When is the Puerto Vallarta 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 PVR to SFO route?

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

Is turbulence on PVR to SFO dangerous?

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

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

PVR to SFO Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco flight turbulent?

The PVR–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on PVR 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 PVR to SFO?

The PVR to SFO flight takes approximately 3h 50m, covering 1,556 miles (1,352 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

PVR

→

SFO

Puerto Vallarta · San Francisco · 3h 50m

30.5

Turb Score

3h 50m

Duration

1,352 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 PVR–SFO

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 50m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the PVR–SFO route

The Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco route is one of the most popular leisure routes in North America, covering 1,556 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 1,556 miles (1,352 nautical miles).

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

Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco Flight Time

How long is the flight from PVR to SFO?

3h 50m

Flight Time

1,556 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Puerto Vallarta (PVR) to San Francisco (SFO) flight takes approximately 3h 50m, covering 1,556 miles (1,352 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 PVR–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 PVR–SFO

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on PVR–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

PVR → DEN

Puerto Vallarta → Denver

Severe

PVR → MZT

Puerto Vallarta → Mazatlán

Light

PVR → JFK

Puerto Vallarta → New York

Light

JAC → SFO

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

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

When Does Turbulence Happen?

Phases of flight explained

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

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

Business traveler · January

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

Frequent flyer · June

The 3h 50m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · May

All PVR routes→ All SFO routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco flight turbulent?

The PVR–SFO route typically experiences light turbulence. The turbulence score for this route is 30.5/100.

When is turbulence worst on PVR 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 PVR 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 PVR to SFO?

The PVR to SFO flight takes approximately 3h 50m, covering 1,556 miles (1,352 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly PVR 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