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IAH to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
IAH
→
LAX
Houston · Los Angeles · 3h 10m
48
Turb Score
3h 10m
Duration
1,228 nm
Distance
34,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for IAH–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 10m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the IAH–LAX route

The Houston 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 on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 34,000 feet over a distance of 1,413 miles (1,228 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on IAH–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 IAH–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on IAH–LAX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–9
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 10–20
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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → IAH
Los Angeles → Houston
Light
IAH → JFK
Houston → New York
Light
DFW → LAX
Dallas → Los Angeles
Light
ATL → LAX
Atlanta → Los Angeles
Light
ORD → LAX
Chicago → Los Angeles
Light
IAH → LHR
Houston → London
Moderate
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Houston to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The IAH–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 48/100.
When is turbulence worst on IAH 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 IAH to LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from IAH to LAX?
The IAH to LAX flight takes approximately 3h 10m, covering 1,413 miles (1,228 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly IAH to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft.