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SFO to JFK Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SFO
→
JFK
San Francisco · New York · 5h 47m
47
Turb Score
5h 47m
Duration
2,227 nm
Distance
36,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SFO–JFK

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h5h 47m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SFO–JFK route

The San Francisco to New York domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 2,565 miles at around 36,000 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 Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines on Boeing 757 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 36,000 feet over a distance of 2,565 miles (2,227 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Turbulence levels on SFO–JFK

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 SFO–JFK

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SFO–JFK

Boeing 757

Front
Rows 1–13
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 14–24
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 25+
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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

JFK → SFO
New York → San Francisco
Light
LAX → JFK
Los Angeles → New York
Light
NRT → SFO
Tokyo → San Francisco
Moderate
LAX → BOS
Los Angeles → Boston
Light
LAX → ORD
Los Angeles → Chicago
Light
JFK → DFW
New York → Dallas
Light
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Frequently asked questions

Is the San Francisco to New York flight turbulent?
The SFO–JFK route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 47/100.
When is turbulence worst on SFO to JFK?
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 SFO to JFK?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 757 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–24. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SFO to JFK?
The SFO to JFK flight takes approximately 5h 47m, covering 2,565 miles (2,227 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SFO to JFK?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, flying Boeing 757 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 737 aircraft.