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SFO to NRT Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SFO
→
NRT
San Francisco · Tokyo · 10h 45m
68
Turb Score
10h 45m
Duration
5,142 nm
Distance
38,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SFO–NRT

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h10h 45m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SFO–NRT route

The San Francisco to Tokyo route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 5,918 miles. The Pacific jet stream creates moderate turbulence, typically around 3–7 hours into the flight. The sheer length of the route means passengers experience varying conditions: calm stretches punctuated by bumpy patches.

The route is served by United Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways on Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 38,000 feet over a distance of 5,918 miles (5,142 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion.

Turbulence levels on SFO–NRT

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–NRT

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SFO–NRT

Boeing 777

Front
Rows 1–21
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 22–40
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 41+
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 NRT turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LAX → NRT
Los Angeles → Tokyo
Moderate
LAX → NRT
Los Angeles → Tokyo
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Frequently asked questions

Is the San Francisco to Tokyo flight turbulent?
The SFO–NRT route typically experiences moderate turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 68/100.
When is turbulence worst on SFO to NRT?
Long flight — turbulence varies throughout. Wing seats significantly reduce motion. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on SFO to NRT?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 22–40. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SFO to NRT?
The SFO to NRT flight takes approximately 10h 45m, covering 5,918 miles (5,142 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SFO to NRT?
The main airlines operating this route are United Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, flying Boeing 777 · Boeing 787 aircraft.