What January feels like in Bergen
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Bergen. Days barely climb above freezing, so it feels properly wintry outdoors even at midday. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Bergen in January
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on most days. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 11.9 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 11.8 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in January
Mid-month, Bergen gets 6 h 34 min of daylight, from sunrise near 9:31 am to sunset near 4:04 pm. The days are stretching out — 44 min more daylight than mid-December. About 34% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are often cloudy.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Bergen. Against December, the average high is 1.2°C (2.2°F) lower, with 52 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of 3°C (37.4°F).
Who January 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 January
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 January?
It feels freezing: typical highs are 2.2°C (36°F), with lows near -1.7°C (28.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Bergen in January?
It does: about 20 rainy days bring roughly 237 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Bergen in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Bergen?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #11). February has fewer rainy days.