RDU to ATL Turbulence Forecast

Is the Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
RDU
ATL
Raleigh-Durham · Atlanta · 1h 30m
4.9
Turb Score
1h 30m
Duration
357 nm
Distance
28,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for RDU–ATL

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 30m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

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

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Best time to fly RDU–ATL

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on RDU–ATL

Embraer 175

Front
Rows 1–11
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 12-18
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

RDU to ATL turbulence forecast app
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Real-time turbulence map

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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

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