The wind is an incredible force of nature that can both inspire and intimidate us. From gentle breezes to powerful gusts, the wind plays a significant role in shaping our planet’s weather patterns.
In some cities around the world, the wind is more than just a passing breeze. It’s a constant presence that has earned these locations a reputation as some of the windiest cities in the world.
Determining the windiest cities in the world can be a difficult task, as wind speeds can vary greatly from day to day, so I have ranked these windiest cities by their average wind speeds.
If you’re intrigued by the power of the elements, like I am, you’ll love this list of the top ten windiest cities in the world.
The 10 Windiest Cities In The World
1. Punta Arenas, Chile
Average Wind Speed 18.6 mph
Punta Arenas is a port city located on the southern tip of Chile. The city’s location along the Strait of Magellan makes it vulnerable to strong winds that can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h. The city’s residents have adapted to the wind by building houses with sloping roofs and using windbreaks to protect their properties.
Also known as the “Windy City,” Wellington, is located on the southern tip of the North Island of New Zealand. Its location next to Cook Strait exposes it to strong winds that can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
St. John’s is the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and is known for its high winds. The city’s location on the Atlantic coast exposes it to powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.
Iceland’s capital city is exposed to strong winds due to its location on the North Atlantic coast. The winds can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, and they are often accompanied by rain, sleet, or snow.
Boston is known for its history and vibrant culture, however, it is also notorious for its blustery weather. Located on the east coast of the United States, Boston’s proximity to the ocean makes it susceptible to nor’easters, powerful storms that can bring heavy snow and strong winds.
Rio Gallegos is located in the southern part of Argentina and experiences strong winds due to its location on the Atlantic coast. The winds can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, and they can bring with them rain, snow, or sleet. According to the Argentine National Meteorological Service Climatological data, the average wind speed in Rio Gallegos is 18 km/h (11.2 mph), with gusts of up to 45 km/h (28 mph).
Barrow is located on the northern coast of Alaska and is one of the windiest cities in the United States. The city’s location at the edge of the Arctic Ocean exposes it to strong winds that can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. During the winter months, temperatures can dip well below freezing, making the wind even more biting.
It’s not a city but Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay Antarctica is recognized as the windiest place in the world. So it’s worth a mention in this post.
Picture yourself standing in a vast, icy wilderness where the wind seems to have a mind of its own. You brace yourself against gusts so powerful that they could sweep you off your feet. This is what it’s like to experience the winds of Commonwealth Bay in Antarctica, the windiest place on earth.
These ten cities have earned their reputation as some of the windiest cities in the world due to their unique geographical locations and exposure to strong winds. The wind can have a significant impact on these cities’ climates, architecture, and residents’ daily lives.
So, the next time you’re in one of these cities, take a moment to appreciate the power of the wind and its impact on the world around us.
Hi, my name is Andrew Capper and I have been a meteorologist for almost 30 years now. My line of work specializes in the scientific principles used to explain and understand the earth’s atmosphere and how that affects everyday life.
I created this website to share my knowledge and help others stay safe during extreme weather events.
I’ll be looking at weather forecasting, clouds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and much more - so, if you’ve ever been fascinated by the weather like I have been since I was a young boy, this is the site for you. Enjoy!
