When is the San Francisco to Salt Lake City 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 SLC route?

The SFO–SLC route is typically operated by Boeing 737 · Airbus A319. Airlines include Delta, Southwest, United.

Is turbulence on SFO to SLC dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SFO–SLC 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 SLC flight?

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

SFO to SLC Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the San Francisco to Salt Lake City flight turbulent?

The SFO–SLC route typically experiences moderate turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SFO to SLC?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 737 · Airbus A319, that's rows 15-22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SFO to SLC?

The SFO to SLC flight takes approximately 1h 55m, covering 677 miles (588 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

⚠️ moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SFO–SLC

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.

San Francisco to Salt Lake City Flight Time

How long is the flight from SFO to SLC?

1h 55m

Flight Time

677 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The San Francisco (SFO) to Salt Lake City (SLC) flight takes approximately 1h 55m, covering 677 miles (588 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by Delta, Southwest, United. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

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

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

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SFO → NRT

San Francisco → Tokyo

Moderate

SFO → CPH

San Francisco → Copenhagen

Moderate

SFO → BCN

San Francisco → Barcelona

Moderate

FLL → SLC

Fort Lauderdale → Salt Lake City

Severe

PDX → SLC

Portland → Salt Lake City

Severe

STL → SLC

St. Louis → Salt Lake City

Severe

See all mountain routes →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Mountain Turbulence

Why mountain routes are the bumpiest

→

Severe Turbulence

What it feels like and how to prepare

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

A few bumpy patches over the Front Range, lasted maybe half an hour total. Drink service was paused briefly. Not unusual for this time of year.

Frequent flyer · March

Flew San Francisco–Salt Lake City in July, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · July

The 1h 55m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · June

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.

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