What's the Weather like in Bergen in May
Temperature
No matter what the weather does in previous months, it's safe to say that spring in Bergen finally arrives by the end of May. The average monthly temperature is significantly higher than April, now at 11°C. The daytime average reaches 14°C and the nights are more comfortable at 7°C.
Rainfall
May is the driest month in Bergen but still produces an impressive average rainfall total of 100mm. Rain falls for an average of 17 days during the month and the chance of precipitation is 39%.
Sunshine Hours
The days continue to get longer in Bergen throughout May, lasting for 18 hours 23 minutes by the end of May. The chance of an overcast or mostly cloudy sky is 55%. The long days will still only yield seven hours of sunshine with the clouds and rain.
Humidity
The average relative humidity starts to climb again in May, from 71% to 78% by the end of the month. The temperatures also start to rise but the air will still be quite comfortable as far as humidity is concerned.
Wind
The average wind speed in Bergen in May is a fairly consistent 3.2 m/s. Winds are equally out of the north, west, and south, with northerly winds slowly taking over.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature around Bergen makes a big jump in May, from 6°C in April to 9°C in May. It will continue to climb going into summer.
Dress Code
Temperatures in May might finally be to the point where you don't need to wear a sweater all day long; check the extended forecast to know for sure. You'll still want to bring adequate raingear for the 100mm of rain that falls throughout the month. The days can still be cold and the nights will be colder, so bring plenty of layers. Ensure that your innermost layer remains dry for the most comfort. You'll find that most Norwegians have a smart-casual style when they go out. You'll be just fine eating in most restaurants like this.
Bergen Hotels in May
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is an elegant four-star hotel just a few blocks behind the historic Bryggen wharf. The hotel is situated in an old red building that has been recently renovated into one of the city's more stylish accommodations. The 129 hotel rooms feature classically styled furnishings, Bose sound systems, bathrobes, and contemporary bathrooms. A generous breakfast buffet and evening meal are both included in the price of the room, served in their chic dining room. Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz has a small gym with modern equipment, a conference center, and a warm lobby area to relax. The Mount Floyen funicular and Bergenhus Fortress are also within walking distance.
Bergen Bors Hotel
The Bergen Bors Hotel is centrally located in Bergen, near the fish market and a number of shopping malls. This upscale four-star hotel is set in a gorgeous Victorian brick building that once housed the stock exchange. The hotel has modern rooms decorated with Scandinavian accents, plush beds, and fashionable bathrooms. The hotel also offers family rooms and suites overlooking the harbor. The hotel also has an outstanding restaurant set in a contemporary, casual dining room, where they serve a rotating full menu based on seasonal ingredients. Bergen Bors also has a fitness center, notable bar, and laundry service for guests.
Comfort Hotel Holberg
This casual three-star hotel is located on Nordnes peninsula in a busy shopping area and overlooks Bergen harbor. Comfort Hotel Holberg features 159 rooms with premium bedding, modern Scandinavian décor, minimalistic design, and light, modern bathrooms. All rooms have flatscreen TVs and free WiFi. The hotel serves a complimentary healthy breakfast in the mornings with gluten-free and lactose-free options. There is also a 24-hour deli available with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. The hotel also features a fitness center and a rooftop terrace where you can take in spectacular views of historic Bergen. The nearest bus station is a ten-minute walk and the train station is a fifteen-minute walk. The science center and aquarium are also close.
Magic Hotel Kloverhuset
Magic Hotel Kloverhuset is another one of Magic hotel group's modern yet modest three-star hotels in Bergen. The Kloverhuset location is between central Bergen and Nordnes Peninsula, just steps away from Bergen harbor. The 43 futuristic rooms all have flatscreen TVs, WiFi, edgy bathrooms, and provide great views of the surrounding landmarks. The hotel itself is on top of the old Kloverhuset shopping building, which contains many stores, restaurants, a spa, and nightclub right below your feet. There is also a rooftop terrace where you can look down on the harbor and fish market. Breakfast is provided for all guests.
Bars and Restaurants
Madame Felle
This fun, popular bar is just a few minutes from the Bryggen wharf and is one of the hottest entertainment venues in Bergen. During the day you can sit on Madame Felle's sidewalk patio and enjoy delicious plates of burgers, ribs, salads, and sandwiches, all with one of their many cold draft beers. At night Madame Felle's turns into an intimate concert venue, hosting various bands throughout the week. The music can get loud if you're just there for the food, but if you visit at lunch or for an early dinner it won't be an issue. Madame Felle's is located in an old wooden building next to Bryggens Museum. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11AM to 9PM, Friday & Saturday from 11AM to 11PM, and Sunday from 12PM to 6PM.
Enhjorningen
The critically acclaimed Enhjorningen or Unicorn Fish Restaurant is one of Bryggen's staples. Set in an old wooden building, this old-world seafood restaurant will take you back to an old fishing village. The character, service, and food will all leave you captivated. The menu includes fresh oysters, mussel soup, fresh asparagus with hollandaise, steamed halibut with parsley sauce, and oven baked salmon with an herb crust. Set menus are also available. There is also an exceptional dessert menu. Enhjorningen is open daily from 4PM to 11PM. This is also one of the priciest restaurants in Bergen.
Fjellskaal Seafood Restaurant
Fjellskaal is part of the infamous fish market at Bergen harbor. This establishment is both a seafood store and a restaurant, one that's so popular that they recommend reservations. Their menu may seem overwhelming at first with all of the seafood selections available. Their starter plates include various varieties of caviar served with bread and different spreads, as well as smoked fish and sashimi. Their main courses have a wide range of seafood, from fresh fish & chips to whale steak to oven grilled salmon. Because everything on the menu comes straight from the boats, you won't find any other meats on the menu. Fjellskaal is open Monday through Saturday from 8AM to 11PM and Sunday from 9AM to 11PM.
Bryggeriet Restaurant & Microbrewery
This highly reviewed bar & restaurant is located near the fish market and is a good late night option for food in central Bergen. Bryggeriet brews a wide range of beer and has been in Bergen for 135 years. Rotating house-made beers include honey beer, ginger beer, and IPAs. They also serve various beers from other microbreweries around the world. Their food menu is just as flavorful, with fresh salmon, beef tenderloin, burgers, and fish & chips. Bryggeriet is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4PM to 10PM and Friday & Saturday from 6PM to 10:30PM. Reservations are accepted.
Things to do in Bergen in May
West Norway Museum of Decorative Art
The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art is part of the KODE art galleries surrounding Lille Lungegaardsvannet park, and is also known as KODE 1. This museum is housed in a fascinating Renaissance Revival building from the late 19th century. The museum collection is one of the more refined collections in the entire galleries complex, featuring such things as silver jewelry, ancient Asian antiques, and old European paintings. There is a restaurant and shop inside the KODE 1 building. When you're done here you'll have to check out the other museums, each featuring contemporary works, Norwegian artists, and a unique fine art gallery for children.
National Day
If you happen to be in Bergen on May 17th you're in for a treat. May 17th is Norwegian Constitution Day, a holiday commemorating their independence and formation of a constitutional government. Bergen is said to have the best National Day festivities in all of Norway. The holiday is just as much a party as it is a reminder of the importance of equal rights and representative government. There are two parades through Bergen, the main parade and a children's parade. Locals dress in national costumes and take part in comic troupes and other ceremonial customs. There is plenty of great food, ice cream, and beer to go around. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the bay.
Explore Norheimsund
Even with all there is to do in Bergen, it's still fun to get out and visit the other quaint little towns outside of Bergen. One of these must-see villages is Norheimsund. This picturesque town is located on a little inlet off of Hardangerfjord. Hardangerfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and is also one of the most picturesque, often appearing on travel brochures and websites. The area also has numerous waterfalls, green farms, and blue-white glaciers. Norheimsund is 80km east of Bergen and is accessible by road or boat.
Bergen Fish Market
There are certain images that come to mind when someone mentions a particular town, and one of the images for Bergen is their infamous fish market. The market is located on the southeast corner of Bergen harbor. Bergen's fish market has been a meeting point for fishermen and locals since the 1200s. For years the market was only located in an outdoor square but has recently gained an interior space. If you're staying in a hotel you're probably not looking to purchase fresh lobster or haddock, but it's still interesting to walk through and see what the local fishermen produce. They also sell fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and souvenirs.
