When is the Houston to Cleveland route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the IAH to CLE route?

The IAH–CLE route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321. Airlines include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines.

Is turbulence on IAH to CLE dangerous?

No — turbulence on the IAH–CLE route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my IAH to CLE flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the IAH–CLE route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

IAH to CLE Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Houston to Cleveland flight turbulent?

The IAH–CLE route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on IAH to CLE?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321, that's rows 12–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from IAH to CLE?

The IAH to CLE flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,091 miles (948 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Houston to Cleveland flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

IAH

→

CLE

Houston · Cleveland · 2h 30m

Turb Score

2h 30m

Duration

948 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for IAH–CLE

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the IAH–CLE route

The Houston to Cleveland domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,091 miles at around 35,000 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 United Airlines, Southwest Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,091 miles (948 nautical miles).

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

Houston to Cleveland Flight Time

How long is the flight from IAH to CLE?

2h 30m

Flight Time

1,091 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Houston (IAH) to Cleveland (CLE) flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,091 miles (948 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by United Airlines, Southwest Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on IAH–CLE

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 IAH–CLE

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on IAH–CLE

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

Cleveland → Los Angeles

Moderate

See all us domestic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps on descent. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · May

A few bumpy patches over the plains, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · February

The 2h 30m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · March

All IAH routes→ All CLE routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Houston to Cleveland flight turbulent?

The IAH–CLE route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 33/100.

When is turbulence worst on IAH to CLE?

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 IAH to CLE?

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 IAH to CLE?

The IAH to CLE flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,091 miles (948 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly IAH to CLE?

The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 · Airbus A321 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

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