Trade winds are steady winds that blow in regular patterns across tropical regions of Earth. These winds move across oceans and follow predictable directions. In the Northern Hemisphere, they usually blow from the northeast, and in the Southern Hemisphere from the southeast. They are part of Earth’s global wind system.

Trade winds are found mainly between about 30° north and 30° south latitude over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They blow throughout the year and affect weather and ocean movement.

Trade winds have been used by sailors and merchants for centuries to travel across oceans. Ships followed these wind patterns during long sea journeys. These winds are part of natural systems and human navigation history.