---
title: "Wind speed converter: km/h, m/s, mph, knots and Beaufort for drone pilots"
description: "Convert wind speed between km/h, m/s, mph and knots and see the Beaufort force, with a Beaufort table that says what each force means for a drone."
canonical: https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/wind-speed-converter
lang: en
site: Drone Weather Forecast
updated: 2026-11-14
alternates:
  - lang: pt-BR
    url: https://droneweatherforecast.app/pt/tools/wind-speed-converter
  - lang: es
    url: https://droneweatherforecast.app/es/tools/wind-speed-converter
html: https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/wind-speed-converter
markdown: https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/wind-speed-converter.md
llms_txt: https://droneweatherforecast.app/llms.txt
---

# Wind speed converter and Beaufort scale

> Convert wind speed between km/h, m/s, mph and knots and see the Beaufort force, with a Beaufort table that says what each force means for a drone.

*Last updated: 2026-11-14*

## Why pilots need to convert

Drone spec sheets quote the wind limit in m/s or as a "level", weather apps show km/h or mph, and aviation reports (METAR, TAF) use knots. Mixing them up is an easy way to misread a forecast by a factor of three or four.

## The conversion factors

| From | To km/h |
|---|---|
| 1 m/s | 3.6 km/h |
| 1 knot | 1.852 km/h |
| 1 mph | 1.609 km/h |

So 10 m/s is 36 km/h, 22 mph or 19.4 knots. To go from km/h to m/s, divide by 3.6.

## The Beaufort scale and your drone

The Beaufort scale sorts wind into forces by its effects. DJI uses it for its "Level 5" wind resistance (up to 10.7 m/s). The ranges below are the standard ones from the World Meteorological Organization, at 10 m above the ground; the drone column is a rule of thumb for consumer camera drones.

| Force | Name | m/s | km/h | For a consumer drone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Calm to light breeze | below 3.4 | below 12 | Easy flying for any drone |
| 3 | Gentle breeze | 3.4–5.4 | 12–19 | Fine; small drones drift a little |
| 4 | Moderate breeze | 5.5–7.9 | 20–28 | Noticeable for sub-250 g drones; check the gusts |
| 5 | Fresh breeze | 8.0–10.7 | 29–38 | The rated limit of Mini-class drones ("Level 5") |
| 6 | Strong breeze | 10.8–13.8 | 39–49 | Beyond most small drones; only larger models rated for 12 m/s or more |
| 7+ | Near gale and above | 13.9 and up | 50 and up | Do not fly a consumer drone |

Remember that these are 10 m values: at 100–120 m the same day is often one or two forces windier (see the [wind at altitude calculator](https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/wind-at-altitude-calculator)).

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I convert m/s to km/h?

Multiply by 3.6. A drone rated for 12 m/s handles about 43 km/h; one rated for 10.7 m/s handles about 38 km/h.

### What does "Level 5 wind resistance" mean?

It refers to force 5 on the Beaufort scale, a fresh breeze of up to 10.7 m/s (38 km/h). DJI uses it for its Mini drones.

### How many km/h is a knot?

One knot is one nautical mile per hour, exactly 1.852 km/h. 20 knots is 37 km/h.

## More tools and guides

- [Drone wind calculator](https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/drone-wind-calculator)
- [Wind at altitude calculator](https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/wind-at-altitude-calculator)
- [Return-to-home calculator with headwind](https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/return-to-home-calculator)
- [Golden hour and blue hour calculator](https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/golden-hour-calculator)
- [GSD and overlap calculator for drone mapping](https://droneweatherforecast.app/tools/gsd-calculator)
- [How much wind can a drone handle?](https://droneweatherforecast.app/guides/how-much-wind-can-a-drone-handle)
- [Wind vs gusts for drone pilots](https://droneweatherforecast.app/guides/wind-vs-gusts)

## Get these checks for your flight, hour by hour

Drone Weather Forecast runs them for you: the hourly wind and gusts against your drone's limit, wind by altitude in Pro, KP index and GPS satellites. Free on Android and iOS, no ads.

- [Get it on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.droneweather.app)
- [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/drone-weather-forecast/id6768126094)