Trade Winds

weather · ocean · sailing

Winds that flow east. Trade winds blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere, always moving toward the equator like invisible rivers of air.

Sailors' secret weapon. Ship captains have used trade winds for centuries to sail across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, because these winds blow so reliably in the same direction that sailors could plan long voyages.

Changed world history. Trade winds made it possible for European explorers to reach the Americas and establish new trade routes, which completely transformed the world's connections and commerce.

Stronger in winter. These winds get even more powerful during winter months, giving sailors and explorers the best conditions for their ocean journeys during certain times of year.