What Is the Average Wind Speed in the UK?

Do you want a rundown of the average wind speed in the UK? Join me as I offer some insight into whether your part of the country is a good fit for wind power.

Have you ever wondered why some parts of the UK are more suited to wind power than others? I’ll fill you in by covering the overall average wind speed in the UK and which areas are leading the pack with the highest measurements.

I’ll also be talking about wind on a more global scale and where the UK stands amongst its peers with its current production capacity.

What Is the Average Wind Speed in the UK?

The average wind speed in the UK has remained relatively stable over the years but has ticked up and down. In 2023, the average wind speed in the UK was 4.27 m/s (9.55 mph). This figure was 0.10 m/s lower than in 2022 and 0.21 m/s lower than the 20-year average recorded by the government.

If we look at speeds in 2015, it’s clear that the average wind speed has marginally dropped across the years (though it’s been relatively negligible in the grand scheme of things).

Speeds in 2015 sat around 4.84 m/s (10.82 mph); 3.81 m/s (8.53 mph) but fell to 3.81 m/s in 2016. Since then, wind speeds have averaged around the 4.12-to-4.63 m/s mark (with some dips and peaks below and above this mark over the last 20 years).

The average wind speed is generally highest in the fourth quarter of the year. This rise is explained by winter weather. During this time of year, the jet stream typically tracks further south, allowing more Atlantic storms to pass through the country.

In fact, wind speeds can be so intense during the winter months that they can reach up to 44.70 m/s (100 mph). This happened in 2020 when Storm Bella provided 50.7 per cent of the UK’s total energy on Boxing Day.

How Do Wind Speeds Look Across the UK?

Wind speeds across the UK are surprisingly variable, and, as you might expect, you’ll find the highest wind speeds in more mountainous areas.

Trackers recorded the strongest-ever winds in the UK at 77.32 m/s (172.99 mph) at Cairngorm Summit in 1986 – quite extraordinary when you compare this to the average wind speed in the UK.

But higher wind speeds certainly aren’t exclusive to the mountains. Coastal areas and parts of Scotland have hit UK wind speed records. For example, parts of Northern Scotland (like Inverness) offer average wind speeds of 5.14 m/s (11.50 mph). This figure explains why the area is so favourable for new wind farms.

Windiest Areas in the UK

Northern parts of the UK are most favourable for high wind speeds, as they’re more exposed than built-up, southern areas. It’s also worth mentioning that the UK’s highest wind speeds are found in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Is your site suitable for wind power?

Find out whether your land is suitable for a commercial-scale wind project by entering your information into our wind speed calculator.

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And if your land is suitable for wind power, you can conduct a Lumify SiteStart™ review to help you make informed decisions about everything from crafting a lease to maximising your income from a wind project.

What About Global Average Wind Speeds?

The average global wind speed is around 3.29 m/s (7.36 mph). As this accounts for every country in the world, it can be tricky to properly understand where it’s windy and where it’s more arid (and essentially pulling the average down).

But you can get a good idea of wind potential by looking at an area’s overall wind capacity. Looking at capacity may not fully represent potential wind power. This is because some countries can invest in wind power (and others can’t). But it should give you a relatively good idea about wind potential worldwide.

There You Have It: The Ultimate Rundown of Average Wind Speeds in the UK

If you’re interested in getting a wind project on your land, contact the Lumify Energy team.

We’ve seen our fair share of lease agreements, and we can support you in assessing the suitability of your land and maximising its potential. Whether you’re a renewable energy veteran or want to see if you can make extra money from putting turbines on your land – we’re here to help.