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JFK to SFO Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
JFK
→
SFO
New York · San Francisco · 5h 45m
47
Turb Score
5h 45m
Duration
2,227 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for JFK–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the JFK–SFO route

The New York to San Francisco domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,565 miles at around 36,000 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 Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines on Boeing 757 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 2,565 miles (2,227 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on JFK–SFO

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–SFO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on JFK–SFO

Boeing 757

Front
Rows 1–13
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 14–24
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 25+
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 SFO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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New York → Los Angeles
Light

Frequently asked questions

Is the New York to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The JFK–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 47/100.
When is turbulence worst on JFK to SFO?
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 JFK to SFO?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 757 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–24. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from JFK to SFO?
The JFK to SFO flight takes approximately 5h 45m, covering 2,565 miles (2,227 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly JFK to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, flying Boeing 757 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 737 aircraft.