This paper examines vulnerability to recent occurrences of wind hazards in the context of changing patterns of urbanization, land use, land cover and wind climate in Ibadan, the largest traditional urban centre in sub-Saharan Africa. The period 1989–2008 shows a significant increase in maximum wind gusts, with the latter half of the period, 1998–2008, recording higher mean maximum wind gusts and more frequent windstorms with peak gusts of 48 knots or more. Following a major windstorm event in March 2008, an assessment of the windstorm-induced damage and the vulnerability characteristics of residents of 69 wind-damaged houses in eight districts located in Ibadan’s high density core area and older suburbs was undertaken. This was based largely on primary data from interviews conducted with residents of windstorm-affected districts and with key informants in urban planning institutions. The study provides insights into changing climate risk patterns and emerging vulnerabilities of inner-city residents of Ibadan. The role of local institutions in shaping vulnerability to climate risks was also examined.