A method for operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor adapted to rotate at an optimal speed. The method includes determining a turbulence parameter; and operating the wind turbine at a speed that is increased by a speed deviation amount as compared to the optimal speed. The speed deviation amount is dependent on the turbulence parameter. A wind turbine (100) having a controller (202) for controlling the wind turbine according to the disclosed method is also provided.