Global Average Wind Speed
Last updated: January 27, 2026
3.3 m/s
m/s
The global average wind speed at 10 meters height is approximately 3.3 m/s (12 km/h). Wind speeds are highest over oceans and at high altitudes. For wind energy, speeds of 6+ m/s are considered economically viable.
Historical Trend
Source: Nature
Why This Average Exists
Wind speed data is essential for renewable energy planning, weather forecasting, aviation, agriculture, and understanding climate patterns.
Factors That Affect Global Average Wind Speed
- Geography and terrain
- Altitude
- Ocean proximity
- Seasonal patterns
- Climate change
- Urbanization (wind shadow effects)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Data Sources
The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.
Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.
All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.
Further Reading
- Global Average Temperature— 15.0°C °C
- Global Average Rainfall— 990 mm mm/year
- Global Average Energy Consumption— 21,300 kWh kWh/year
- Global Average Carbon Footprint— 4.7 tonnes tonnes CO₂/year
- Global Average Ocean Temperature— 17.1°C °C
- Global Average Sea Level Rise— 3.7 mm/yr mm/year
- Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita— 4.7 tonnes tonnes/year
- Global Average Water Consumption— 137 L/day liters/day