When is the Tokyo to Shanghai route most turbulent?

Check the monthly chart for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical routes peak during monsoon season.

NRT to PVG Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Tokyo to Shanghai flight turbulent?

The NRT–PVG route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on NRT to PVG?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 787 · Airbus A321, that's rows 25–39. Avoid the rear of the aircraft.

Q: How long is the flight from NRT to PVG?

The NRT to PVG flight takes approximately 2h 50m, covering 1,210 miles at 37,000 feet.

Is the Tokyo to Shanghai flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

NRT

→

PVG

Tokyo · Shanghai · 2h 50m

Turb Score

2h 50m

Duration

1,052 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for NRT–PVG

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 50m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the NRT–PVG route

The Tokyo to Shanghai route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 37,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by ANA, China Eastern, JAL on Boeing 787 · Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,210 miles (1,052 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Turbulence levels on NRT–PVG

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 NRT–PVG

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on NRT–PVG

Boeing 787 (296 seats)

Front

Rows 1–24

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 25–39

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 40+

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

PVG → ICN

Shanghai → Seoul

Light

See all transatlantic flights →

Passenger Reports

A few bumpy patches mid-flight, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · January

There was some noticeable movement mid-flight that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · November

Flew Tokyo–Shanghai in April, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · April

All NRT routes→ All PVG routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tokyo to Shanghai flight turbulent?

The NRT–PVG route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 30/100.

When is turbulence worst on NRT to PVG?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on NRT to PVG?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 787 (296 seats) (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 25–39. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from NRT to PVG?

The NRT to PVG flight takes approximately 2h 50m, covering 1,210 miles (1,052 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly NRT to PVG?

The main airlines operating this route are ANA, China Eastern, JAL, flying Boeing 787 · Airbus A321 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

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