AbstractMeteorological rocket observations of zonal winds at thirteen sites (or pairs of sites) have been analysed for amplitudes and phases of their quasi‐biennial oscillation. The period of the oscillation was taken to be 32 months because from 1962–69 the period was relatively constant, not varying by more than ±3 months. Amplitudes and phases of the oscillation over a wide range of latitude are presented and discussed. The low‐latitude part of the oscillation is well‐defined with maximum amplitudes at 25 to 30 km altitude, which reach about 25 ms−1at the Equator and decrease to a few ms−1at 20° latitude. At other latitudes, amplitudes are less than 5 ms−1except above 50 km at two sites between 50° and 60° latitude, where another main part of the oscillation is indicated. More observations and sites are needed at mid and high latitudes. Observations at the highest latitude site (77°) show no evidence of a diminished amplitude. Phases also depend on height and latitude and may reach gradients of 1 month km−1with height and 2 months deg−1with