Burbank to Denver Turbulence Forecast

BUR → DEN · 849 miles · ~2h 12m

What to Expect

Your upcoming flight from Burbank to Denver, about 849 miles northeast, is interesting because it crosses several major geographic features that can affect air smoothness. Initially, you'll be flying over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. This area is known for thermal turbulence, which is caused by warm air rising rapidly from the hot desert floor. Think of it like the air currents you feel when you're near a campfire, but on a much grander scale. As you approach Denver, you'll encounter the Central Rockies and then the Front Range. These mountain ranges are notorious for mountain wave turbulence. This happens when strong winds blow across the mountains, creating wave-like patterns in the air. Pilots are very familiar with these patterns, and they use weather forecasts to navigate them, often adjusting altitude to find smoother air. The total flight time will be around 2 hours and 12 minutes.

Between Burbank and Denver, the flight path crosses the Central Rockies of Colorado and Utah. This area is one of the most turbulence-prone zones in the U.S., with mountain wave activity reported on more than half of winter days. Waves can propagate far downstream, meaning turbulence may begin well before or after the visible peaks.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride, consider flying this route during the fall. The transition from summer's heat to cooler temperatures usually stabilizes the air over the deserts, reducing thermal turbulence, and winds across the Rockies tend to be less intense. Winter can also be relatively smooth, though occasional storms can stir things up. Summer and early spring tend to be the bumpiest times. Summer brings the strongest desert heating, increasing thermal activity, while winter and early spring often see stronger winds interacting with the mountain ranges, leading to more mountain wave turbulence.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, try to book a morning flight, as the air is often calmer earlier in the day before the ground heats up. If you do experience some bumps, remember that it's most likely thermal or mountain wave turbulence, and it often feels like driving on a slightly bumpy, but well-maintained, dirt road. Bringing a reusable water bottle and staying well-hydrated can help you feel more comfortable, plus deep, slow breathing can calm your nerves. Remember, the pilots are highly skilled at navigating these conditions, and your safety is always their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.