What December feels like in Bergen
Early winter arrives in Bergen with December. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Bergen in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 13.8 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Bergen averages about 11.8 mm per rainy day, so December is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 9:39 am and sunset at about 3:29 pm (local time) — 5 h 50 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 43 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 27% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Bergen. Compared with November, afternoons are 2.6°C (4.7°F) cooler, with 28 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. The next month's average high: 2.2°C (36°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Bergen in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Bergen in December?
Expect around 3.4°C (38.1°F) in the afternoon and -0.5°C (31.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Bergen in December?
It does: about 21 rainy days bring roughly 290 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Bergen in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Bergen?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Bergen's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.