RDU to ATL Turbulence Forecast
Is the Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.
Raleigh-Durham · Atlanta · 1h 30m
⚠️ light turbulence today
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Typical turbulence along the route
Historical average pattern for RDU–ATL
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 30m
About the RDU–ATL route
The Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 411 miles at around 28,000 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 Delta, American on Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 aircraft,
with flights typically cruising at 28,000 feet over a distance of 411 miles (357 nautical miles).
💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.
Turbulence levels on RDU–ATL
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
Best time to fly RDU–ATL
Turbulence by month
Best seat on RDU–ATL
Embraer 175
✓ Wing
Rows 12-18
Smoothest
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
Frequently asked questions
Is the Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta flight turbulent?
The RDU–ATL route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 4.9/100.
When is turbulence worst on RDU to ATL?
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 RDU to ATL?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Embraer 175 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 12-18. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from RDU to ATL?
The RDU to ATL flight takes approximately 1h 30m, covering 411 miles (357 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly RDU to ATL?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, American, flying Embraer 175 · Boeing 737 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