When is the Guangzhou to Los Angeles 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 CAN to LAX route?

The CAN–LAX route is typically operated by B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7. Airlines include China Southern.

Is turbulence on CAN to LAX dangerous?

No — turbulence on the CAN–LAX 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 CAN to LAX flight?

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

CAN to LAX Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Guangzhou to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The CAN–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on CAN to LAX?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7, that's rows 20-30. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Q: How long is the flight from CAN to LAX?

The CAN to LAX flight takes approximately 13h 0min, covering 7,200 miles (6,256 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Guangzhou to Los Angeles flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

CAN

→

LAX

Guangzhou · Los Angeles · 13h 0min

Turb Score

13h 0min

Duration

6,256 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for CAN–LAX

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h13h 0min

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the CAN–LAX route

The Guangzhou to Los Angeles route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 7,200 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 China Southern on B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 7,200 miles (6,256 nautical miles).

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

Guangzhou to Los Angeles Flight Time

How long is the flight from CAN to LAX?

13h 0min

Flight Time

7,200 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Aircraft

The Guangzhou (CAN) to Los Angeles (LAX) flight takes approximately 13h 0min, covering 7,200 miles (6,256 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by China Southern. Return flights (LAX to CAN) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on CAN–LAX

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 CAN–LAX

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on CAN–LAX

228

Front

Rows 1–19

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 20-30

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 31+

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

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Severe

MTJ → LAX

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Clear-Air Turbulence

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Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

More turbulent than I expected. The somewhere over the ocean section was pretty rough — overhead bins rattling, some gasps from other passengers. Died down before landing.

Leisure traveler · January

The over the Pacific section was legitimately rough. I was holding on to the armrests. Lasted maybe 40 minutes. One of the flight attendants had to sit down. Not a fun 13h 0min flight but we landed fine.

Solo traveler · April

Moderate turbulence crossing the dateline — the kind where you're glad you kept your seatbelt on. Lasted about 30-40 minutes, then smoothed out. I've had worse on transatlantic routes.

Frequent flyer · May

All CAN routes→ All LAX routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Guangzhou to Los Angeles flight turbulent?

The CAN–LAX route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 5/100.

When is turbulence worst on CAN to LAX?

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 CAN to LAX?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a 228 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20-30. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from CAN to LAX?

The CAN to LAX flight takes approximately 13h 0min, covering 7,200 miles (6,256 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly CAN to LAX?

The main airlines operating this route are China Southern, flying B · o · e · i · n · g · · 7 · 8 · 7 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