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MDW to TPA Turbulence Forecast

Is the Chicago to Tampa flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
MDW
→
TPA
Chicago · Tampa · 3h 0m
33
Turb Score
3h 0m
Duration
1,112 nm
Distance
37,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MDW–TPA

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 0m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the MDW–TPA route

The Chicago to Tampa domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,279 miles at around 37,000 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 Southwest on Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,279 miles (1,112 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on MDW–TPA

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 MDW–TPA

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on MDW–TPA

Boeing 737 (186 seats)

Front
Rows 1–13
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 14–22
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 23+
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

MDW to TPA turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

ORD → TPA
Chicago → Tampa
light-moderate
MDW → MCO
Chicago → Orlando
Light
MDW → FLL
Chicago → Fort Lauderdale
Light
See all us domestic flights →

Passenger Reports

The 3h 0m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.
Leisure traveler · April
Some light chop crossing the Rockies — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in November.
Regular traveler · November
Flew Chicago–Tampa in July, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.
Business traveler · July
All MDW routes→ All TPA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Tampa flight turbulent?
The MDW–TPA route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 33/100.
When is turbulence worst on MDW to TPA?
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 MDW to TPA?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats) (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from MDW to TPA?
The MDW to TPA flight takes approximately 3h 0m, covering 1,279 miles (1,112 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly MDW to TPA?
The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, flying Boeing 737 aircraft.

Data Sources

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data