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PDX to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
PDX
→
LAX
Portland · Los Angeles · 2h 15m
44
Turb Score
2h 15m
Duration
836 nm
Distance
32,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PDX–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 15m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the PDX–LAX route

The Portland to Los Angeles 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 Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines 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 PDX–LAX

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 PDX–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on PDX–LAX

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SEA → LAX
Seattle → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → SFO
Los Angeles → San Francisco
Light
PDX → SFO
Portland → San Francisco
Light
SEA → SFO
Seattle → San Francisco
Light
LAX → SLC
Los Angeles → Salt Lake City
Light
LAX → PHX
Los Angeles → Phoenix
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Portland to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The PDX–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 44/100.
When is turbulence worst on PDX to LAX?
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 PDX to LAX?
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 PDX to LAX?
The PDX to LAX flight takes approximately 2h 15m, covering 962 miles (836 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly PDX to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.