DFW to RDU Turbulence Forecast

Is the Dallas to Raleigh-Durham flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
DFW
RDU
Dallas · Raleigh-Durham · 3h 32m
5.4
Turb Score
3h 32m
Duration
1,063 nm
Distance
37,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light-moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for DFW–RDU

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 32m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the DFW–RDU route

The Dallas to Raleigh-Durham domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,223 miles at around 37,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by American, Delta on Boeing 737 · Embraer 175 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,223 miles (1,063 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Turbulence levels on DFW–RDU

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 DFW–RDU

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on DFW–RDU

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–14
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 15-22
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 23+
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

DFW to RDU turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dallas to Raleigh-Durham flight turbulent?
The DFW–RDU route typically experiences light-moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 5.4/100.
When is turbulence worst on DFW to RDU?
Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on DFW to RDU?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from DFW to RDU?
The DFW to RDU flight takes approximately 3h 32m, covering 1,223 miles (1,063 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly DFW to RDU?
The main airlines operating this route are American, Delta, flying Boeing 737 · Embraer 175 aircraft.

Data Sources

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data