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LAX to IAH Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
IAH
Los Angeles · Houston · 3h 12m
48
Turb Score
3h 12m
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 LAX–IAH

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 12m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–IAH route

The Los Angeles to Houston 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 LAX–IAH

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 LAX–IAH

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–IAH

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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

Is the Los Angeles to Houston flight turbulent?
The LAX–IAH 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 LAX to IAH?
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 LAX to IAH?
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 LAX to IAH?
The LAX to IAH flight takes approximately 3h 12m, covering 1,413 miles (1,228 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to IAH?
The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A321 aircraft.