Do you ever spend your time thinking about seemingly useless but curious things like for example, which are the windiest cities in the US? Not only do I do this but I actually spent so much time thinking about it, I compiled a whole article about this. I know this might be a difficult question to answer but in this article, we’ll try our best to give an unbiased and comprehensive answer to this question based on a combination of average wind speed throughout the year and the highest wind speed recorded in different cities. So, buckle up, or rather, tie down your hats, and let’s discover the windiest cities in America together.
Dodge City, Kansas (14 mph)
Dodge City, Kansas, often touted as the ‘Windiest City in the US,’ is a place where the breeze isn’t just a gentle whisper but more like a constant conversation. Nestled in the Great Plains, this city experiences an average wind speed that’ll ruffle your hair at around 14 miles per hour.
Now, why does Dodge City get so breezy? It’s all thanks to its geographical location. Sitting in the heart of Tornado Alley, it’s like a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic weather in the country. The city’s unique position where the Rocky Mountains meet the flat plains creates a perfect playground for these gusty winds.
Planning to visit Dodge? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Kahlui, Hawaii (13.9 mph)
Kahului’s is one of the windiest cities in the US and here’s why: the average wind speed around here circulates around 14 miles per hour but there have been instances of wind blowing as fast as 49 miles per hour on numerous occasions. That’s enough to make your beach hat do a hula dance!
Why so windy, Kahului? It’s all about location. Kahului is situated on the north shore of Maui, right in the path of the trade winds. These winds, steady and reliable, are like the city’s signature move, blowing in from the northeast and the local topography consisting of mountains and valleys plays a role in funneling and intensifying the already mighty winds.
Planning to visit Kahului? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Amarillo, Texas (13.6 mph)
Amarillo boasts an average wind speed of 13.6 miles per hour but it’s also known for recording a wind speed of a whopping 84 mph, which is one of the rarest natural occurrences in the whole country.
So, what’s the deal with all this wind? Amarillo sits smack dab in the Texas Panhandle, and this location is key. The flat, open plains are like a red carpet for winds sweeping down from the Rockies. No mountains or forests to break the wind’s stride means Amarillo gets the full blast.
Planning to visit Amarillo? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Cheyenne, Wyoming (12.9 mph)
Now, why does little, old Cheyenne get a top spot in the windy city lineup? Here’s the scoop: Cheyenne’s average wind speed is like a persistent nudge at around 12.9 miles per hour. But when it decides to show off, it’s no joke – the fastest wind speed recorded here blasted through at a staggering 77 mph.
But what makes Cheyenne such a wind magnet? It’s all about geography and topography. Located high on the Great Plains and near the Rocky Mountains, Cheyenne is in the perfect spot to catch those powerful winds that barrel down from the highlands. It’s as if the mountains are playing a game of bowling, and Cheyenne is the pins.
Planning to visit Cheyenne? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Casper, Wyoming (12.9 mph)
Casper (Wyoming) is one of those small towns that isn’t known for many things but heavy winds are one of them. Casper’s average wind speed is a force to be reckoned with, blowing steadily at about 12.9 miles per hour but hold onto your hats (literally), because the fastest wind speed recorded here is a whopping 81 mph.
Now, why does Casper get so gusty? Geography plays a big part. Nestled in a valley in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Casper is perfectly positioned to catch those strong winds barreling down the mountain slopes. It’s like the city is in a wind tunnel, with Mother Nature holding a leaf blower at the other end.
Planning to visit Casper? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Cleveland, Ohio (12.9 mph)
This list of the windiest cities in the US couldn’t be complete without Cleveland. The average wind speed in Cleveland struts its stuff at around 12.9 miles per hour but on days when it decides to really put on a show, the city has seen wind speeds whip up to a hair-tangling 77 mph.
So, why does Cleveland get a spot on the windiest cities list? Its location by Lake Erie plays a starring role. This Great Lake acts like a giant fan, especially in the colder months, giving the city a good blast of lake-effect wind. It’s as if Lake Erie is reminding everyone who’s boss around here.
Planning to visit Cleveland? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Wichita, Kansas (12.7 mph)
Wichita, Kansas, isn’t just the heartland of America; it’s also a place where the wind likes to remind everyone who’s boss. The average wind speed in Wichita struts in at about 12.7 miles per hour. But when it really wants to show off, Wichita has witnessed wind speeds that would send your picnic flying at a notable 76 mph.
So, what’s up with all the wind? Wichita’s prime spot in the Great Plains is a big part of the story. This region is like a superhighway for winds, especially those coming down from the Rockies. There’s nothing much to block or slow them down, so by the time they hit Wichita, they’re ready to party.
Planning to visit Wichita? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Rochester, Minnesota (12.6 mph)
Surrounded by some of Minnesota’s most scenic stretches of nature, Rochester is one of the windiest cities in the US with an average wind speed of 12.6 miles per hour. But when it really decides to strut its stuff, the fastest wind speed recorded in Rochester reached an impressive 74 mph. But what’s the deal with all this wind? It’s mainly due to Rochester’s geography; Southeast Minnesota is an area where the flat plains meet the bluffs and this creates a natural pathway for winds to gather strength and speed.
Planning to visit Rochester? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Lubbock, Texas (12.4 mph)
Now, why is Lubbock on the list of the windiest cities in the US? The numbers tell the tale: the average wind speed here is a breezy 12.4 miles per hour. But when it really gets going, Lubbock has seen wind speeds reach a hair-tousling 81 mph. So, what gives Lubbock its windy reputation? Geography is a big player. Situated on the flat plains of the Texas Panhandle, there’s little in the way of natural windbreaks. This means when the wind starts rolling down the plains, Lubbock gets the full brunt of it.
Planning to visit Lubbock? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Fargo, North Dakota (12.5 mph)
Fargo’s average wind speed breezes through at a notable 12.5 miles per hour. But for its grand finale, Fargo has witnessed wind speeds that would make Mary Poppins reconsider her mode of transportation, hitting a robust 71 mph. But why is Fargo such a wind hotspot? Geography takes center stage here. Located on the flat, open plains of the Red River Valley, there’s little to no natural barrier to slow down those gusts.
Planning to visit Fargo? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Boston, Massachusetts (12.3mph)
This might come as a surprise but Boston, a city famous for tea parties, marathons, sports teams, and elite colleges, is also a place that can easily be considered one of the windiest cities in the US. The average wind speed here might not knock your socks off, but it’s steady and consistent, sitting at around 12.3 miles per hour. Throughout most of the year This is mainly due to the city’s coastal location on the Atlantic which is known to bring in strong sea breezes, and Boston’s layout, consisting of mainly skyscrapers and narrow streets, turns it into a bit of a wind tunnel, amplifying the gusts as they whistle through the city.
Planning to visit Boston? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (12.2 mph)
Next on our list of windiest cities in the US, we have Oklahoma City. Oklahoma takes the concept of “wind in your hair” to a whole new level. The city famous for cowboys and oil is also one of the windiest cities in the US with an average wind speed of 12.2 miles per hour with the fastest wind speed recorded reaching a gusty 78 mph. That’s the kind of wind that makes you rethink your hat choices!
So, why does Oklahoma City get so windy? It’s partly due to its geographical position in the Great Plains. This area acts like a highway for winds, especially those sweeping down from the Rocky Mountains. There are no major geographical features to slow them down, so by the time they reach Oklahoma City, they’re ready to rumble.
Planning to visit Oklahoma City? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Great Falls, Montana (12.1 mph)
Great Falls, Montana is a city located in the middle of nowhere where the wind is practically part of the local welcome committee. The average wind speed in Great Falls is more than a gentle caress at a hearty 12.1 miles per hour. But for its grandest performance, the city has recorded wind speeds of a staggering 89 mph.
So, why does Great Falls get so gusty? It’s all thanks to its prime real estate in the Rocky Mountain Front. The area acts like a wind funnel, directing those mountain winds right through the city. It’s as if the Rockies are playing a game of pinball, and Great Falls is the target.
Planning to visit Great Falls? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Buffalo, New York (11.8 mph)
Buffalo’s average wind speed hovers around the breezy mark of 11.8 miles per hour with the fastest recorded wind speed whooshing in at a hair-messing 69 mph. Why is Buffalo such a wind magnet? Well, it’s cozied up right next to Lake Erie, which means it gets more than its fair share of lake-effect wind. This is when the lake decides to play fetch with the wind, but instead of a ball, it’s using gusts, and Buffalo is always ‘it’.
Planning to visit Buffalo? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town. And if you’re looking to explore more in the state of New York, check out our hidden gems in NYC, our guide to Only in New York, this shopping guide to New York, our NYC solo travel guide, and our guide to visiting Niagara Falls for couples.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (11.5 mph)
This list of windiest cities in the US couldn’t be complete without Milwaukee, Wisconsin – where the wind doesn’t just blow through the city, it practically takes a tour. Milwaukee’s average wind speed clocks in at a lively 11.5 miles per hour but when it’s really showing off, Milwaukee has seen wind speeds that would make your kite think it’s in heaven, hitting a formidable 67 mph.
Why does Milwaukee get a VIP pass to the Windy City club? Location, location, location. Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee gets a front-row seat to some serious lake-effect winds. Think of it as the lake giving the city a high five but with wind.
Planning to visit Milwaukee? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Honolulu, Hawaii (11.3 mph)
Honolulu, Hawaii isn’t just an idyllic holiday destination, it’s also one of the windiest cities in the US. Winds in Hawaii are no joke and Honolulu is no exception. The city’s average wind speed is a notable 11.3 miles per hour, which is like nature’s own version of air conditioning. But when it decides to turn up the volume, Honolulu has experienced wind speeds roaring in at a hefty 60 mph.
Planning to visit Honolulu? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Virginia Beach, Virginia (10.9 mph)
Famous, for sun, sand, and beaches, Virginia Beach, is also actually one of the windiest cities in the US. The average wind speed in Virginia Beach breezes in at a lively 10.9 miles per hour but on days when it decides to show its might, the city has experienced wind speeds as fast as 75 mph. So, why does Virginia Beach get to ride the windy wave? Its prime coastal location is a big reason. Nestled at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is perfectly positioned to catch those strong ocean and bay breezes.
Planning to visit Virginia Beach? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Dallas, Texas (10.7 mph)
Dallas, Texas, isn’t just big hats and bigger BBQs; it’s also a city where the wind likes to make its presence known with a Texan-sized flair. The average wind speed here moseys is at around 10.7 miles per hour. But Dallas has seen days when the wind decided to go full cowboy, with the fastest recorded speed galloping in at a hefty 78 mph. That’s not just a breeze; that’s the wind trying to audition for a role in a Western movie.
So why is Dallas on this list of the windiest cities in the US? It’s partly due to its location in the flat plains of North Texas. These plains are like a dance floor for winds, especially those coming from the Gulf of Mexico, and Dallas is often leading the waltz.
Planning to visit Dallas? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Kansas City, Missouri (10.6 mph)
Kansas City, Missouri, is not just about jazz, BBQ, and fountains; it’s also where the wind plays its own kind of music. Kansas City’s average wind speed swings in at a cool 10.6 miles per hour but the fastest wind speed recorded in KC blew through at a toe-tapping 74 mph. Why does Kansas City get a ticket to the Windy Cities Club? It’s thanks to its location in the heartland of America, right where the Great Plains start to roll. These plains are like a runway for winds, especially those coming down from the north.
Planning to visit Kansas City? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Minneapolis, Minnesota (10.6 mph)
Minnesota isn’t just the land of historic forts, 10,000 lakes, and Prince’s funky tunes, it’s one of the coldest and windiest states in the country and Minneapolis is a prime example of this. The average wind speed here is a noticeable 10.6 miles per hour, but the city has seen days when the wind decided to go full Minnesotan and crank it up to 71 mph. Basically, the Upper Midwest is where the prairies meet the northern forests, especially when those Arctic blasts come barreling down from Canada.
Planning to visit Minneapolis? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
San Francisco, California (10.5 mph)
San Francisco, California, is not just the city of tech, sourdough, and the Golden Gate; it’s also a place where the wind practically holds residency. The average wind speed around here breezes through at a brisk 10.5 miles per hour but when it decides to turn it up a notch, winds as fast as 75 mph shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone (because in all honesty, this is not a rare occurrence). Nestled at the tip of a peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides, San Francisco is perfectly positioned to catch those strong Pacific Ocean breezes. It’s like the city is in a tug-of-war with the wind, and neither side is willing to let go.
Planning to visit San Francisco? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town. And if you’re looking for some more travel inspiration, you might like our Only in San Francisco guide, our hidden gems in San Francisco, our list of haunted places in San Francisco, and our list of hiking trails in San Francisco.
Providence, Rhode Island (10.4 mph)
Providence, Rhode Island is one of the most important hubs of culture and history in the Northeast but did you know it’s also one of the windiest cities in the US with an average wind speed of 10.4 miles per hour and the fastest wind speed recorded of hair-ruffling 61 mph. So, why does Providence get its name tossed around in windy city discussions? Its coastal location near Narragansett Bay is a prime factor. The city sits in a spot where maritime winds from the Atlantic have an open invitation. It’s as if Providence is at a constant meet-and-greet with the ocean breeze.
Planning to visit Providence? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Chicago, Illinois (10.3 mph)
I guess seeing Chicago which is known as the wind city of the United States on the bottom of this list may come as a surprise but in reality, there are many cities that are winder than Chicago. The average wind speed in the city breezes through at a noticeable 10.3 miles per hour. But on days when the wind decides to show off, Chicago has seen gusts sweeping through at a gusty 70 mph.
Planning to visit Chicago? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Detroit, Michigan (10.2 mph)
Last but not least, we conclude this list of the windiest cities in the US with Detroit, Michigan. Detroit, Michigan, often celebrated for its Motown soul and automotive prowess, also has a lesser-known claim to fame – its breezy disposition. The city’s average wind speed is a noticeable 10.4 miles per hour but when Detroit’s wind decides to put the pedal to the metal, it has revved up to a brisk 68 mph.
So, what’s the story behind Detroit’s windy nature? Its location along the Detroit River, acting as a natural wind tunnel between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, plays a big role. The city sits in a prime spot where the wind can gather strength over the lakes and then sweep through the streets like it owns the place.
Planning to visit Detroit? Then you can use our Booking.com link and get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
Which Of The Windiest Cities In The US Has The Highest Recorded Wind Speed In History?
Now this might come as a surprise but actually, out of the five highest wind speeds ever to be recorded in the US, four have appeared in cities that are generally considered less windy than some of the cities on this list (at least based on the average wind speed throughout the year).
Mount Washington, New Hampshire: This place isn’t just windy; it’s like the wind’s favorite playground. The highest wind speed ever recorded by man was here, a jaw-dropping 231 mph in 1934. That’s not just wind; that’s Mother Nature showing off her powerlifting skills.
Barrow, Alaska: Known more for its icy demeanor, Barrow stepped into the wind speed spotlight with a record gust of 160 mph. That’s the kind of wind that makes you reconsider any outdoor plans… or living on land.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: The wind here doesn’t just sweep down the plains; it sometimes speeds like a race car. Oklahoma City has seen gusts up to 151 mph. That’s so fast it could almost run a ticket for speeding on the highway.
Washington, D.C.: The capital isn’t just blowing hot air politically; it’s experienced its share of literal wind too. A record gust of 134 mph makes it seem like even the wind wants to make a statement here.
Tampa, Florida: Known for its sunny beaches, Tampa also gets its share of windy tantrums. The city has recorded wind speeds of 131 mph, the kind that could mess up even the most meticulously planned beach hair.
Why Is Chicago Known As The Wind City?
Seeing so many cities that can be considered as ‘windier’ than Chicago, you might be wondering this where does Chicago get its reputation from? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just due to the actual wind (though it certainly plays its part). The city’s nickname was also coined to describe its long-winded politicians and their heated debates. Geographically, its location along the shores of Lake Michigan certainly contributes, with the lake acting like a giant fan, especially in the winter and fall.
How did you like this list of windiest cities in the US? Did you ever visit any of these places? Which one of these would you like to visit?
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