When is the Mexico City to San Francisco 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 MEX to SFO route?

The MEX–SFO route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines.

Is turbulence on MEX to SFO dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MEX–SFO 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 MEX to SFO flight?

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

MEX to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Mexico City to San Francisco flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MEX to SFO?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 10–20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The MEX to SFO flight takes approximately 4h 25m, covering 1,882 miles (1,635 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

MEX

→

SFO

Mexico City · San Francisco · 4h 25m

34.0

Turb Score

4h 25m

Duration

1,635 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MEX–SFO

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h4h 25m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MEX–SFO route

The Mexico City to San Francisco route is one of the most popular leisure routes in North America, covering 1,882 miles over warm Caribbean waters. Turbulence is generally light — the main exception is tropical convective activity (thunderstorm-related turbulence) during hurricane season (June–November). Pilots typically route around storm cells when possible.

The route is served by LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,882 miles (1,635 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Mostly smooth. Hurricane season (Jun–Nov) can bring convective turbulence.

Mexico City to San Francisco Flight Time

How long is the flight from MEX to SFO?

4h 25m

Flight Time

1,882 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Mexico City (MEX) to San Francisco (SFO) flight takes approximately 4h 25m, covering 1,882 miles (1,635 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on MEX–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

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

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Best time to fly MEX–SFO

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MEX–SFO

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10–20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

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

Jackson Hole → San Francisco

Severe

MTJ → SFO

Montrose → San Francisco

Severe

FCA → SFO

Kalispell → San Francisco

Severe

See all caribbean flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

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

Regular traveler · January

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

Business traveler · December

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

Frequent flyer · May

All MEX routes→ All SFO routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mexico City to San Francisco flight turbulent?

The MEX–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 34.0/100.

When is turbulence worst on MEX to SFO?

Mostly smooth. Hurricane season (Jun–Nov) can bring convective turbulence. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on MEX to SFO?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10–20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from MEX to SFO?

The MEX to SFO flight takes approximately 4h 25m, covering 1,882 miles (1,635 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MEX to SFO?

The main airlines operating this route are LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines, 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