When is the Seattle to Oaxaca 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 SEA to OAX route?

The SEA–OAX route is typically operated by Embraer 190 · ATR 72 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Aeromexico, Volaris, Vivaaerobus.

Is turbulence on SEA to OAX dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SEA–OAX 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 SEA to OAX flight?

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

SEA to OAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Seattle to Oaxaca flight turbulent?

The SEA–OAX route typically experiences light-to-moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SEA to OAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Embraer 190 · ATR 72 · Boeing 737, that's rows 10-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SEA to OAX?

The SEA to OAX flight takes approximately 4h 55m, covering 2,556 miles (2,221 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Is the Seattle to Oaxaca flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SEA

→

OAX

Seattle · Oaxaca · 4h 55m

Turb Score

4h 55m

Duration

2,221 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light-to-Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Light-to-Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–OAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 55m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SEA–OAX route

The Seattle to Oaxaca route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 35,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by Aeromexico, Volaris, Vivaaerobus on Embraer 190 · ATR 72 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 2,556 miles (2,221 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Seattle to Oaxaca Flight Time

How long is the flight from SEA to OAX?

4h 55m

Flight Time

2,556 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Embraer 190

Aircraft

The Seattle (SEA) to Oaxaca (OAX) flight takes approximately 4h 55m, covering 2,556 miles (2,221 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Aeromexico, Volaris, Vivaaerobus. Return flights (OAX to SEA) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SEA–OAX

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly SEA–OAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SEA–OAX

Embraer 190

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10-20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

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

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Turbulence Tracker

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

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

Frequent flyer · March

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

First-time flyer · December

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

Parent traveling with kids · January

All SEA routes→ All OAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Oaxaca flight turbulent?

The SEA–OAX route typically experiences light-to-moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 3/100.

When is turbulence worst on SEA to OAX?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SEA to OAX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Embraer 190 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SEA to OAX?

The SEA to OAX flight takes approximately 4h 55m, covering 2,556 miles (2,221 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SEA to OAX?

The main airlines operating this route are Aeromexico, Volaris, Vivaaerobus, flying Embraer 190 · ATR 72 · 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