When is the San Francisco to New York 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 SFO to JFK route?

The SFO–JFK route is typically operated by Boeing 757 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines.

Is turbulence on SFO to JFK dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SFO–JFK 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 SFO to JFK flight?

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

SFO to JFK Turbulence Forecast

Q: 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.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SFO to JFK?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 757 · Airbus A321 · Boeing 737, that's rows 14–24. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: 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) at a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

SFO

→

JFK

San Francisco · New York · 5h 47m

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

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.

San Francisco to New York Flight Time

How long is the flight from SFO to JFK?

5h 47m

Flight Time

2,565 mi

Distance

36,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 757

Aircraft

The San Francisco (SFO) to New York (JFK) flight takes approximately 5h 47m, covering 2,565 miles (2,227 nautical miles) at 36,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

JFK → SFO

New York → San Francisco

Light

LAX → SFO

Los Angeles → San Francisco

Light

SFO → LAX

San Francisco → Los Angeles

Light

JFK → LAX

New York → Los Angeles

Light

LAX → JFK

Los Angeles → New York

Light

ATL → LAX

Atlanta → Los Angeles

Light

See all us domestic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

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

First-time flyer · April

Some light chop over the plains — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in August.

Regular traveler · August

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

Parent traveling with kids · January

All SFO routes→ All JFK routes→

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.

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