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Despite the high capacity of wind energy in the offshore regions of Iran seas, wind power plants in these parts have not been significantly considered. In this study, the temporal and spatial wind characteristics and wind energy potential of the Persian Gulf are investigated during the years 2000–2017 based on the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5 reanalysis data set. The spatio-temporal distributions of the annual, seasonal, monthly, and diurnal mean wind characteristics are presented using the 18-year hourly resolution results. Statistical analysis and variability indices of the wind parameters are presented. The Weibull density function is used to assess and analyze the wind characteristics of the region. The Weibull shape k and scale c parameters are calculated using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method. Finally, the wind capacities at the 12 potential locations near the populated or industrial regions around the studied area are derived. Besides, the capacity factor and the potential energy output of two commercial wind turbines are investigated, which are appropriate for the locations at 50 m and 80 m hub heights. The present results can be used to develop of wind energy plans and wind energy potential assessment in the studied area. • The Persian Gulf spatial and temporal wind characteristics and wind energy are determined during 2000-2017. • The annual, seasonal, monthly and diurnal variations of various wind characteristics are investigated. • A detailed analysis of the wind characteristics including in the 12 selected locations is presented. • The weibull function is used to analyze the wind characteristics at hub height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]