Conditions on this page are recalculated from the latest forecast every time it is opened, for the current date in the location's own time zone.
It depends on the activity. For most leisure activities (picnics, beach days, outdoor dining), wind above 20 mph (32 km/h) becomes uncomfortable. For cycling, winds above 15 mph significantly increase difficulty. For hiking, sustained winds above 30 mph create balance hazards on exposed ridges. Outdoor events should plan for cancellation above 35–40 mph. Sustained winds of 40–57 mph (64–91 km/h) are classified as a strong gale and can cause structural damage, break tree branches, and make driving dangerous. Above 74 mph (119 km/h) is hurricane-force wind, capable of major structural damage. Even 30 mph winds can topple lightweight structures like tents and canopies. Crosswinds above 30–35 mph (48–56 km/h) can cause delays for commercial aircraft, depending on aircraft type and runway orientation. Smaller regional aircraft may have lower limits around 25 mph. Gusts exceeding 45 mph frequently result in ground stops and significant delays at major airports. The Beaufort scale is a system developed in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort to classify wind speed based on observable effects on land and sea. It ranges from 0 (calm, under 1 mph) to 12 (hurricane force, 73+ mph). Each level describes visual indicators, making it useful even without instruments. Gusting wind is generally more dangerous because it is unpredictable. Sustained wind allows you to brace and adapt, while sudden gusts can catch you off guard, especially on exposed terrain, while cycling, or driving a high-profile vehicle. Forecast gust speeds often exceed sustained wind speeds by 30–50%. Is 20 mph too windy to cycle, hike, or fly? Get exact wind-speed thresholds for every outdoor activity — plus when wind becomes dangerous, in plain numbers. See wind speed, gusts, and their impact on your outdoor plans — all in one score. A gentle breeze is refreshing. A 25 mph wind turns a pleasant hike into a struggle. A 50 mph gust can flip a canopy, down a tree limb, or make driving treacherous. Knowing the thresholds — and what they mean for your specific plans — is essential for safe outdoor decision-making. Developed in 1805 by British Royal Navy officer Sir Francis Beaufort, this scale classifies wind into 13 levels based on observable effects rather than instrument readings. It remains the most intuitive way to understand what different wind speeds actually mean in practice. Different activities have dramatically different wind tolerances. A wind speed that is pleasant for a beach walk can make cycling dangerous and outdoor dining impossible. Here are evidence-based thresholds for the most common outdoor activities. Dangerous crosswind gusts can push riders into traffic or off road. Avoid cycling. Commercial aviation is affected primarily by crosswind — wind blowing perpendicular to the runway. Most large commercial aircraft have certified crosswind limits of 33–38 mph (29–33 knots), though individual airlines may set lower operational limits. Wind gusts are more disruptive than sustained wind because they create sudden changes in airspeed during critical landing and takeoff phases. A forecast showing "winds 20 mph gusting to 40 mph" is more likely to cause delays than steady 30 mph winds. Recreational boating is among the activities most sensitive to wind. Small craft advisories are issued when sustained winds reach 20–33 mph or seas build to 4–7 feet. The interaction of wind with waves, current, and boat size creates compounding risk. Weather forecasts report both sustained wind speed and gust speed. Sustained wind is the average speed over a 2-minute period. Gusts are brief (typically 3–5 second) increases above the sustained speed, usually 30–50% higher. For activity planning, pay attention to gust speeds, not just sustained wind. A forecast reading "winds 15 mph gusting to 30 mph" means you will experience calm-ish periods interrupted by sudden 30 mph blasts. These gusts are what topple canopies, push cyclists off-balance, and make exposed ridge walks dangerous. Pro Tip: When checking wind forecasts on Snap Weather, always note both the sustained wind and gust values. Plan your activity tolerance around the gust speed, not the sustained speed — because the gusts are what catch you off guard. A headwind doubles cycling effort, a tailwind halves it. Plan routes to minimize headwind exposure. Valleys and forests provide natural wind shelter. Ridge lines and open plains amplify wind exposure.
Scores are capped by dealbreakers — heavy rain, dangerous wind, thick fog or hazardous UV pull a day down no matter how pleasant the rest of the numbers look. Forecast data is Open-Meteo; solar and lunar values are computed for Wind Speed Guide's own coordinates and time zone. Full details on the methodology page.