What is Tailwind GPS?
Tailwind GPS is a weather-aware route planner built for cyclists. It analyses the routes you already ride and shows the best times to ride them based on forecast wind, temperature and rain.
Import routes from Strava, upload a GPX file, or create your own on the map. Tailwind then calculates a score for every available departure hour, helping you choose when to ride—not just where.
Traditional weather forecasts tell you the wind direction and speed. They don't tell you how that wind will affect a 70 km loop with changing direction. Tailwind does.
Weather-aware route scoring
Every saved route receives a Tailwind Score between 0 and 100 for each departure hour within your forecast window.
A higher score indicates more favourable riding conditions, while lower scores suggest stronger headwinds or less favourable weather.
Unlike a standard forecast, the score is calculated across your entire route. Wind direction, temperature and rainfall are analysed for every section, taking your expected riding speed into account so the forecast reflects where you'll actually be during the ride.
Free accounts include:
- Up to 3 saved routes
- 3-day forecast
Tailwind Pro includes:
- Up to 40 routes
- 14-day forecast
- Route alerts
- Weekly forecast summaries
- Headwind Training mode
Import or build your routes
Tailwind works with the routes you already ride.
Connect your Strava account to import existing routes automatically, upload GPX files from events or friends, or create new routes using the built-in planner.
The route builder includes:
- Automatic road routing
- Freehand drawing
- Live distance and elevation
- GPX export
- Shareable route links
Tailwind isn't designed for route discovery. Platforms like Strava and Komoot already do that well. Tailwind focuses on helping you decide when to ride your favourite routes.
Use route builder»Ride with browser-based navigation
Once you've planned your ride, you can navigate directly from your phone without installing an app.
Start navigation for any saved route to receive turn-by-turn guidance, distance prompts and optional voice instructions. Throughout the ride you can continue to view upcoming wind conditions along the route.
If you prefer using a Garmin or Wahoo device, simply export the GPX file and ride as normal.
Understanding the Tailwind Score
The Tailwind Score answers a simple question: how favourable will the weather be if I start this route at this time?
Each route also includes a detailed breakdown showing:
- Tailwind percentage
- Headwind percentage
- Crosswind percentage
- Average wind speed
- Temperature
- Rain forecast
| Score | Conditions |
|---|---|
| 80–100 | Excellent riding conditions with predominantly favourable winds. |
| 55–79 | Generally favourable conditions. |
| 40–54 | Mixed conditions with a balance of headwinds and tailwinds. |
| 20–39 | Predominantly challenging conditions. |
| 0–19 | Strong headwinds throughout much of the route. |
Two routes in the same area can receive very different scores because the calculation is based on the direction and shape of the route, not simply your location.
Where Tailwind fits
Tailwind complements the tools many cyclists already use.
- Strava records your rides and performance.
- Komoot helps you discover new routes.
- Tailwind GPS helps you decide the best time to ride the routes you already know.
For riders who regularly repeat training loops, club routes or weekend rides, it removes the guesswork from weather planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your next ride with confidence
Choose the best time to ride your favourite routes with weather-aware route scoring.
Start with three routes free, with no app to install.