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SFO to LAX Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SFO
→
LAX
San Francisco · Los Angeles · 1h 17m
35
Turb Score
1h 17m
Duration
337 nm
Distance
22,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SFO–LAX

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 17m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SFO–LAX route

The San Francisco to Los Angeles domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 388 miles at around 22,000 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 Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines on Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 22,000 feet over a distance of 388 miles (337 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SFO–LAX

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–LAX

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SFO–LAX

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–7
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 8–14
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 15+
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 LAX turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

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

Is the San Francisco to Los Angeles flight turbulent?
The SFO–LAX route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 35/100.
When is turbulence worst on SFO to LAX?
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 LAX?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 8–14. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SFO to LAX?
The SFO to LAX flight takes approximately 1h 17m, covering 388 miles (337 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SFO to LAX?
The main airlines operating this route are Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 aircraft.