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HKG to SFO Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
HKG
→
SFO
Hong Kong · San Francisco · 15h 00m
55
Turb Score
15h 00m
Duration
6,897 nm
Distance
39,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for HKG–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h15h 00m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the HKG–SFO route

The Hong Kong to San Francisco route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 7,938 miles. The Pacific jet stream creates moderate turbulence, typically around 3–7 hours into the flight. The sheer length of the route means passengers experience varying conditions: calm stretches punctuated by bumpy patches.

The route is served by Cathay Pacific, United Airlines on Airbus A350 · Boeing 777 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 39,000 feet over a distance of 7,938 miles (6,897 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion.

Turbulence levels on HKG–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

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Best time to fly HKG–SFO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on HKG–SFO

Airbus A350

Front
Rows 1–23
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 24–40
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 41+
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

HKG to SFO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SFO → HKG
San Francisco → Hong Kong
Light
HKG → LAX
Hong Kong → Los Angeles
Moderate
HKG → JFK
Hong Kong → New York
Light
NRT → SFO
Tokyo → San Francisco
Moderate
ICN → SFO
Seoul → San Francisco
Moderate
SIN → LAX
Singapore → Los Angeles
Light
See all transpacific flights →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Hong Kong to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The HKG–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 55/100.
When is turbulence worst on HKG to SFO?
Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on HKG to SFO?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A350 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 24–40. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from HKG to SFO?
The HKG to SFO flight takes approximately 15h 00m, covering 7,938 miles (6,897 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly HKG to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, flying Airbus A350 · Boeing 777 aircraft.