IAH to MEX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Houston to Mexico City flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on IAH to MEX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

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

The IAH to MEX flight takes approximately 2h 30m.

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

Live forecast

IAH

→

MEX

Houston · Mexico City · 2h 30m

Turb Score

2h 30m

Duration

896 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for IAH–MEX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 30m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the IAH–MEX route

The Houston to Mexico City domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,031 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 Aeroméxico, United on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,031 miles (896 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on IAH–MEX

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–MEX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on IAH–MEX

Boeing 737 (186 seats)

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14–22

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

JFK → MEX

New York → Mexico City

Light

LAX → MEX

Los Angeles → Mexico City

Light

See all us domestic flights →

Passenger Reports

Flew Houston–Mexico City in April, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · April

There was some noticeable movement over the mountains that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · September

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

Parent traveling with kids · July

All IAH routes→ All MEX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Houston to Mexico City flight turbulent?

The IAH–MEX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 32/100.

When is turbulence worst on IAH to MEX?

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 MEX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats) (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from IAH to MEX?

The IAH to MEX flight takes approximately 2h 30m, covering 1,031 miles (896 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly IAH to MEX?

The main airlines operating this route are Aeroméxico, United, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 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