When is the Sint Maarten to Fort-de-France 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 SXM to FDF route?

The SXM–FDF route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include Air France, Corsair, Air Antilles.

Is turbulence on SXM to FDF dangerous?

No — turbulence on the SXM–FDF 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 SXM to FDF flight?

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

SXM to FDF Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Sint Maarten to Fort-de-France flight turbulent?

The SXM–FDF route typically experiences light-to-moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SXM to FDF?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 14–22. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from SXM to FDF?

The SXM to FDF flight takes approximately 0h 10m, covering 98 miles (85 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 25,000 feet.

Is the Sint Maarten to Fort-de-France flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

SXM

→

FDF

Sint Maarten · Fort-de-France · 0h 10m

Turb Score

0h 10m

Duration

85 nm

Distance

25,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light-to-Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Light-to-Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SXM–FDF

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h0h 10m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SXM–FDF route

The Sint Maarten to Fort-de-France route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 25,000 feet, the aircraft encounters the strongest bumps roughly 2–5 hours into the flight. This is clear-air turbulence — no clouds, no visual warning — which makes a pre-flight forecast especially valuable.

The route is served by Air France, Corsair, Air Antilles on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 25,000 feet over a distance of 98 miles (85 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth.

Sint Maarten to Fort-de-France Flight Time

How long is the flight from SXM to FDF?

0h 10m

Flight Time

98 mi

Distance

25,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Sint Maarten (SXM) to Fort-de-France (FDF) flight takes approximately 0h 10m, covering 98 miles (85 nautical miles) at 25,000 feet. The route is operated by Air France, Corsair, Air Antilles. Return flights (FDF to SXM) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SXM–FDF

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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly SXM–FDF

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SXM–FDF

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–13

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 14–22

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

SXM → PTP

Sint Maarten → Pointe-à-Pitre

Light-to-Moderate

CDG → FDF

Paris → Fort-de-France

Light-to-Moderate

ORY → FDF

Paris → Fort-de-France

Light-to-Moderate

LYS → FDF

Lyon → Fort-de-France

Light-to-Moderate

See all transatlantic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

Some light chop crossing the Rockies — seatbelt sign came on for maybe 20 minutes but nothing to worry about. Typical for this route in January.

Regular traveler · January

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

Frequent flyer · May

Flew Sint Maarten–Fort-de-France in May, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · May

All SXM routes→ All FDF routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sint Maarten to Fort-de-France flight turbulent?

The SXM–FDF route typically experiences light-to-moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 20/100.

When is turbulence worst on SXM to FDF?

Turbulence peaks mid-flight over the Atlantic. First and last hour are usually smooth. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on SXM to FDF?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 14–22. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SXM to FDF?

The SXM to FDF flight takes approximately 0h 10m, covering 98 miles (85 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SXM to FDF?

The main airlines operating this route are Air France, Corsair, Air Antilles, flying Airbus A320 · 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