When is the Seattle to Guangzhou 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 SEA to CAN route?

The SEA–CAN route is typically operated by Boeing 777 · Airbus A350. Airlines include United, American Airlines, Delta.

Is turbulence on SEA to CAN dangerous?

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

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

SEA to CAN Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Seattle to Guangzhou flight turbulent?

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

Q: Which seat is smoothest on SEA to CAN?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Boeing 777 · Airbus A350, that's rows 20–38. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

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

The SEA to CAN flight takes approximately 12h 55m, covering 6,449 miles (5,604 nautical miles) at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

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

Live forecast

SEA

→

CAN

Seattle · Guangzhou · 12h 55m

36.0

Turb Score

12h 55m

Duration

5,604 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 SEA–CAN

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h12h 55m

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the SEA–CAN route

The Seattle to Guangzhou route spans the Pacific Ocean — one of the longest commercial flight paths in the world at 6,449 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 United, American Airlines, Delta on Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 37,000 feet over a distance of 6,449 miles (5,604 nautical miles).

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

Seattle to Guangzhou Flight Time

How long is the flight from SEA to CAN?

12h 55m

Flight Time

6,449 mi

Distance

37,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Boeing 777

Aircraft

The Seattle (SEA) to Guangzhou (CAN) flight takes approximately 12h 55m, covering 6,449 miles (5,604 nautical miles) at 37,000 feet. The route is operated by United, American Airlines, Delta. Return flights (CAN to SEA) take a similar time, though westbound transatlantic and transpacific routes are typically 30–60 minutes longer due to headwinds.

Turbulence levels on SEA–CAN

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 SEA–CAN

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on SEA–CAN

Boeing 777

Front

Rows 1–19

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 20–38

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 39+

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

Philadelphia → Guangzhou

See all transpacific flights →

Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

→

Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

→

Clear-Air Turbulence

The invisible rough air that's increasing

→

Turbulence in 2025

Is turbulence getting worse?

→

Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

→

Passenger Reports

The 12h 55m flight had some light shaking around the halfway point. Nothing spilled, nobody panicked. Just normal flying.

Leisure traveler · April

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

First-time flyer · August

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

Frequent flyer · January

All SEA routes→ All CAN routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seattle to Guangzhou flight turbulent?

The SEA–CAN route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 36.0/100.

When is turbulence worst on SEA to CAN?

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 SEA to CAN?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Boeing 777 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 20–38. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from SEA to CAN?

The SEA to CAN flight takes approximately 12h 55m, covering 6,449 miles (5,604 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly SEA to CAN?

The main airlines operating this route are United, American Airlines, Delta, flying Boeing 777 · Airbus A350 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