No matter where you travel, you’re bound to experience wind. That’s especially true in the windiest cities in the world. Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun and the planet’s rotation. While some locales are known for frequent light breezes, in some places, strong gusts are a fact of everyday life. But have you ever wondered what is the windiest place on Earth? Hold on to your hat as you discover 12 of the windiest places in the world below.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is one of the top 10 windiest cities in the world. In fact, wind is so common here that the city is actually named after the weather. When it was an ancient Persian settlement, it was called Bād-kube, meaning “wind-pounded city” or “blown upon by mountain winds.” There are two dominant winds in Baku: the cold, northerly khazri and the warm, humid, and southerly gilavar. Wind speeds average over 11 mph for nine months of the year, between June and March, with November being the windiest month, with 12.7 mph average winds.

The blustery conditions in the Azerbaijani capital are primarily caused by the low geographical location and exposed location on the Caspian Sea coastline. Baku lays claim to being the lowest capital city in the world, sitting at 92 feet below sea level. First inhabited in the Bronze Age, it’s now a modern metropolis defined by sleek skyscrapers such as the Flame Towers. It’s also home to Mini Venice, a tourist district that mimics the canals, islands, and gondola rides of Venice, Italy. 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The capital of its namesake state, Oklahoma City experiences average wind speeds of 11.1 mph between late January and June. Its windiest month is April, when gusts of up to 12.8 mph are common. There are several factors behind the gusty conditions in OKC. One is the city’s location in the Great Plains, a vast, low-lying landscape that allows winds to travel unobstructed. Another is its setting within Tornado Alley, an area of the United States infamous for thunderstorms, gale force winds, and tornadoes. 

In addition to the wind, Oklahoma City is well known for its cowboy culture, which is honored at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. A busy year-round schedule of equine events has also earned the city the nickname of “The Horse Show Capital of the World.” Another reason to visit the city is to cheer on professional sports teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) and Oklahoma City Dodgers (MiLB).

Gruissan, France

Nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, Gruissan is one of the windiest cities in France. The region is dominated by the Tramontane, a powerful wind formed by an anticyclone over southwest France and a depression over the Mediterranean. Average wind speeds from late October to early May are 11.2 mph, peaking at 12.7 mph in February. 

Residents of Gruissan embrace the wind by taking to the water to practice water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling. Held at the end of May, Defi Kite is one of Europe’s largest kitesurfing competitions, attracting over 500 riders. The city is also known for its preserved medieval old town. Dating back to the 11th century, it features a circular village built around a church and ruined castle. Today, the narrow alleyways are home to independent shops and restaurants.  

Copenhagen, Denmark

A combination of climate, location, and geographical features makes Denmark a notably windy country. It’s surrounded by the Baltic and North seas, which are prone to wind-generating weather systems, and the country has a flat terrain with a lack of mountains to act as natural barriers. The same is true for Copenhagen, the Danish capital, one of the windiest places in the world. Here, winds of 12.9 mph are normal between September and March, with speeds peaking at an average of 15 mph in January. 

Denmark is a leader in renewable energy — around 50% of the country’s electricity is produced by a mix of wind and solar power. Located near Copenhagen, the Middelgrunden wind farm was the world’s biggest offshore wind farm when it opened in 2001. Aside from the wind, Copenhagen is a notably bike-friendly city that draws in visitors with its historical and avant-garde architecture set around vibrant neighborhoods, serene canals,  and picturesque parks. 

Punta Arenas, Chile

Located in the deep south of Chile‘s Patagonia region, Punta Arenas is windy no matter what time of the year it is. This port city sits on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most difficult routes to navigate because of the unpredictability of the tides and winds. These same winds are felt constantly in Punta Arenas. From October to late March, wind speeds average 16.2 mph, while for the rest of the year, they average 14.7 mph. November is the windiest month, when the average increases to 17.9 mph.

Punta Arenas is a common stopover for travelers and backpackers looking to explore Patagonia. Many use it as a base for excursions to Antarctica and breathtaking parks such as the glacier and fjord-laden Alberto de Agostini National Park. Places of interest around downtown Punta Arenas include the Monument of Ferdinand Magellan in the city’s central square and the Regional Museum of Magellanes. To help visitors and locals out when the gusts pick up, city officials have even put ropes up between some downtown buildings.

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Located on the easternmost point of Canada’s easternmost province is St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador — and one of the windiest places in the country. From October to April, the windiest months of the year, the breeze blows at an average of 13 mph; for the remainder of the year, the average wind speed is 10 mph. In 2021, the city recorded 143 days with gusts of over 37 mph and 12 days when the gusts reached over 62 mph. On top of that, St. John’s is also one of the cloudiest, foggiest, snowiest, and wettest places in Canada.

St. John’s first came to prominence in the early 16th century when the Basques, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English all took advantage of its strategic harbor and fishing opportunities at various points. The first permanent settlers took root in the 17th century, and today the city is famous for its colorful row houses located in the harborside downtown district. Towering above the city to the north is Signal Hill, where walking trails lead to scenic viewpoints and the historic Cabot Tower.

Aberdeen, Scotland

This port city in northeast Scotland is among the windiest places in the United Kingdom. Gusts often reach 14.3 mph between late September and April, and January is particularly windy, with speeds of 18.1 mph. Two contributing factors are the city’s exposure to the North Sea and its location close to the track of Atlantic depressions. The latter is a weather phenomenon that severely impacts Scotland’s climate, most significantly in winter, when low-pressure systems bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storms to the British Isles.

Despite a notoriously bad climate and remote location, Aberdeen still draws year-round tourists. Aberdeen Art Gallery displays works from the 18th to 20th centuries, while the Aberdeen Science Centre offers family-friendly exhibits and workshops. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Royal Deeside for hiking amid a landscape of rolling hills, forests, moors, and rivers. 

Dodge City, Kansas

Kansas is located in the heart of Tornado Alley, the region of the U.S. where tornadoes are most frequent. Dodge City is one place within the state where locals are familiar with persistently blustery conditions — the result of high-pressure systems that sweep down from the Rockies and across the High Plains and mix with low pressure systems that rise up from the Gulf of Mexico. Late February to late June is typically the windiest time of the year, with wind speeds topping out an average of 13 mph in April. In December 2021, a powerful windstorm produced the city’s highest record gusts of 84 mph.

For those undeterred by windy weather, Dodge City makes for an interesting pitstop on a tour of the Midwest. Reenactments of gunfights, variety shows, and other aspects of the Old West take place at Boot Hill Museum. The Gunfighters Wax Museum also has life-sized sculptures of legends of the era like Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp.

Rio Gallegos, Argentina

Also in the wilderness of Patagonia, but this time on the Argentinean side, is the riverside city of Río Gallegos. The city sits just inland from where the Gallegos River empties out into the frigid waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. With an exposed and low-lying location, it’s windy here year-round. The most affected months are from mid-October to late March, when wind speeds average just over 15 mph, but the rest of the year is by no means calm. The city frequently sees gusts of 60 mph and above throughout the year.

While Río Gallegos is certainly remote, for dedicated adventurers, it’s a useful stopover on a journey to see the mystical landscapes of Argentina’s southernmost Tierra del Fuego province. Around the city are a number of interesting sights, such as the Eduardo Minnicelli Art Museum, which showcases the works of local artists. It’s possible to spot Megellanic penguins, too, at the Cabo Virgenes Nature Reserve.

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago of 18 islands set in the North Atlantic between Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. The weather across the islands is notoriously unpredictable and shaped by factors such as Atlantic depressions, prevailing westerly winds, and a proximity to the Gulf Stream. Summers are typically short, cool, and windy — while winters are long, cold, wet, and subject to strong winds. Average wind speeds of 18 mph are typical from September to April. 

Despite the harsh conditions, Tórshavn has been a busy trading and fishing port for centuries. Established by Vikings around 900 CE, Tinganes is thought to be one of the world’s oldest parliamentary meeting places. Every year, on July 28 and 29, the city celebrates Ólavsøka (St. Olaf’s Day) in honor of the patron saint of the islands. The vibrant festival features traditional Faroese chain dancing and ballad singing, rowing races, church services, and a Midnáttarsangurin (Midnight Song).

Cold Bay, Alaska

With a name like Cold Bay and a location in the remote Aleutian Islands of Alaska, it’ll come as little surprise that this city experiences some adverse weather conditions. The windiest season here lasts for over seven months, from mid-September well into April, with wind speeds topping out at an average of 18.2 miles per hour in November. One of the main reasons for this is the Aleutian Low, a region of low pressure situated close to the islands, where sub-polar cyclones reach their greatest strength. Also known as the Cradle of the Storm, the region is among the stormiest areas in the North Pacific. These storms typically blow eastward over Cold Bay and other settlements in the islands.

Anyone who does make the trek to Cold Bay will be welcomed by a spectacular natural landscape made up of volcanoes, glaciers, tundra uplands, and icy lagoons. Wildlife such as brown bears, caribou, foxes, shorebirds, and waterfowl make up the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge just outside of town. In addition to visiting the refuge, be sure to hop on a ferry and be blown away (pun intended) by the beauty of the Aleutian Islands.

Wellington, New Zealand

Set on the southwestern point of New Zealand’s North Island is Wellington, the national capital and the world’s southernmost capital city. It is also considered by many sources to the be the windiest city in the world — hence its nickname “Windy Wellington.”

On average, the wind blows at 16 mph in Wellington, primarily due to the city’s location on the Cook Strait, which acts as a wind tunnel through which ocean breezes build strength. The rugged mountainous surroundings also cause local variations in wind strengths. Some of the strongest gusts ever recorded are 124 mph in the Kelburn suburb in 1968 and 133 mph at nearby Hau Nui Wind Farm in 1998.

The wind does little to deter visitors from making the journey to this remote city in the South Pacific, however. Travelers come to ride the historic red Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn and Wellington Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top of blustery Mount Victoria or delving into Mauri and colonial history at Te Papa. When that’s all done, the artisanal bakeries, brewpubs, chocolatiers, and pizzerias along Hannahs Laneway provide a tasty refuge from the constant breeze.

Often, the best vacations allow you to leave the fast pace of everyday life behind and relish in the slower, simpler moments. While visiting a luxury island resort, traveling by air-conditioned transfers and enjoying other modern amenities is one way to vacation, but it can also take a toll on an island’s delicate environment. If your idea of a blissful island getaway doesn’t include congested streets, traffic jams, and looking both ways before you cross the road, consider one of these six beautiful islands where no cars are allowed.

Hydra – Greece

Automobiles have never been a part of Hydra’s tight-knit community, but the island’s car-free culture was solidified in the 1950s, when a presidential decree banned wheeled vehicles on the Greek isle. The decision was made to preserve Hydra’s unique and historic architecture and its laid-back charm — which has made it an even bigger draw for travelers today. Even bicycles are forbidden for adults; however, children 12 and under are permitted to use them in the winter months (but not in the busy summer months). Instead, locals heavily rely on donkeys to traverse the steep alleyways and steps leading up from the harbor to the residential areas overlooking the sea. 

Island life on Hydra is nothing if not relaxed — strolling leisurely around the harbor and alleyways, one can admire the blossoming bougainvilleas cascading down the island’s stone walls without the worry of traffic or the bother of screeching brakes or revving engines. Hydra may have an old-world feel, but tourists have been frequenting its shores for decades, which means there’s enough restaurants and nightlife to keep visitors entertained in the evenings, too. 

Lamu Island – Kenya

Travelers from all over the world come to Kenya for safaris, but considerably fewer tourists know about this historic, car-free island just off the country’s northern coast. Lamu Island’s Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was once a prosperous trading port in the 15th and 16th centuries and is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa. 

Cars are banned on the island because of the tight spaces between buildings that can’t accommodate vehicles; instead, most people walk or use donkey-drawn carts to get around. Even if the community wanted it, local laws forbid the demolition of culturally significant buildings to expand roads. For travelers, the lack of cars adds immensely to the island’s charm, and wandering on foot allows more opportunities to admire its fascinating architecture — an eclectic mix of Arab, Indian, Persian, and European influences. 

Paquetá Island – Brazil

This island in Guanabara Bay — off the coast of the buzzing cosmopolitan of Rio de Janeiro — is as unassuming as it is enticing. An hour ferry ride from Rio, Ilha de Paquetá is a local treasure favored for its slow pace, stunning island beaches, and no-cars-allowed policy. Visitors can hire a golf cart taxi or horse-drawn carriage to get around the island, but perhaps the best option is to rent a bicycle and leisurely explore the 1.5-mile-long island on your own. 

Despite its small size, there are plenty of worthy reasons for a day trip to the island. Not only is there colonial architecture to admire (left behind by the Portuguese), but the island is also flush with rare flora and fauna — including around 20 baobab trees (some of the only ones in Brazil). Visitors will also find a few excellent watering holes for artisanal beverages and local cuisine. 

Gili Islands – Indonesia

The Gili Islands — with a name meaning “small” in Bahasa Indonesian — are a trio of tiny islets off the coast of Bali’s neighboring island, Lombok. Gili Air, Gili Trawangan (also known as Gili T), and Gili Meno are popular for their relaxed vibes, stunning sunsets, and excellent scuba diving. Each of the three islands has its own draw: Gili T is the party island, Gili Air is the quietest, and Gili Meno is somewhere in between. But it’s the local ordinance that bans cars and motorbikes on all three islands that makes them a welcome reprieve from the often-noisy, tourist-heavy destinations in nearby Bali and Lombok. (Electric scooters are permitted, but rare.)

Once you step foot on the Gilis, life instantly slows and quiets down, and your focus is redirected to the calm, clear turquoise waters and swaying palms. Each island measures only a few square miles, so a motorized vehicle is not necessary to thoroughly explore them. Renting a bicycle, walking, or hiring a horse-drawn cart are the only transportation options. 

Koh Phayam – Thailand

With so many breathtaking islands in Thailand, it’s understandable that not all would be as famous as party-hardy Koh Phangan or the diving meccas of Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. Perhaps that’s what makes the quiet, under-the-radar island of Koh Phayam so special. Located in the Andaman Sea, close to the mainland of Myanmar, Koh Phayam is a rarity in the so-called “Land of Smiles,” as the serene isle is still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. 

The lack of road development has resulted in a lack of cars, which are largely deemed unnecessary on a slice of land that’s just six miles long and three miles wide. However, motorbikes are allowed and are often the preferred method of transportation for intrepid explorers and locals. When compared to the often-over-touristed Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phayam still possesses the allure and charm that other Thai islands once did before they were widely known. 

Isla Holbox – Mexico

This narrow barrier island off the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula is a far cry from the spring break vibes of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen on the mainland. Beautiful, unspoiled beaches beckon to be laid on, but many people come to Isla Holbox to disconnect from everyday life and immerse themselves in nature — for example, by swimming with sea turtles and whale sharks, kayaking through the island’s mangroves, island-hopping to nearby Isla Pajaros to see flamingos, or simply cruising up and down the coast of the 26-mile-long island. Despite Isla Holbox’s popularity, the ban on cars remains intact, and colorful buildings topped with thatched roofs also contribute to the island’s undeniable charm.

Alaska encompasses 586,000 square miles of land, making it by far the largest state in the U.S. Aptly nicknamed the “Great Land,” Alaska is double the size of Texas and one-fifth the size of the entire lower 48, making it highly unlikely you’ll get to explore its vast wilderness on one trip alone. So, where do you start? From cosmopolitan cities like Anchorage to pristine national parks and coastal hamlets, here are 10 of the most epic experiences for an unforgettable Alaska vacation.

Kayak Around Glaciers

With around 100,000 glaciers, Alaska has the world’s highest concentration of glaciers — and you don’t have to venture far from major cities to view them. Case in point: Within 50 miles of Anchorage, visitors can discover a whopping 60 glaciers. One of the most accessible and popular to visit is the 10-story-tall Portage Glacier. In summer, many visitors take boat tours to this mighty glacier, but for a unique vantage point, you can rent a kayak and paddle around Portage Lake. Nearby attractions include the five-mile Trail of Blue Ice, a hiking path which connects several of the region’s glaciers, plus the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center — where you can see species such as brown bears, moose, bison, muskoxen, and wolves.

Catch a King Salmon at Ship Creek

Now Alaska’s most populated city, Anchorage traces its origins to a 1915 railroad settlement at Ship Creek. The protected area was the safest place for ships to anchor at the time, hence the city’s name. Today, Ship Creek is famous for another reason: Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. 

From January to mid-July, aspiring anglers can catch their very own salmon without even leaving Anchorage. The massive fish can weigh up to 30 pounds, and your best chances to land a big one are in June. Before fishing, make sure you review the state’s sport fishing regulations to obtain the proper license and learn more about how to get your salmon stamp (an official requirement when you catch one). Head to the Bait Shack to rent rods, bait, waders, and other gear. 

Attend a Cultural Event at Alaska Native Heritage Center

To fully appreciate and understand the beauty of Alaska, one must see it through the eyes of the Indigenous peoples who first called the land home. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage is a fascinating way to experience the culture, stories, and traditions of Alaska’s 11 major cultures. Visitors can watch native game demonstrations, take art classes, watch films about the different cultures and regions of Alaska, and more. It’s an essential stop for understanding and appreciating Alaska’s vast landscapes and the people who have inhabited them for centuries. 

See the Bears of Admiralty Island

Alaska’s Admiralty Island — the seventh-largest island in the United States — is home to around 1,600 brown bears. That is the highest concentration of brown bears in the world, all thanks to the island’s thriving salmon population. To see them for yourself, head to Admiralty Island National Monument in the southeast corner of the state. The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is where you can safely watch the bear feed on the fish from an observation tower. You may also even spot a nesting bald eagle.

Visit Kennecott Ghost Town

Mining for precious metals was a major part of Alaska history, and one of the best places to uncover the state’s past is this abandoned copper mine. Kennecott (also known as Kennicott) was once the world’s richest copper mine, and a bustling settlement developed here at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors today can stay at Kennicott Glacier Lodge in Glenallen to check out this National Historic Landmark located within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park — America’s largest national park. Stop by the old post office and general store to get a glimpse of daily life for early settlers.  

Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad

Between early May and late September, visitors have the chance to experience a historic train ride aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Built in 1898, the train originally transported Klondike gold miners from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, in the Canadian territory of Yukon. The passage was heralded as the “Scenic Railway of the World” and required the labor of 35,000 men to complete. Today, travelers can experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s mountains, glaciers, and tunnels from the railroad’s vintage train cars. Before boarding in Skagway, stop by the Red Onion Saloon, which has been serving thirsty patrons since 1897. 

Soak at Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks is considered one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights — the natural phenomenon that occurs when particles from the sun collide with gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere and emit vibrant streaks of color. But before you look up to the night sky, soaking in the resort’s famous hot springs is a must. Heated pools and spas are located both indoors and outdoors, and day pass holders and overnight guests can dip in the natural Hot Springs Lake, which is a balmy 106 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. In winter, the resort also has an ice museum, which is made using 1,000 tons of snow and ice and is illuminated at night.

Wander the Totem Trail in Sitka

Finding the perfect hiking trail in Alaska is like deciding on which ice cream flavor to order — you really can’t go wrong. But one of the state’s most unique trails — one you won’t find elsewhere in America — is the Totem Trail, a relatively easy mile-long loop in Sitka. This charming coastal city is about a six- to eight-hour ferry ride (or a faster flight) from the state capital of Juneau. Totems from local Haida and Tlingit villages dot the path between the trees — a testament to the living tradition of wood carving and a reminder of Alaska’s Indigenous past and present.

Shop the Boardwalk in Ketchikan

The Alaska coast is dotted with colorful fishing villages, but the quiet community of Ketchikan makes for the perfect day trip south of Juneau for shopping and experiencing the laid-back lifestyle of Alaska. Located on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan is especially known for Creek Street, a boardwalk mounted on stilts that’s home to restaurants, curio shops, a museum, and historic dwellings. In town, you can watch migrating salmon at the Salmon Ladder.

Go Dog Sledding at the Husky Homestead in Denali

It wouldn’t be a trip to Alaska without spotting Denali — America’s tallest peak — in the distance. Named after this 20,310-foot mountain, Denali National Park is one of the most stunning national parks in the U.S., covering over 7,400 square miles of glaciers, rivers, boreal forests, and alpine tundra. For a memorable activity near the park, try your hand at dog-sledding. Husky Homestead is just outside the park entrance, and visitors can meet the active pups before racing through the surrounding snowy wilderness. You’ll be a pro at mushing by the end of the day. 

Tip: Make Visit Anchorage your first stop for everything you need to plan your Alaska vacation.