Top-10 Windiest Places on the Earth, Check the List

CoWind is a natural force that moves air across the Earth’s surface, shaping weather and landscapes. While most places experience gentle breezes, some regions around the world are known for their powerful and constant winds. These areas face extreme weather conditions, making them fascinating for scientists and travelers alike. Let’s explore the top 10 windiest places on Earth and what makes them so unique.

Top-10 Windiest Places on Earth

Some places on Earth experience extremely strong and constant winds due to their location, height, and weather patterns. These powerful winds shape the land and climate, making them fascinating examples of nature’s incredible force.

Here is the list of top-10 windiest places on Earth:

Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica

• Average wind speed: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Gusts: Up to 240 km/h (150 mph)

Commonwealth Bay, located on the coast of East Antarctica, is known as the windiest place on Earth. It experiences constant katabatic winds — freezing air that rushes down from high glaciers to the sea. The open icy landscape allows these winds to blow freely, often creating dangerous blizzards and whiteouts. For most of the year, the area remains uninhabitable because of the severe cold and high wind speeds.

Barrow Island, Australia

• Record wind speed: 408 km/h (253 mph) during Cyclone Olivia (1996)

Barrow Island, located off the coast of Western Australia, holds the record for the strongest wind ever recorded on Earth. During Cyclone Olivia in 1996, wind gusts reached a stunning 408 km/h. This small island lies in the Indian Ocean cyclone belt, making it extremely prone to tropical storms. The flat landscape and warm ocean air create perfect conditions for violent winds and powerful cyclones.

Mount Washington, United States

• Average wind speed: 56 km/h (35 mph)
• Highest recorded gust: 372 km/h (231 mph)

Situated in New Hampshire, Mount Washington is famous for its wild and unpredictable weather. Its location at the meeting point of several storm tracks causes hurricane-force winds throughout the year. The summit, at 1,917 meters (6,288 feet), once held the record for the fastest wind ever recorded on land. Today, it serves as a natural laboratory for scientists studying wind and mountain climates.

Wellington, New Zealand

• Average wind speed: 26 km/h (16 mph)
• Strong gusts: Over 160 km/h (100 mph)

Known as the “Windy City”, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and one of the windiest cities in the world. Its location between the North and South Islands, near the Cook Strait, channels powerful sea winds through the narrow passage. These conditions create the roaring gusts known as the “Roaring Forties.” Despite its windy nature, Wellington’s residents embrace it as part of the city’s charm.

Mount Everest (Summit), Nepal-Tibet

• Average wind speed: 48–64 km/h (30–40 mph)
• Gusts: Up to 280 km/h (175 mph)

At 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level, Mount Everest is not only the tallest mountain on Earth but also one of the windiest places. Strong jet stream winds blow across its summit, especially in winter. Wind speeds can exceed those of most hurricanes, creating snow plumes visible from miles away. Climbers often face freezing temperatures and life-threatening gusts that make the journey extremely dangerous.