Discover the 9 Windiest Places in England

Where is the Windiest Place in England?

When considering the windiest places in England, the southwest region stands out. The powerful winds that sweep through its valleys and along its coasts undeniably make it the windiest region of England. The region is also filled with natural beauty and rich history. As the windiest part of England, the southwest bears witness to the captivating interplay of geographical, meteorological, and oceanic factors that contribute to its fierce winds. Certain places within this region stand out, but before we explore nine of the windiest places in England, let’s look at why the southwest experiences the brunt of the wind.

The southwestern part of England encompasses counties such as Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire, all of which are renowned for their stunning landscapes and quaint villages. However, amid this serene panorama lies a significant meteorological effect that has shaped the character of the region. The winds that blow here hold a unique significance, shaped by various elements that combine to create a combination of atmospheric forces.

Geographical Factors

The southwest’s rugged terrain plays a pivotal role in channeling and amplifying the winds that traverse the region. The prevailing westerly winds, which often originate over the Atlantic Ocean, hit the undulating landscape and encounter a mix of valleys, cliffs, and elevated plateaus. As these winds are forced to navigate through these varying terrains, they experience changes in pressure and direction. The funneling effect of valleys and gaps in the terrain accelerates the wind, leading to increased speeds and intensities. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in areas like Exmoor and Dartmoor, where the winds can attain remarkable velocity due to the specific topography.

Coastal Influence

The proximity of the southwest to the Atlantic Ocean further contributes to its windiness. The ocean’s vast expanse is a constant generator of air masses interacting with the land. During the day, as the land heats up faster than the ocean, warm air rises over the land forming a low-pressure area close to land. Cooler air from high-pressure areas over the sea rushes inland to fill the void. This creates a sea breeze. This sea breeze effect is pronounced in coastal areas and can add to the overall windiness experienced by the region.

Atlantic Fronts and Storm Tracks

The Atlantic Ocean also exerts its influence through the passage of weather systems, often accompanied by fronts and storms. The interaction between these systems and the landmasses of southwestern England can lead to intensified wind patterns. The region is situated in the path of storm tracks, which means it’s frequently subjected to low-pressure systems originating in the Atlantic. These systems can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even storm surges to the coastal areas.

Climate Dynamics

The southwest’s windiness is closely tied to its climate dynamics. The region experiences an oceanic climate, also known as a marine climate, characterized by mild temperatures year-round, frequent cloud cover, and a relatively high amount of rainfall. The North Atlantic Drift shapes the climate as it is a branch of the Gulf Stream that brings warm waters to the region. The interaction between warm air masses from the Gulf Stream and colder air masses from the Arctic can create significant pressure gradients, leading to the development of strong winds.

The 9 Windiest Places in England

9. Exmoor National Park – 10.6 knots (12.3 miles per hour)

Exmoor National Park is ninth on our list of windiest places in England. But that’s not to say its winds are all that tame. Nestled in the lands of southwest England, Exmoor National Park stands as a testament to the consistent influence of wind on an ancient landscape. Spanning across the counties of Devon and Somerset, the character of Exmoor National Park is shaped by the winds that have blown through its valleys and across its moors for many centuries.

Moreover, Exmoor National Park experiences an average annual wind speed of 10.6 knots (12.3 miles per hour). Many species thrive in this windswept place, including shags, gulls, cormorants, red deer, and grey seals. From the open moorlands to the sheltered woodlands and the rugged coastline, the inhabitants of Exmoor exemplify nature’s capacity for adaptation and the art of survival in this stormy, windswept terrain.

As the seasons change, the winds fluctuate to a consistent annual rhythm. However, monthly averages do not differ with intense gaps like in other locations in England. Moreover, winter is characterized by stronger winds, including gale-force winds. On the other hand, summer is accompanied by calmer weather patterns and more pleasant sea breezes. January experiences average wind speeds of 12.7 knots (14.6 miles per hour), carrying new energy into the new year. In serene contrast, July offers a notable respite in cold and stormy weather, with the wind speeds averaging 9.1 knots (10.5 miles per hour), allowing the National Park to bask in summer’s embrace.

8. Dartmoor National Park – 11.7 knots (13.5 miles per hour)

Amid the wild landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, the wind here emerges stronger than most inland locations thanks to its geography. Situated in the county of Devon, England, Dartmoor is a place where the elements dance across the expansive hills, wetlands, valleys, granite peaks, and rivers. It is eighth on our list of windiest places in England.

Furthermore, Dartmoor National Park experiences an average annual wind speed of 11.7 knots (13.5 miles per hour). The consistent breeze is influenced by the landscape due to the increased altitude inland, which increases wind speeds. Many animals thrive in this windswept place. It is a haven for a variety of bird species, including kestrels, falcons, and ravens, navigating the wind-kissed skies. Red deer are emblematic of this National Park. While burrowing animals, such as the European mole, escape the wind by spending much of their time underground.

During the peak of the winter season, January boasts an average speed of 14 knots (16.1 miles per hour), carrying its power across the open expanses. Furthermore, July and August are the least windiest months of the year, but not by a huge margin. The average wind speed during these summer months is 9.8 knots (11.3  miles per hour).

7. Bournemouth – 12 knots (13.8 miles per hour)

Bournemouth resides in the county of Dorset. This city is a well-known and popular resort town on the southern coast of England.

Moreover, Bournemouth unveils its spot as the seventh windiest place in England on our list due to its average annual wind speed of 12 knots (13.8 miles per hour). Its coastal position on the southern coast of England is the driving force behind the consistent and high winds it experiences. Here the merging of land and sea gives rise to an intricate dance between the elements. With sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and sea stacks, seabirds, waterfowl, and wading birds thrive in this charming yet windy location.

As the seasons change, so does the wind. Once again, January is the windiest month of the year for this location in England, boasting an average speed of 14.4 knots (16.6 miles per hour), a reflection of the elements’ intense activity. In contrast, June graces the city with quieter winds that refreshingly brush the land with an average speed of 9.9 knots (11.4 miles per hour). This adds to its popularity as a comfortable destination for vacationers.

6. Plymouth – 12.3 knots (14.1 miles per hour)

The city of Plymouth is a town with a rich maritime heritage and a historic Barbican district with enchanting cobbled streets. This port city in Devon resides in southwest England. Plymouth’s history is entwined with the constant dialogue between land and air, ocean and sky.

Furthermore, Plymouth experiences an average annual wind speed of 12.3 knots (14.1 miles per hour). This coastal town is shaped by its proximity to the vast expanse of the English Channel. Northern gannets and herring gulls reside in this windy coastal port town, thriving amongst the salty sea air and windswept shorelines.

Consistent with southwest England, January is Plymouth’s windiest month of the year. The average wind speed is 14.9 knots (17.1 miles per hour). During the summer months, July is historically the calmest month of the year, experiencing average wind speeds of 10.1 knots (11.6 miles per hour).

5. Isle of Wight – 12.5 knots (14.4 miles per hour)

Nestled off the southern coast of England and east of the Isle of Portland, the Isle of Wight is the fifth windiest place in England on our list. It is the largest island in England and one of the most popular. It resides in the county of Hampshire, which isn’t considered a part of southwest England. However, as an island off the southern coast of England, it does experience considerably strong winds.

Moreover, the Isle of Wight reveals its windswept character through an average annual wind speed of 12.5 knots (14.4 miles per hour). The wind’s influential current is a trademark of the island’s coastal position, where the seas’ embrace weaves its way into the very fabric of the land.

As the calendar pages turn, the winds of the Isle of Wight fluctuate through the months, following a similar pattern each year. January claims the title of the windiest month with an average speed of 14.9 knots (17.1 miles per hour), imparting its dynamic presence upon the landscape. On the other hand, June emerges as the least windy month, where the winds are more tender to the land, with an average speed of 10 knots (11.5 miles per hour).

4. Isle of Portland – 12.9 knots (14.8 miles per hour)

The Isle of Portland is located off the southern coast of England in the English Channel. It is a tied island that is approximately 6 kilometers (4 miles) long by 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide. This island, located in the county of Dorset, England, is the fourth windiest place in England on our list.

Furthermore, the wind that blows through the Isle of Portland unveils its character through an average annual wind speed of 12.9 knots (14.8 miles per hour). These winds are a manifestation of the island’s coastal positioning and its relationship with the encompassing seas.

The winds of the Isle of Portland harmonize with the changing seasons. Each month experiences different wind intensities, with winter being the most intense and summer being the least intense. January is the windiest month. It carries an average speed of 15.6 knots (18.0 miles per hour), sweeping across the island’s contours with determined force. In contrast, June and July provide a calmer interlude. They bring an average wind speed of 10.3 knots (11.8 miles per hour).

3. Cornwall – 14.1 knots (16.3 miles per hour)

Cornwall is a county, not a city, located in the southwesternmost part of England. This county experiences the strongest winds compared to all other counties in England due to its location. The full force of the prevailing winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean greatly its landscape. This is evident in its windswept cliffs and hardy vegetation. This county embodies the essence of resilience in the face of constant elemental forces.

Moreover, Cornwall experiences an average annual wind speed of 14.1 knots (16.3 miles per hour). The ever-consistent wind brings consistent cloud cover and rain throughout the year. A diverse array of wildlife and plantlife have learned to thrive in harmony with the ever-present gusts. From the heights of the cliffs to the shores of the sea, the inhabitants of Cornwall exemplify nature’s adaptability and the art of survival in this windswept terrain. Animals found here include the red-billed chough and fulmar, to name a couple. Moreover, common plant species that thrive along the Cornish Coast include sand sedge and marram grass.

In the stormy winter months, January stands as the windiest, with an average speed of 17 knots (19.6 miles per hour). July, however, brings tamer winds, with an average speed of 11.6 knots (13.4 miles per hour).

2. Penzance – 14.7 knots (16.9 miles per hour)

In the embrace of the rough Cornish coast lies Penzance, a city amidst the rhythm of the winds. Located in the county of Cornwall, England, Penzance stands as a prominent historic port and ancient market town.

Furthermore, Penzance is defined by an average annual wind speed of 14.7 knots (16.9 miles per hour). This measure encapsulates the perpetual sway of the atmosphere in this oceanic location. The persistent winds experienced here are a reflection of the city’s coastal character, shaped by its proximity to the untamed seas.

As the seasons shift their hues, so do the winds of Penzance. The windiest month, often casting its windswept spell, is January. During this time, the winds gather strength, boasting an average speed that reaches 18.1 knots (20.8 miles per hour), embracing the land with its unyielding touch. In stark contrast, July unveils a tranquil side of Penzance, with the average wind speed dropping to 11.7 knots (13.5 miles per hour) as if allowing the coastal town to bask in a gentle breath.

1. Isles of Scilly – 15 knots (17.3 miles per hour)

In the embrace of the vast Atlantic Ocean lies the archipelago of the Isles of Scilly. It is an enchanting destination of islands and is the windiest place in England on our list. Situated in the southwestern quadrant of England, specifically in the ceremonial county of Cornwall, these isles bear witness to the dance of the winds that define their climate.

Moreover, the Isles of Scilly experiences an average annual wind speed of 15 knots (17.3 miles per hour), one of the highest averages for the southwest of England. The consistent presence of the wind shapes the unique atmosphere of these islands, affecting various aspects of their ecosystem, from the way waves shape the coastline to the dispersal of seeds and pollen across the landscape. Atlantic puffins, storm petrels, and greater black-backed gulls also thrive in this windy coastal location.

Throughout the year, the winds exhibit seasonal variations in their intensity. January emerges as the windiest month, with an average speed of 18.5 knots (21.3 miles per hour). Meanwhile, July experiences a relative lull with an average wind speed of 12 knots (13.8 miles per hour). This ebb and flow of wind strength is a hallmark of the dynamic relationship between the Isles and the surrounding coastal atmosphere.

Conclusion

Southwest England is home to some of the windiest places in the country. The diverse landscapes, a collection of wind-kissed cities, counties, and National Parks emerge, each unique in its way. 

Cornwall’s timeless cliffs and moorlands bear witness to the winds’ artistry, with an average annual wind speed of 14.1 knots (16.3 miles per hour) for the county. Other cities in nearby counties also experience higher averages. The Isles of Scilly experience some of the strongest winds in the country, with an average annual wind speed of 15 knots (17.3 miles per hour). Other islands experience similarly high winds due to their location in the Atlantic Ocean. Exmoor National Park cradled in Devon and Somerset, encounters an average annual wind speed of 10.6 knots (12.3 miles per hour). Dartmoor National Park witnesses an annual average of 11.7 knots (13.5 miles per hour), which echoes the harmonious relationship between wind and rugged landscapes.

Furthermore, these landscapes, home to thriving wildlife and beautiful terrain, reflect the delicate balance between elements and creatures. The plants and animals here thrive under nature’s influence, revealing their incredible adaptability to the natural world.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © fstopphotography/ via Getty Images