Average wind speed in the United Kingdom 2001-2023

Over the past two decades, the average wind speed in the United Kingdom has remained relatively stable. In 2023, the average wind speed in the UK was 8.3 knots. Speeds peaked during this period in 2015 at 9.4 knots, before falling to 8.4 knots the following year. One knot is equivalent to one nautical mile per hour. Overall, wind speeds have mostly remained between eight and nine knots, dropping to a low of 7.8 in 2010.

First and fourth quarters the windiest

Since 2010, the first and fourth quarters of each year generally recorded the highest wind speeds. The highest quarterly wind speed averages occurred in the first quarter of 2020, with speeds of approximately 11.5 knots. Between 2015 and 2023, the most noticeable deviation from the 10-year mean was recorded in February 2020. In this month wind speeds were 4.2 knots higher than normal.

Optimal wind conditions for wind energy

The United Kingdom has some of the best wind conditions in Europe for wind power, so it is no surprise that it plays an important role in the country's energy mix. As of 2023, there were 39 offshore wind farms operating in the UK, by far the most in Europe. Furthermore, in 2022, offshore wind power additions in the UK reached nearly 1.4 gigawatts.