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JFK to PHX Turbulence Forecast

Is the New York to Phoenix flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
JFK
→
PHX
New York · Phoenix · 4h 30m
42
Turb Score
4h 30m
Duration
1,862 nm
Distance
35,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for JFK–PHX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the JFK–PHX route

The New York to Phoenix 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 American Airlines, JetBlue on Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 2,145 miles (1,862 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on JFK–PHX

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–PHX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on JFK–PHX

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

PHX → JFK
Phoenix → New York
Light
JFK → LAX
New York → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → PHX
Los Angeles → Phoenix
Light
JFK → SFO
New York → San Francisco
Light
JFK → LAS
New York → Las Vegas
Light
DFW → JFK
Dallas → New York
Light
See all mountain routes →
All JFK routes→ All PHX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the New York to Phoenix flight turbulent?
The JFK–PHX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 42/100.
When is turbulence worst on JFK to PHX?
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 JFK to PHX?
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 JFK to PHX?
The JFK to PHX flight takes approximately 4h 30m, covering 2,145 miles (1,862 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly JFK to PHX?
The main airlines operating this route are American Airlines, JetBlue, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft.