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SYD to SFO Turbulence Forecast

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

Live forecast
SYD
→
SFO
Sydney · San Francisco · 18h 00m
52
Turb Score
18h 00m
Duration
7,415 nm
Distance
39,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for SYD–SFO

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h18h 00m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the SYD–SFO route

The Sydney to San Francisco route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 8,534 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 Qantas, United Airlines on Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 39,000 feet over a distance of 8,534 miles (7,415 nautical miles).

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

Turbulence levels on SYD–SFO

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 SYD–SFO

Turbulence by month

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

Best seat on SYD–SFO

Boeing 787

Front
Rows 1–19
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 20–35
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 36+
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

SYD to SFO turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

SFO → SYD
San Francisco → Sydney
Light
SYD → LAX
Sydney → Los Angeles
Light
NRT → SFO
Tokyo → San Francisco
Moderate
HNL → SFO
Honolulu → San Francisco
Light
MEL → LAX
Melbourne → Los Angeles
Light
SIN → LAX
Singapore → Los Angeles
Light
See all transpacific flights →
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Frequently asked questions

Is the Sydney to San Francisco flight turbulent?
The SYD–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Moderate turbulence expected — fasten seatbelt when seated. The turbulence score for this route is 52/100.
When is turbulence worst on SYD to SFO?
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 SYD to SFO?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 787 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–35. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from SYD to SFO?
The SYD to SFO flight takes approximately 18h 00m, covering 8,534 miles (7,415 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly SYD to SFO?
The main airlines operating this route are Qantas, United Airlines, flying Boeing 787 · Airbus A350 aircraft.