The Top 10 Windiest Cities In The World

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. 

The Top 10 Windiest Cities In The World

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.

The average wind speed in Punta Arenas is 30 km/h (18.6 mph), with gusts of up to 130 km/h (81 mph).

2. Wellington, New Zealand

Average Windspeed 16.3 mph

Wellington is one of the windiest cities in the world

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.

Wellington has an average wind speed of 26.3 km/h (16.3 mph), with gusts of up to 200 km/h (124 mph) during severe storms, according to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

3. Ushuaia, Argentina

Average Wind Speed 15.5 mph

Located on the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is often referred to as the “End of the World.” The city’s remote location and exposure to the winds that sweep across the surrounding sea make it one of the windiest cities in the world. Ushuaia has an average wind speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph), with gusts of up to 100 km/h (62 mph)

4. St. John’s, Canada

Average Wind Speed 12.7 mph

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.

According to the Government of Canada’s Environment and Natural Resources Weather Information, the average wind speed in St. John’s is 20.4 km/h (12.7 mph), with gusts of up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Average Wind Speed 12.4 mph

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.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, Reykjavik has an average wind speed of 20 km/h (12.4 mph), with gusts of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). 

6. Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Average Wind Speed 12.3 mph

Boston Massachusetts is one of the windiest places on earth

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.

The average wind speed in Boston is 19.8 km/h (12.3 mph), with gusts of up to 36 km/h (22 mph). However, during nor’easters, winds can reach up to 96 km/h (60 mph) or more, causing extensive damage and disruption to the city. Also see my other post: ‘The Windiest Cities In The US‘.

7. Wellington, South Africa

Average Wind Speed 11.2 mph

Another city named Wellington, this South African city experiences strong winds that can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h. The city’s location in the foothills of the Drakenstein Mountains makes it vulnerable to strong winds that come down from the mountains. The average wind speed in Wellington is 18 km/h (11.2 mph), with gusts of up to 48 km/h (30 mph).

8. Rio Gallegos, Argentina

Average Wind Speed 11.2 mph

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).

9. Murmansk, Russia

Average Wind Speed 9.3 mph

Murmansk is located on the Kola Peninsula in northern Russia and is known for its strong winds. The city’s location on the edge of the Arctic Circle exposes it to polar winds that can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. The average wind speed in Murmansk is 15 km/h (9.3 mph), with gusts of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).

10. Barrow, Alaska, USA

Average Wind Speed 8.1 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. 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average wind speed in Barrow is 13 km/h (8.1 mph), with gusts of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

What Is The Windiest Place In The World?

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.

According to Guinness World Records, winds in this area have been known to reach incredible speeds of up to 168 mph (270 km/h). These gusts are caused by katabatic winds, which occur when cold, dense air flows from higher to lower elevations, resulting in powerful downward forces. The unique geography of Commonwealth Bay and the cold climate of Antarctica combine to create the perfect conditions for the world’s strongest winds.

In Conclusion

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.

Andrew Capper