Wind direction: degrees to compass points
Wind direction is where the wind comes FROM: 0° or 360° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West. Each of the 16 compass points covers 22.5°.
Why a “north wind” blows from the north
Meteorology names the wind after the direction it comes from. A north wind (0°) blows from the north toward the south, which is why the arrow on the compass above points the way the air is moving.
The 16-point compass
Each point is 22.5° wide and centered on its value: N covers 348.75°–11.25°, NE covers 33.75°–56.25°, and so on. Forecasts often round to 8 points (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW).
Where do the degrees come from?
Weather stations and aviation reports (METAR) give direction in degrees from true north, usually rounded to 10°. Wind from 230° is a southwest wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a wind direction of 270° mean?
The wind is coming from the west (W) and blowing toward the east.
Is wind direction where it comes from or goes to?
Where it comes from. A southerly wind blows from the south.
How many degrees is NE?
Northeast is 45°, covering 33.75° to 56.25°.