Month guide · Bergen · Norway
Bergen in May
What May is really like in Bergen: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andreas Sandberg, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Bergen. Expect average highs of 14°C (57°F), lows of 7°C (45°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 17.2 hours of daylight. Often one of the brightest months, with long evenings, fruit blossom in Hardanger and 17 May celebrations.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 14°C (57°F) / 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 17.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 10°C (50°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Bergen: days average 14°C (57°F) against a yearly average high of 11°C (52°F), and nights fall to about 7°C (45°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with April (10°C (50°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 04:57
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 22:12
- Daylight
- About 17.2 hours
- Sea
- 10°C (50°F)
Spring (March–May). Lengthening days, fruit blossom in Hardanger and some of the drier weather of the year, with snow lingering on the mountain tops.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
- Constitution Day parades (17 May)
- Bergen International Festival — music, theatre and dance (usually late May to early June)
- Nattjazz festival (usually late May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Nygårdshøyden
University Museum of Bergen
Look for the whale hall upstairs and walk through the Nygårdsparken afterwards.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Historic site · Bryggen
Bryggen
The row of gabled wooden buildings along the east side of the Vågen harbour was the trading base of German Hanseatic merchants from the 14th to the 18th century.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Fjellsiden
Fløibanen and Mount Fløyen
Ride up and walk down via the zigzag paths, or go early in the day to avoid summer queues at the lower station.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Market · Vågen
Fish Market
Bergen has had a fish market at the head of the harbour since the 13th century.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Iconic
What to pack
For highs near 14°C, lows near 7°C and 14 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Bergen?
One of the best months to visit Bergen, with 3 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are June–August. Compare every month.
Bergen in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Bergen?
It is one of the best months to visit Bergen. Often one of the brightest months, with long evenings, fruit blossom in Hardanger and 17 May celebrations.
+How warm is Bergen in May?
Average highs are around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Bergen in May?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.