What's the Weather like in Bergen in September
Temperature
The short Bergen summer is over in fall as cooler temperatures start to settle in. The average temperature for September is 12°C. Daytime averages drop to 14°C and nights average 9°C. Temperatures will continue to sharply drop going into winter.
Rainfall
September is a very wet month in Bergen with rainfall totals of 220mm over 20 days. The next few months get even more precipitation, so take that into consideration if you're considering a visit in later months. The chances of rain average 57%.
Sunshine Hours
Bergen's northern latitudes mean that the days will become drastically shorter going into winter. There are 14 hours 11 minutes between sunrise and sunset at the beginning of September and only 11 hours 33 minutes by the end of the month. Bergen only averages 4 hours of sunshine every day in September. There is a 64% chance of an overcast or mostly cloudy sky in September.
Humidity
The average relative humidity is 81% in Bergen in September. The warmer temperatures from the end of summer may make the air feel slightly humid but it will become drier as the month progresses.
Wind
Wind speeds start to pick up in Bergen in September. The average speed is 3.5 m/s at the beginning of September and reaches 4.0 m/s by the end of the month. Winds are mostly from the southwest to southeast, with shorter periods of northerly winds.
Sea Temperature
The surface water temperature tries to hang on to its summer temperatures in September and averages 15°C. Temperatures will sharply drop going into October.
Dress Code
Norwegians typically dress in a smart-casual style. The first consideration for packing should be the wet weather though. With over 200mm of rain throughout the month you'll need to bring heavy raingear.
This should include a coat, umbrella, pants, and boots. You should also be prepared for cooler temperatures, so bring multiple light layers that you can shed and put back on as the day progresses. Check the Bergen 14-day forecast before you start packing for a better idea of expected weather.
Bergen Hotels in September
Opus XVI
Opus XVI is one of Bergen's more upscale hotels, located right in historic central Bergen. This historic hotel is in a beautiful old brick building and is run by descendants of composer Edvard Grieg, and you'll find that theme at this hotel. The 65 luxurious rooms all feature a classic feel with modern furniture, outfitted with wooden floors, large windows, premium bedding, and heated bathroom floors. Standard rooms and suites are available. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included with the rooms, and you can also find a casual yet elegant restaurant serving seasonal menus for lunch and dinner. There is also a lobby and wine bar, and lunch concerts are held at the hotel during the week.
Scandic Byparken
Scandic Byparken is a cozy three-star hotel near the KODE art galleries and Lille Lugegaardsvannet park. This hotel features 159 contemporary rooms & suites, all with wood floors, modern furniture, and bright décor. At Scandic Byparken you'll also find a gym, business center, a swanky bar lounge, and bikes for exploring Bergen. Guests will be treated to an award-winning complimentary breakfast in their hotel restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner during the week. There is one bus stop nearby and the train station is just a five-minute walk from the hotel.
Magic Hotel Solheimsviken
Magic Hotel Solheimsviken is a modern three-star hotel just a couple of kilometers south of central Bergen. This hotel features 217 contemporary rooms with great views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains. All rooms are equipped with chic décor, flatscreen TVs, and free WiFi. There are also suites with kitchenettes, sofas, and living spaces available. Other hotel amenities include a children's play area, laundry service, private parking, bar, and a complimentary breakfast buffet served in their hotel restaurant. Magic Hotel Solheimsviken is a pleasant 30-minute walk across the bridge from Nygaard Park and the Bergen Science Center.
Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg
Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg is a fantastic four-star lodging accommodation near the Bergen Airport. This large hotel, which has been recently refurbished, features 223 rooms for singles, doubles, and families. All of the rooms offer plush beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, minifridges, and contemporary bathrooms. Quality Hotel serves a complimentary breakfast for all guests, served in their chic Brasserie X restaurant. Cocktails are also served in their Bar X lounge. Quality Hotel also has a gym, business center, parking, and provides an airport shuttle for guests. The Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg is 15 minutes from central Bergen.
Bars and Restaurants
Horn of Africa
Horn of Africa is a critically acclaimed restaurant on Nordnes peninsula, specializing in Ethiopian and Eritrean food. Horn of Africa's menu is smaller than what you might find at other restaurants, but keep in mind that this is a specialty restaurant and as authentic as you can find. There are a number of stews made of juicy lamb, beef, chicken, all simmering in tasty herbs & spices. There are also some salads and vegetarian dishes available for you. The hosts take pride in their service and will expertly explain all dishes to you, and also demonstrate the proper way to eat without utensils. Set menus are also available. Horn of Africa is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5PM to 10PM and until 11PM Friday & Saturday.
Nama Japanese Fusion
Nama is a popular Asian restaurant set a few blocks back from Bryggen wharf. The bright, modern dining room is both trendy and cozy, and the staff is especially helpful. Reviewers often claim that this is some of the best sushi you'll find anywhere in the world, a claim that you may want to believe given how fresh the seafood is in Bergen. In addition to sushi they also serve grilled wagyu steak, pork, spare ribs, and various grilled fish plates. Nama accepts reservations and is open Monday through Thursday from 3PM until midnight, Friday & Saturday from 1PM to midnight, and Sunday from 3PM to 11PM.
Salsa Latin American Kitchen
Salsa Restaurant is a highly reviewed Latin American kitchen in central Bergen. This lively restaurant is full of character and is a great place to take the family. If you like spicy food you should enjoy Salsa and their different flavorful sauces. They serve set menus featuring Argentinian ribs and chorizo-spiked cod, and a la carte ordering is also available. They have a great selection of tender steaks, chicken dishes, and a number of juicy burgers. Salsa is open from 4PM to 10PM Sunday through Thursday and 4PM to 11PM on Friday. Kids eat free every Sunday.
Ferdinand pa Engen
This is a cozy little late night option where you'll find some great food, outstanding drinks, and friendly staff. Ferdinand pa Engen is located right next to the Edvard Grieg concert hall. They are mostly known for their great Neopolitan-style pizzas at affordable prices, but also have a small choice of other bar food. You'll find a large selection of beers, and the bartenders make some great cocktails. Ferdinand pa Engen opens at noon on weekends and at 2PM during the week. They stay open until well after midnight.
Things to do in Bergen in September
Bergen Food Festival
Foodies will want to plan an autumn trip to Bergen around the Bergen Food Festival, also known as Matfest. Local fishermen and farmers serve a smorgasbord of delicious fresh food. You can visit with the local producers and learn everything about the dish, from farm to table. In addition to visiting with the local exhibitors you can also eat at some of the sit-down restaurants that are set up for the festival. Children also have their own food festival, where they can participate in making some of these creations and learn about the food. Other UNESCO sites around the world join Bergen in sharing local delicacies from their own cities. The festival is typically in early September and lasts for three days.
Bryggen Hanseatic Museum
Bryggen's fascinating medieval history is on display at the Hanseatic Museum, a large colorful building near the harbor. The museum itself is one of the oldest standing buildings in Bergen, having escaped the fires that have swept through. The museum showcases the lives of the Hanseatic trade merchants that helped Bergen become the city that it is today. Living quarters were found in this and neighboring buildings, and one of the rooms hasn't been touched since the early 1700s, offering insight into this period. The neighboring Schotstuene building, which is covered by your admission paid to the Hanseatic museum, served as assembly halls. In September the museum is open from 9AM to 5PM.
Bergenhus Fortress
Bergen has a fascinating medieval history, much of which can still be seen in Bergen today. One of the most popular attractions in Bergen is the 13th-century Bergenhus Fortress, near Bryggen wharf. Bergenhus Fortress is one of the most well preserved stone fortresses in all of Norway, situated on a hill overlooking Bergen harbor. This is a living site that offers numerous cultural exhibits, museums, and a café. The fortress square often hosts shows like rock concerts and operas. When the weather is nice there's a one-hour walking trail that will take you through the surrounding property and includes numerous interpretive displays. The fortress is open every day from 6:30AM to 11:30PM.
Mt. Floyen Funicular
Bergen has seven mountains that surround the city, many of which are easy to summit and provide breathtaking views of Bergen, the fjords, and mountains beyond. Mt. Floyen is one of the easiest to access thanks to the popular funicular that takes tourists up to the top of the 320m mountain. The funicular begins in city center and is easy to get to from almost anywhere in Bergen. In addition to the marvelous views, you'll also find a restaurant, shop, and a playground at the top of Mt. Floyen. If you're feeling adventurous and have some time, you can also hike from Mt. Floyen to the other mountains surrounding Bergen. Ulriken is one of these mountains and has a cable car between the top and the city. The funicular is open from 7:30AM to 11PM.
