Bergen Weather in December

December weather in Bergen

December feels damp, dark and cold, with frequent rain and very little sunshine. The average high is 2°C and the low is -2°C. Rain falls on 23 days, so wet pavements and grey skies are part of the visit. There are only about five hours of daylight, and roughly one hour of sun each day.

You can still enjoy Bryggen's museums, the KODE art museums and cosy cafés around Vågsallmenningen. The Fløibanen funicular takes you up Mount Fløyen, but cloud can hide the views. Save the summit for a clearer spell, and don't build a long hike around winter daylight.

Christmas in the city

Bergen's Christmas market at Festplassen brings food stalls and seasonal treats to the centre. Pepperkakebyen, the city's famous gingerbread town, is another December favourite. Christmas Day and the days around it can feel quiet, as many local businesses close or shorten their hours.

Families who enjoy festive displays can spend a rainy afternoon at Pepperkakebyen, then warm up in a café near Torgallmenningen.

Crowds and local tips

December is generally quieter than Bergen's summer high season, so the city's main sights can feel less crowded. The Christmas market draws more visitors, especially near the holidays, and accommodation can cost more around those busy dates than during quieter winter weeks. Overall, expect fewer summer crowds, not an empty city.

For a handy rainy-day stop, take the Bybanen light rail to Byparken and visit KODE, then walk to Festplassen for the Christmas market. Check opening times around Christmas, when schedules can change.