Wind is our biggest nemesis and largest determining factor for flying. If it is too windy to launch and land safely during the times you plan to be flying, your weather data collection can end here and you may break out the fishing gear. As an entry level pilot anything over 12 Mph is generally too strong.
You may obtain surface wind data from flight service, from a nearby airport, or from the internet. Airports often have an automated announcer that will give the current surface winds and the trend over the last few hours. On the internet, wunderground.com or usairnet.com will give you detailed current and forecasted surface wind conditions for your area. Be sure to obtain current and forecasted conditions, so you know what to expect throughout the day. Some days you may be able to fly in the morning knowing that the wind is expected to increase later in the day or vise/versa.