When is the Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta 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 MZT to PVR route?

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

Is turbulence on MZT to PVR dangerous?

No — turbulence on the MZT–PVR 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 MZT to PVR flight?

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

MZT to PVR Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta flight turbulent?

The MZT–PVR route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on MZT to PVR?

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 MZT to PVR?

The MZT to PVR flight takes approximately 1h 05m, covering 183 miles (159 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 29,000 feet.

Is the Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

MZT

→

PVR

Mazatlán · Puerto Vallarta · 1h 05m

29.0

Turb Score

1h 05m

Duration

159 nm

Distance

29,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Light

Typical

⚠️ Light turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for MZT–PVR

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h1h 05m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the MZT–PVR route

The Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta route crosses the North Atlantic, where the jet stream is the primary source of turbulence. Flying at 29,000 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 LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 29,000 feet over a distance of 183 miles (159 nautical miles).

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

Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta Flight Time

How long is the flight from MZT to PVR?

1h 05m

Flight Time

183 mi

Distance

29,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Mazatlán (MZT) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) flight takes approximately 1h 05m, covering 183 miles (159 nautical miles) at 29,000 feet. The route is operated by LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines. Return flights (PVR to MZT) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on MZT–PVR

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 MZT–PVR

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on MZT–PVR

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

Guadalajara → Puerto Vallarta

Light

HMO → PVR

Hermosillo → Puerto Vallarta

Light

TIJ → PVR

Tijuana → Puerto Vallarta

Light

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

Flew Mazatlán–Puerto Vallarta in March, had some light turbulence in the middle portion of the flight. Brief and nothing concerning. This route is usually fine.

Business traveler · March

There was some noticeable movement on the Andes crossing that made me grip the armrest. My seatmate (clearly a regular) didn't even look up from their book. Perspective.

First-time flyer · March

Kids barely noticed the turbulence — just some mild bumps on the Andes crossing. Seatbelt sign was on and off a couple times. Nothing dramatic.

Parent traveling with kids · January

All MZT routes→ All PVR routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta flight turbulent?

The MZT–PVR route typically experiences light turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 29.0/100.

When is turbulence worst on MZT to PVR?

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 MZT to PVR?

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 MZT to PVR?

The MZT to PVR flight takes approximately 1h 05m, covering 183 miles (159 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly MZT to PVR?

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