Gale surface wind characterization based on the Mars Science Laboratory REMS dataset. Part II: Wind probability distributions

•A diurnal and seasonal surface wind speed characterization based on probabilistic distribution models applied to the MSL REMS data is presented.•REMS data suggest that the highest wind speed probabilities are achieved at MSL’s location around midday, although nighttime winds could also show high probabilities of wind speeds.•REMS wind data suggest that the lack of a clearly-defined synoptic flow around the equinoxes in Gale Crater may allow slope winds to achieve the highest mean wind speeds within the daytime periods.•Peak nighttime wind speeds are greatest around southern summer, and could be mostly responsible for the dust removal from MSL such as the REMS UV sensor.•Flying debris impacts due to the strong winds observed around the southern spring equinox while approaching Aeolis Mons, could be responsible for the final REMS wind sensor failure in 2016.