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JFK to GIG Turbulence Forecast

Is the New York to Rio de Janeiro flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
JFK
→
GIG
New York · Rio de Janeiro · 9h 30m
46
Turb Score
9h 30m
Duration
4,780 nm
Distance
38,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for JFK–GIG

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h9h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the JFK–GIG route

The New York to Rio de Janeiro route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 38,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines on Boeing 767 · Boeing 777 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 5,501 miles (4,780 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Turbulence levels on JFK–GIG

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 JFK–GIG

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on JFK–GIG

Boeing 767

Front
Rows 1–17
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 18–30
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 31+
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

JFK to GIG turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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JFK → SFO
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See all transatlantic flights →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the New York to Rio de Janeiro flight turbulent?
The JFK–GIG route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 46/100.
When is turbulence worst on JFK to GIG?
Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on JFK to GIG?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 767 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 18–30. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from JFK to GIG?
The JFK to GIG flight takes approximately 9h 30m, covering 5,501 miles (4,780 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly JFK to GIG?
The main airlines operating this route are LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, flying Boeing 767 · Boeing 777 aircraft.