Beaufort Scale
The Beaufort Scale is a standardized system used to describe wind force according to wind speed and its observed effects on land. This page provides a complete Beaufort Force 0–17 reference with wind speeds in m/s and km/h. For outdoor tents, canopies, and temporary structures, wind speed is also an important factor when evaluating structural design, anchoring methods, site conditions, and safe use.
Wind speeds are based on standard observations at approximately 10 meters above ground level.
| Beaufort Force | Wind Description | Wind Speed (m/s) | Wind Speed (km/h) | Terrestrial Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Calm | 0–0.2 | <1 | Smoke rises vertically. |
| 1 | Light Air | 0.3–1.5 | 1–5 | Smoke drift shows wind direction. |
| 2 | Light Breeze | 1.6–3.3 | 6–11 | Wind felt on face; leaves rustle. |
| 3 | Gentle Breeze | 3.4–5.4 | 12–19 | Leaves and small twigs move steadily. |
| 4 | Moderate Breeze | 5.5–7.9 | 20–28 | Dust rises; small branches move. |
| 5 | Fresh Breeze | 8.0–10.7 | 29–38 | Small trees begin to sway. |
| 6 | Strong Breeze | 10.8–13.8 | 39–49 | Large branches move; wires whistle. |
| 7 | Near Gale | 13.9–17.1 | 50–61 | Whole trees move; walking is difficult. |
| 8 | Gale | 17.2–20.7 | 62–74 | Twigs break; outdoor movement is difficult. |
| 9 | Strong Gale | 20.8–24.4 | 75–88 | Minor structural damage may occur. |
| 10 | Storm | 24.5–28.4 | 89–102 | Trees may uproot; structural damage may occur. |
| 11 | Violent Storm | 28.5–32.6 | 103–117 | Widespread damage may occur. |
| 12 | Hurricane Force | 32.7–36.9 | 118–133 | Extremely severe wind conditions. |
| 13 | Hurricane Force | 37.0–41.4 | 134–149 | Extremely destructive wind conditions. |
| 14 | Hurricane Force | 41.5–46.1 | 150–166 | Severe destructive wind conditions. |
| 15 | Hurricane Force | 46.2–50.9 | 167–183 | Extreme destructive wind conditions. |
| 16 | Hurricane Force | 51.0–56.0 | 184–201 | Extreme destructive wind conditions. |
| 17 | Hurricane Force | 56.1+ | 202+ | Extremely destructive wind conditions. |
Reference: Central Weather Administration, Taiwan.
What Does Wind Speed Mean for an Outdoor Tent?
Wind speed is only one part of evaluating outdoor tent safety. Two tents exposed to the same Beaufort wind force may perform very differently depending on their structural system, size, anchoring method, sidewall configuration, ground conditions, and site exposure.
How Much Wind Can a Tent Withstand?
A tent's wind resistance should not be determined solely by a Beaufort number. Wen's Phoenix provides Cross Cable Tents, Walkway Tents, Glass Wall Tents, Structure Tents, and custom shade structures, each with different structural and installation requirements. Wind resistance should therefore be evaluated according to the actual tent system and project conditions.


