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PDX to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Is the Portland to San Francisco flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
PDX
→
SFO
Portland · San Francisco · 1h 45m
40
Turb Score
1h 45m
Duration
550 nm
Distance
29,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for PDX–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the PDX–SFO route

The Portland to San Francisco 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, United Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 29,000 feet over a distance of 633 miles (550 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on PDX–SFO

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–SFO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on PDX–SFO

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 SFO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SEA → SFO
Seattle → San Francisco
Light
PDX → LAX
Portland → Los Angeles
Light
LAX → SFO
Los Angeles → San Francisco
Light
SFO → SEA
San Francisco → Seattle
Light
SEA → LAX
Seattle → Los Angeles
Light
SFO → HNL
San Francisco → Honolulu
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Portland to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The PDX–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 40/100.
When is turbulence worst on PDX to SFO?
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 SFO?
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 SFO?
The PDX to SFO flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 633 miles (550 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly PDX to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.