Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Bergen in January
This is the coldest month in Bergen: highs average 35°F (2°C) and lows 29°F (-2°C), with about 11.8 in (299 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 17/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 11.8 in (299 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 84%
- Daylight
- ~6 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 17/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 35°F (2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 29°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 11.8 in (299 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 84%.
Only about 6 h 14 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (17 → 17/100).
- Our Norway in a Nutshell route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 11.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Bergen in January
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Bryggeloftet & Stuene
Traditional Norwegian restaurant on Bryggen since 1910.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 11.8 in of rain.
Pingvinen
Cozy pub serving Norwegian home cooking and local beer.
Why now Easy to slot in when January's rain moves in.
Bryggens Museum
Medieval finds from excavations under the wharf.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 11.8 in of rain.
Bryggen
UNESCO-listed row of wooden Hanseatic wharf buildings on the harbor.
Fløibanen Funicular
Funicular to Mount Fløyen, with forest trails and a city view.
Nearby in January
- Flåm in January~69 mi · highs 34°F, 7.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Geiranger in January~134 mi · highs 33°F, 9.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
- Oslo in January~190 mi · highs 29°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~319 m to Bergen's ~12 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Bergen in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Bergen?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 17/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 35°F (2°C) and 11.8 in (299 mm) of rain or snow. Our Norway in a Nutshell route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Bergen in January?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 29°F (-2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Bergen in January?
Yes: about 11.8 in (299 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 107.0 in (2719 mm).
What should I pack for Bergen in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 11.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Bergen in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.