When is the Portland to San Francisco route most turbulent?

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

What aircraft operates the PDX to SFO route?

The PDX–SFO route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A320. Airlines include Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines.

Is turbulence on PDX to SFO dangerous?

No — turbulence on the PDX–SFO route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my PDX to SFO flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the PDX–SFO route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

PDX to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Q: 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.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PDX to SFO?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A320, that's rows 10–18. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from PDX to SFO?

The PDX to SFO flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 633 miles (550 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 29,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

PDX

→

SFO

Portland · San Francisco · 1h 45m

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

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.

Portland to San Francisco Flight Time

How long is the flight from PDX to SFO?

1h 45m

Flight Time

633 mi

Distance

29,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Portland (PDX) to San Francisco (SFO) flight takes approximately 1h 45m, covering 633 miles (550 nautical miles) at 29,000 feet. The route is operated by Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SFO → PDX

San Francisco → Portland

Light

PDX → LAX

Portland → Los Angeles

Light

DEN → SFO

Denver → San Francisco

Light

SFO → DEN

San Francisco → Denver

Light

LAX → PDX

Los Angeles → Portland

Light

ORD → LAX

Chicago → Los Angeles

Light

See all mountain routes →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

A few bumpy patches on the climb out, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · May

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

First-time flyer · April

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps on the climb out. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · March

All PDX routes→ All SFO routes→

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.

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