What's the Weather like in Bergen in December
Temperature
December is the one of the coldest months in Bergen. The average monthly temperature is only 3°C. With the oceanic climate the temperature spread is very close. The average highs are 4°C and the average lows are 1°C. The record temperature ranges in December go from 14°C to -10°C.
Rainfall
December is one of the wettest months in Bergen, with average rainfall totals of 270mm over 20 days of precipitation. The chances of rain on any day in December average 62%. It does occasionally snow in Bergen, though it's usually too warm to amount to much. The surrounding mountains, however, will start to be covered in snow in December.
Sunshine Hours
Bergen only gets an average of one hour of sunshine every day in December. The shortest day of the year happens on December 21st, when the sun is above the horizon for 5 hours 44 minutes. Additionally, the chances of a mostly cloudy or overcast sky are 74%.
Humidity
Like the other winter months, the average relative humidity in Bergen in December is 80%. The air will feel drier and cooler than it really is due to the colder temperatures.
Wind
Bergen can get quite windy in December, with average wind speeds climbing from 4.5 m/s to 4.9 m/s by the end of the month. Winds are mostly from the southwest to the southeast. Occasionally the winds will come out of the north.
Sea Temperature
The average sea surface temperature in December is 5°C.
Dress Code
Your first order of business when packing for a visit to Bergen in December should be to stay dry. It will rain almost every day of the month, and all day long. A light rain jacket won't do anything for you so you'll need something heavier. Don't forget the pants and boots. Underneath your raingear you should be wearing multiple layers of clothing and ensure the innermost layer always remains dry. The winds and low humidity will put a cold bite in the air so you should be prepared for this. The Bergen extended forecast will help you pack for your trip. Norwegians enjoy a smart-casual dress style.
Bergen Hotels in December
Hotel No. 13
Hotel No. 13 is an upscale four-hotel at Torgallmenningen Square, near a number of shopping malls and the Bryggen wharf. Hotel No. 13 features 34 attractive rooms with colorful modern furnishings, spacious contemporary bathrooms, and minibars. All rooms feature two beds; larger suites are also available that feature large arched skylight windows. A complimentary organic breakfast is included for all guests and is served in their new, well-received Restaurant No. 13 where you can also find outstanding burgers and pizza for lunch and dinner. Hotel No. 13 is also close to some great museums, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
Scandic Neptun
Scandic Neptun is a contemporary hotel in central Bergen, a short distance away from the scenic Bergen harbor. This modest three-star hotel also offers a variety of different warm, cozy rooms to choose from. You'll find standard rooms for singles, rooms for a family of four, and even suites with sofas and balconies with city & sea views. There is some great dining at Scandic Neptun, serving sophisticated French food in an upscale restaurant, and also a more casual bistro restaurant. Breakfast is free for guests. Scandic Neptun also has one of the largest art collections outside of the KODE art galleries and displays it throughout the hotel.
Thon Hotel Bristol Bergen
The Thon Hotel Bristol is a refined three-star hotel in central Bergen, at the bustling Torgalmenningen Square. The hotel offers 136 humble rooms and suites with modern furnishings, wooden floors, bright windows, minifridges, smart TVs, and heated bathroom floors. The hotel provides free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast buffet served in a charming breakfast room. Their rustic Egon Restaurant also serves a delicious lunch and dinner menu. The hotel's location in Torgalmenningen Square gives it a perfect location to enjoy shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. The train station is less than 1km from the hotel.
Zander K Hotel
The Zander K is a casual urban-style hotel near Lille Lungegaardsvannet park. This award-winning hotel features numerous rooms with a modest Nordic décor, comfortable beds, and modern bathrooms. Standard rooms can sleep up to four people and suites are also available that offer separate living areas. Other hotel amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, and an urban industrial-style bar that serves light organic food, cocktails, beer, and wine all day long. Zander K is close to a bus station and within walking distance to the train station.
Bars and Restaurants
Restaurant 1877
Restaurant 1877 is one of Bergen's best restaurants and is housed in an historic building in central Bergen. This restaurant has a lively dining room, bright and full of character. Their menu is seasonal and showcases the fresh food items produced by local farmers and fishermen for whichever time of year you visit but if it's in the winter, you can bet on a menu heavy with seafood and root vegetables. Restaurant 1877 offers three and five course set menus with wine pairings. A la carte ordering is also available. Restaurant 1877 is open Monday through Saturday from 6PM until 9PM.
Lysverket
Lysverket is an outstanding Norwegian restaurant and is a great place to eat if you're visiting the KODE galleries. Lysverket is located at KODE 4, near Lille Lungegaardsvannet park. Their internationally recognized chef has won multiple awards and serves a rotating menu of traditional Norwegian food with his own modern spin. Some of the items you'll find on the menu include mackerel with grilled strawberries, roasted white fish with grilled kale, and shellfish soup with lobster dumplings. You can order a la carte or off of their set menus. Lysverket is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12PM to 1AM and on Sunday from 12PM to 3PM. Reservations are recommended.
Soya Restaurant
Soya is an authentic, casual Asian fusion restaurant in central Bergen, close to Bryggen wharf. The chic dining room has a very colorful, modern ambience with a casual vibe. Menu items include dim sum, noodle bowls, king prawns in a Thai red curry, beef tenderloin with pepper sauce, sweet & sour pork, and Chinese crispy duck. Vegetarian options are also available. Soya also has an impressive beer, wine, and cocktail menu. Soya is open Monday through Thursday from noon until 11PM, Friday & Saturday from noon until midnight, and Sunday from 1PM to 11PM.
Trikken 106
Trikken 106 is a casual café and bar on Nordnes peninsula. It's located in one of Bergen's old picturesque wooden buildings, and the interior is decorated with parts from one of Bergen's old trams. They're known for their outstanding waffles with various toppings, and also great coffee drinks. As night progresses they turn into a cozy little pub with a great beer selection and overall just the perfect place to socialize without getting out of control. Trikken 106 is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3PM to 11PM, Friday from 3PM until 1:30AM, Saturday from 12PM to 1:30AM and on Sunday from 3PM to 11PM.
Things to do in Bergen in December
Christmastime in Bergen
Bergen makes a great holiday destination for Christmas. When it snows the old wooden houses take on a completely different character, and you'll finally feel like you're in a cold Arctic town. You have the Pepperkakebyen, a massive gingerbread town that is actually the largest in the world. The Bergen Christmas Market is full of Christmas souvenirs, food, games, and the world's smallest gingerbread town to counter Pepperkakebyen. There are numerous Advent candle lighting ceremonies, including one at Lille Lungegaardsvannet lake and Mt. Floyen. Additionally, the Old Bergen living museum village has some fun old-time Christmas traditions for children to participate in.
Bergen Aquarium
Bergen has a great aquarium, fun for both kids and adults, at the end of Nordnes peninsula. The Bergen aquarium is home to over 300 species, including land mammals like monkeys. There are 60 indoor tanks and also a few outdoor tanks. The smaller indoor tanks contain a wide range of marine invertebrates and fish, and the larger outdoor tanks contain playful sea lions, penguins, and even crocodiles. The outdoor pools feature regular schedules for shows, feedings, and interactions with tourists. The aquarium is open daily from 10AM to 6PM in December.
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Bergen has a lot of culture, both in performing arts and the graphical arts. They're also home to one of the best & oldest orchestras in the world, the Bergen Philharmonic. This award-winning orchestra was established in 1765 and is based in the Grieg Hall near Lille Lungegaardsvannet. The orchestra holds regular concerts throughout the year and is one of the most popular entertainment venues in Bergen. Each concert is different and features various musical works with unique guest conductors and soloists on stage. Grieg Hall is located near a number of great bars and restaurants to visit after the concert.
Magic Ice Bar
Magic Ice Bar is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Walking through the doors will transport you into the cold Arctic, where you'll find unique ice sculptures glowing from well placed & subdued LED lighting. Many world-renowned ice sculptors have made their impression in this bar, and you may see one at work. Upon entering the ice bar you'll be given a warm poncho and gloves to keep you warm, and also a glass of Nordic liqueur to warm you up even further. Walk through and admire what artists can do with a block of ice. The Magic Ice Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 11AM to 11PM and Friday & Saturday from 11AM to noon.
