Wind forecast Belfast today

Wind in Belfast right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Belfast

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 1 and 19 km/h (1 to 12 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 40 km/h (25 mph) at Mon 12:00. Speeds are in km/h with miles per hour underneath. Direction is where the wind comes from.

Seven-day gust outlook

The windiest day of the week is Sat 10/10 with gusts to 48 km/h (30 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 17 km/h (11 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Belfast

Belfast, or Béal Feirste, is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. As a coastal city, its wind patterns are influenced by its proximity to the sea. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the west and southwest, bringing frequent Atlantic depressions that contribute to the overall wind climate. Gusts will typically exceed the mean wind speed, particularly during periods of stronger wind. The county's coastal mean 10 m wind is approximately 5.5-7.5 m/s, while inland areas typically experience around 4-5.5 m/s. Strongest winds are generally associated with winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies. The city's specific exposure within Belfast Lough means it can be partly sheltered compared to more open coastal locations.

Seasonal pattern

Across Ireland, the strongest winds are typically observed during the winter months, from October to March, when Atlantic depressions are most frequent and intense. During these periods, southwesterly and north-westerly winds are common. Summer months, from June to August, generally bring lighter winds, though local effects such as sea breezes can develop on warm, sunny afternoons, leading to a temporary increase in wind speed near the coast. These sea breezes are usually moderate and tend to diminish towards evening. The county's wind climate notes indicate that winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies bring the strongest wind to the region.

Exposure and shelter

Belfast is a coastal city, approximately 2 km from the coast. Its location within Belfast Lough provides some degree of shelter compared to more exposed coastal areas elsewhere in County Antrim, such as the open coast from Larne to Portrush or Rathlin. While the city itself is coastal, the immediate surrounding topography and urban structures will influence local wind flow, creating areas of both shelter and localised funnelling. The county's dominant wind direction is SW. The Antrim Plateau and Slemish are noted as exposed areas elsewhere in the county, and gusts can funnel along the Glens and across the Antrim plateau. Coastal stations, such as George Best Belfast City Airport, can provide early indications of approaching fronts.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind forecasts are relevant for various activities in Belfast. For the aerospace & engineering sector, wind data is crucial for design, operation, and safety. Ports & shipping operations in Belfast Harbour rely on wind information for navigation, docking, and cargo handling. The agri-food sector, including farming, uses wind forecasts for tasks like spraying, silage timing, and managing livestock. The wind energy sector in the wider county benefits from understanding wind patterns for turbine efficiency and maintenance. Building and roofing work requires wind data to ensure safety and structural integrity. For tourism and general outdoor activities like walking or use of GAA pitches, wind information helps in planning and comfort.

Near Belfast

Belfast is in Co. Antrim, one of 26 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (4 km), Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (20 km) and City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (93 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 73 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Belfast

Go deeper

Set your own limit and watch the odds at the live instrument for Belfast, or read how the numbers above are made.