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DEN to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Is the Denver to San Francisco flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
DEN
→
SFO
Denver · San Francisco · 2h 30m
50
Turb Score
2h 30m
Duration
840 nm
Distance
34,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — DEN to SFO
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DEN–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the DEN–SFO route

The Denver to San Francisco 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, Alaska Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 34,000 feet over a distance of 967 miles (840 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on DEN–SFO

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly DEN–SFO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on DEN–SFO

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–9
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 10–18
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 19+
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 SFO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SFO → DEN
San Francisco → Denver
Light
DEN → LAX
Denver → Los Angeles
Moderate
DEN → ORD
Denver → Chicago
Light
LAX → SFO
Los Angeles → San Francisco
Light
SFO → NRT
San Francisco → Tokyo
Moderate
SLC → LAX
Salt Lake City → Los Angeles
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Denver to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The DEN–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 50/100.
When is turbulence worst on DEN to SFO?
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 SFO?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from DEN to SFO?
The DEN to SFO flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 967 miles (840 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly DEN to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.