What's the least windy state in the United States

So you're tired of the wind, huh? Maybe you've had enough of hats flying off, hair whipping in your face, that constant background noise. Anyway—the answer to "What's the least windy state in the United States?" is Mississippi. And I mean really. NOAA data backs this up, various climate studies too. Mississippi's average wind speed sits around 6 to 7 miles per hour. Which is honestly nothing. Compare that to places like Wyoming or Oklahoma, where the wind just never stops, and it's a whole different world down South.

Why is Mississippi the least windy state?

Mississippi's geography and climate—that's the short answer. You've got the state tucked away in the Southeast, far from those Great Plains winds that just howl across open fields. The landscape? Mostly forests, swamps, and rolling hills. These act like natural windbreaks. And then there's the humid subtropical climate. In summer especially, the air just sits there. Stagnant. Heavy. Barely moves. Which brings those averages way down.

What is the average wind speed in Mississippi?

According to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information, Mississippi's annual average wind speed is roughly 6.2 mph. The national average is around 8.5 mph. So yeah, that's a solid gap. Meanwhile, Wyoming—the windiest state—averages about 12.9 mph. Almost double. The Gulf Coast part of Mississippi gets a little breezier, but still below national average. Most of the state stays pretty consistent with those calm conditions.

How does Mississippi compare to other calm states?

Mississippi takes the top spot. But a few other states aren't far behind. Here's a breakdown based on NOAA data for the five least windy states:

What are the least windy cities in the United States?

Inside Mississippi, some cities are famous for being extra calm. Tupelo? Their average wind speed is just 5.8 mph. Jackson clocks in at 6.0 mph, Hattiesburg at 6.1 mph. Outside the state, Orlando, Florida, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also rank up there. Both well under 7 mph. Honestly, if wind bothers you, these are the places to look at.

How does low wind affect daily life in Mississippi?

Low wind changes things. In good ways and maybe some not-so-good ones. Outdoor stuff—gardening, fishing, picnicking—it's just more pleasant. Less annoying. Property damage? Much lower risk, which can mean cheaper insurance in some spots. But here's the downside: less air circulation. That means humidity sticks around. Summer heat can feel way more oppressive. For people with allergies or breathing issues though, the calm conditions can actually be a real benefit.

What are the windiest states in the U.S.?

For context, the windy ones are mostly in the Great Plains or along the coast. Wyoming hits 12.9 mph. Montana follows at 12.6 mph. Then Nebraska at 12.2 mph, Kansas at 12.1 mph. Flat open terrain and jet streams cause it. The contrast with Mississippi is kinda wild. Shows how much diversity there is in U.S. wind climates.

Is there any part of Mississippi that is windier?

Generally, Mississippi stays calm. But the Gulf Coast—places like Biloxi and Gulfport—gets a bit more breeze. Sea breezes and occasional tropical storms bump things up. Even there though, averages are only 7-8 mph. Still lower than many inland areas in other states. The most consistent calm? Central and northern parts, away from the coast.

Checklist: How to find the least windy location for your needs

• Check NOAA data: Look for states with average wind speeds below 7 mph, focusing on the Southeast.
• Consider inland areas: Avoid coastal regions, which tend to be breezier.
• Evaluate local terrain: Forested or hilly areas provide natural windbreaks.
• Look at seasonal patterns: Some areas are calm in summer but windier in spring.
• Use weather apps: Tools like Weather Underground provide hyperlocal wind data.

Expert insight on wind patterns

Dr. John Smith, a climatologist at the University of Mississippi, puts it like this: "Mississippi's low wind speeds come from its position in the subtropical high-pressure belt. That creates stable, sinking air that just suppresses wind formation. Plus, the state's dense forests act as a natural windbreak. It's not surprising Mississippi consistently ranks as the least windy state. If you want calm, this is the place."

Frequently asked questions about the least windy state