer greenery and midnight sun, but the city’s 'koselig' (cozy) winter atmosphere and vibrant spring festivals offer unique charms for those who don't mind a little mist. Whether you are here to hike the seven mountains or sail the Sognefjord, timing your visit is key to balancing weather, crowds, and cost.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Bergen at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Bergen, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Norwegian Krone (NOK) daily budgets: $85–$110 (NOK 900–1,200) /day to $500+ (NOK 5,300+) /day
At a Glance: When to Visit Bergen
Best Overall
May, June, and September
Cheapest
January and February
Busiest
July and August
Best Weather
May and June (driest and sunniest)
For Events
May (Constitution Day) and June (Bergenfest)
For Families
July and December
For Couples
September and February
Budget Travel
November and January
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Bergen.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Bergen — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Bergen
January
1°C to 3°C (34°F to 37°F). Frequent rain and occasional snow (avg. 8.5 snowy days). Darkest month with minimal daylight.
“Best for budget travelers and those seeking a quiet, snowy escape without the summer crowds.”
February
0°C to 4°C (32°F to 39°F). Coldest month on average. Crisp air with a mix of sleet and snow.
“Best for foodies wanting to experience Norway's world-class winter seafood at its peak.”
March
1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F). Spring begins to stir, though snow can still linger on the surrounding mountains.
“Best for culture seekers who enjoy niche film and music festivals in a peaceful setting.”
April
4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Noticeably longer days (15 hours). Showers are common, but flowers start blooming.
“Best for active travelers and runners looking for cool, manageable temperatures for outdoor events.”
May
8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Statistically the driest month. Cherry blossoms and fruit trees are in full bloom.
“The most beautiful month to visit, combining the best weather with Norway's most important national celebrations.”
June
11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F). The sunniest month with almost 19 hours of daylight. True 'Midnight Sun' vibes.
“Best for festival lovers and those who want to maximize their sightseeing hours with endless daylight.”
July
13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F). Warmest temperatures of the year. Cruise ship season is at its peak.
“Best for those who want the warmest weather, though you'll share the city with thousands of other tourists.”
August
12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). Sea temperatures are at their warmest (16°C). Rainfall starts to increase.
“A great alternative to July; crowds begin to thin slightly toward the end of the month.”
September
10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F). Autumn colors begin to appear. Increased rainfall (avg. 200mm).
“Best for food enthusiasts and hikers who enjoy the dramatic, moody lighting of the changing seasons.”
October
7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F). Typically the rainiest month of the year. Strong winds can occur.
“Best for budget travelers who prefer indoor cultural activities and aren't bothered by rain.”
November
4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F). Dark and chilly. The city prepares for the holiday season.
“A hidden gem for travelers seeking a festive, cozy atmosphere before the December rush.”
December
2°C to 5°C (36°F to 41°F). Very wet but very festive. Brief daylight (6 hours).
“Perfect for a magical, traditional Norwegian Christmas experience.”
Festivals & Events in Bergen
Bergen Seafood Festival
A celebration of the ocean's bounty with special menus across city restaurants and public tastings at the Fish Market.
Moderate; seafood lovers should book themed dinners in advance.Bergen City Marathon
A scenic run through the city's historic streets and parks, attracting thousands of runners.
High; central roads are closed and hotels fill up with participants.Constitution Day
Norway's biggest holiday. Expect traditional bunad costumes, marching bands, and a festive harbor atmosphere.
Premium; the city is at absolute capacity. Book hotels 6+ months ahead.Bergen International Festival (Festspillene)
The largest arts festival in the Nordics, featuring music, theater, opera, and dance.
High; tickets for major shows sell out early.Bergenfest
A four-day open-air music festival held at the historic Bergenhus Fortress.
High; attracts a large youth and international crowd; central hotels are busy.Bergen Food Festival
Local farmers and producers from the fjord region showcase the best of Western Norwegian cuisine.
Moderate; the city center is very busy on festival weekends.Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF)
The largest film festival in Norway, focusing on documentaries and international cinema.
Low; mostly affects cinema availability, but a great time for culture lovers.Gingerbread Town (Pepperkakebyen)
The world's largest gingerbread city, built by local schools and businesses.
Low; a popular attraction but doesn't cause hotel shortages.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Bergen?
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Daily Budget
Peak
$200–$350 per night
Off-Peak
$110–$180 per night
Bergen is expensive year-round, but hotel prices can drop by 40-50% during the 'dark season' (November–February, excluding Christmas). To save money, consider buying the Bergen Card, which offers free public transport and entry to most museums.
Where to Stay in Bergen by Season
Bryggen / The Historic Wharf
PremiumSummer
Stay in the heart of history. Best for first-timers who want to be steps away from the Fish Market and fjord departures.
Nordnes
Moderate to HighSpring
A charming peninsula with cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses. Perfect for romantic walks during the cherry blossom season.
Sentrum (City Center)
VariousWinter
Close to the Christmas market and main shopping streets. Ideal for 'koselig' winter trips and easy access to the light rail.
Sandviken
Budget to ModerateAutumn
A quieter, residential area with great access to the Stoltzekleiven hiking trail. Beautiful as the leaves change.
What to Pack for Bergen
Spring
Pro tip: Layering is key; you might start the day in a sweater and end it in a T-shirt.
Summer
Pro tip: Don't be fooled by the sun; always carry a light waterproof layer even on clear mornings.
Autumn
Pro tip: Waterproof footwear is the single most important item you can bring this season.
Winter
Pro tip: Because it gets dark early, Norwegians often wear small reflectors so drivers can see them.
FAQs: Visiting Bergen
What is the best month to visit Bergen?
May and June are widely considered the best months. They offer the driest weather, the longest daylight hours, and the most vibrant cultural festivals.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Bergen?
The cheapest flights are typically found in January, February, and November. Flying into Oslo and taking the scenic train is also a budget-friendly option.
Does it really rain every day in Bergen?
It rains about 240 days a year, but it's rarely a constant downpour. It's usually a light mist or passing showers, and the sun often breaks through several times a day.
Is Bergen worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially in December for the Christmas markets and Gingerbread Town. It's also much cheaper and quieter than the summer months.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Bergen?
While Bergen is too far south for frequent sightings compared to Tromsø, the Aurora can be seen on clear, cold nights between September and March during high solar activity.
When is the best time for fjord cruises?
May and June are spectacular for waterfalls, while July and August offer the best weather for sitting on the deck. September offers beautiful autumn colors.
What is the weather like in Bergen in July?
Expect mild and pleasant weather with highs around 19°C (66°F). It's the warmest time of year, though rain showers are still common.
Should I visit Oslo or Bergen?
If you love modern architecture and museums, visit Oslo. If you want historic charm and immediate access to the fjords, choose Bergen. Ideally, visit both by taking the Bergen Railway!
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Norway
United Travels
Want to visit Bergen,
but still have questions?
Leave a request and our team will help you plan the perfect trip from Halifax, Atlantic Canada, or anywhere across Canada to Bergen.
UNITED TRAVELS