When is the Chicago to Tampa 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 MDW to TPA route?

The MDW–TPA route is typically operated by Boeing 737. Airlines include Southwest.

Is turbulence on MDW to TPA dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MDW–TPA 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 MDW to TPA flight?

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

MDW to TPA Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Chicago to Tampa flight turbulent?

The MDW–TPA route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MDW to TPA?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a 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 MDW to TPA?

The MDW to TPA flight takes approximately 3h 0m, covering 1,279 miles (1,112 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

Is the Chicago to Tampa flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MDW

→

TPA

Chicago · Tampa · 3h 0m

Turb Score

3h 0m

Duration

1,112 nm

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free

Download free on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android

Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20,000+ reviews · iOS & Android · Free

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MDW–TPA

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 0m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MDW–TPA route

The Chicago to Tampa domestic route is generally one of the smoother flights in the US network, covering 1,279 miles at around 37,000 feet. Turbulence is most common when weather systems cross the Midwest or when the flight path skirts the Rocky Mountains. Short duration means any rough patches pass quickly.

The route is served by Southwest on Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 1,279 miles (1,112 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source.

Chicago to Tampa Flight Time

How long is the flight from MDW to TPA?

3h 0m

Flight Time

1,279 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 737

Aircraft

The Chicago (MDW) to Tampa (TPA) flight takes approximately 3h 0m, covering 1,279 miles (1,112 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by Southwest. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MDW–TPA

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

Download on the App Store ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews Get it on Google Play ★★★★★ 4.8 · 20K+ reviews

Best time to fly MDW–TPA

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MDW–TPA

Boeing 737 (186 seats)

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

Salt Lake City → Tampa

See all us domestic flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

The 3h 0m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · April

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

Regular traveler · November

Flew Chicago–Tampa 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

All MDW routes→ All TPA routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chicago to Tampa flight turbulent?

The MDW–TPA route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 33/100.

When is turbulence worst on MDW to TPA?

Domestic routes are generally smoother. Mountain crossings are the main turbulence source. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on MDW to TPA?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 737 (186 seats) (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 MDW to TPA?

The MDW to TPA flight takes approximately 3h 0m, covering 1,279 miles (1,112 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MDW to TPA?

The main airlines operating this route are Southwest, flying 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