Windward - Definition and Overview

Windward is the side of a boat into which the wind is blowing. Also known as the "high side". Windward is the opposite of leeward.

The terms "leeward" and "windward" are also used in reference to islands in an archipelago and to the different sides of a single island. In the latter case, the windward side is that side of an island subject to the prevailing wind, and is thus the wetter side (see orographic precipitation). The leeward side is protected by the elevation of the island from the prevailing wind, and is typically drier and less windy. Thus, leeward and windward are important weather and climate factors on oceanic islands.

In the case of an archipelago, "windward islands" are the islands upwind.

See also

• Windward Islands (Lesser Antilles)
• Hawaiian Islands
• Society Islands