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SFO to SLC Turbulence Forecast

Is the San Francisco to Salt Lake City flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
SFO
→
SLC
San Francisco · Salt Lake City · 1h 55m
6.5
Turb Score
1h 55m
Duration
588 nm
Distance
35,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
moderate
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SFO–SLC

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 55m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SFO–SLC route

The San Francisco to Salt Lake City 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 Delta, Southwest, United on Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 677 miles (588 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SFO–SLC

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–SLC

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SFO–SLC

Boeing 737

Front
Rows 1–14
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 15-22
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 23+
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 SLC turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SLC → SFO
Salt Lake City → San Francisco
moderate
LAX → SLC
Los Angeles → Salt Lake City
Light
DEN → SFO
Denver → San Francisco
Light
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All SFO routes→ All SLC routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the San Francisco to Salt Lake City flight turbulent?
The SFO–SLC route typically experiences moderate turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 6.5/100.
When is turbulence worst on SFO to SLC?
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 SFO to SLC?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 15-22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SFO to SLC?
The SFO to SLC flight takes approximately 1h 55m, covering 677 miles (588 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SFO to SLC?
The main airlines operating this route are Delta, Southwest, United, flying Boeing 737 · Airbus A319 aircraft.