Overview of Wind Roses

A wind rose is a way to graphically show wind speed and wind direction over a certain period of time, at a specific location. Meteorologists use it as a tool, but also urban planners use it when developing buildings and public spaces.

How to Read Wind Roses

Above you see what a wind rose could look like. The number of directions that are included varies; often it is 8, 16, or 32 directions that are specified, with north being at the top.

The diagram highlights the percentage of the time the wind blows from each direction. The length of each radiating line shows the strength of the wind, which is proportionate to the wind frequency. To illustrate the wind speed, different thickness and/or colour of the radiating lines are used.

A wind rose helps determine the cardinal winds, and is therefore useful in planning attractive public spaces.