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LAX to YVR Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
LAX
→
YVR
Los Angeles · Vancouver · 2h 47m
42
Turb Score
2h 47m
Duration
836 nm
Distance
32,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for LAX–YVR

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 47m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the LAX–YVR route

The Los Angeles to Vancouver 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 Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, WestJet on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 32,000 feet over a distance of 962 miles (836 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on LAX–YVR

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly LAX–YVR

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on LAX–YVR

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–9
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 10–18
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 19+
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 YVR turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

YVR → LAX
Vancouver → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → SEA
Los Angeles → Seattle
Light
LAX → PDX
Los Angeles → Portland
Light
LHR → YVR
London → Vancouver
Light
SFO → YVR
San Francisco → Vancouver
Light
NRT → YVR
Tokyo → Vancouver
Moderate
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Los Angeles to Vancouver flight turbulent?
The LAX–YVR 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 LAX to YVR?
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 YVR?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from LAX to YVR?
The LAX to YVR flight takes approximately 2h 47m, covering 962 miles (836 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly LAX to YVR?
The main airlines operating this route are Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.