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SEA to SFO Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SEA
→
SFO
Seattle · San Francisco · 2h 15m
40
Turb Score
2h 15m
Duration
673 nm
Distance
31,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SEA–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h2h 15m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SEA–SFO route

The Seattle 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 31,000 feet over a distance of 774 miles (673 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SEA–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 SEA–SFO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SEA–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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SFO → SEA
San Francisco → Seattle
Light
SEA → LAX
Seattle → Los Angeles
Light
SEA → JFK
Seattle → New York
Light
SFO → NRT
San Francisco → Tokyo
Moderate
LAX → SFO
Los Angeles → San Francisco
Light
SFO → HNL
San Francisco → Honolulu
Light
See all mountain routes →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The SEA–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 SEA 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 SEA 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 SEA to SFO?
The SEA to SFO flight takes approximately 2h 15m, covering 774 miles (673 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SEA to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.