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DEN to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Is the Denver to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
DEN
→
LAX
Denver · Los Angeles · 2h 30m
58
Turb Score
2h 30m
Duration
847 nm
Distance
34,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DEN–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the DEN–LAX route

The Denver to Los Angeles route crosses the Rocky Mountains — one of the most turbulent regions in North America. Mountain wave turbulence occurs when strong winds blow over mountain peaks, creating powerful invisible waves that extend to cruise altitude. The worst turbulence typically occurs in the first 30–60 minutes when the aircraft is climbing over the range.

The route is served by United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 34,000 feet over a distance of 975 miles (847 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy.

Turbulence levels on DEN–LAX

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm
LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady
ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause
HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

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Best time to fly DEN–LAX

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on DEN–LAX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–11
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 12–20
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 21+
Rougher
Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

DEN to LAX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Denver to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The DEN–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 58/100.
When is turbulence worst on DEN to LAX?
Mountain wave turbulence hits early. If flying over Rockies, expect the first hour to be bumpy. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on DEN to LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from DEN to LAX?
The DEN to LAX flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 975 miles (847 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly DEN to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.