Burbank to Las Vegas Turbulence Forecast

BUR → LAS · 223 miles · ~57m

What to Expect

Burbank to Las Vegas is a quick, mostly northeastern hop across the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, about 223 miles total. What that means for potential turbulence is that you might experience what's called thermal turbulence. These deserts heat up during the day, creating rising columns of warm air. As the plane flies through these columns, it can feel a bit bumpy. Think of it like driving over small speed bumps on a road; they're definitely noticeable, but nothing your pilots aren't prepared for. This type of turbulence is very common and well-understood, and pilots are trained to handle it safely and effectively. They are constantly monitoring conditions and adjusting the flight path or altitude to find the smoothest air possible. The flight is also only about 57 minutes, so any bumps will be short-lived.

The Burbank to Las Vegas route crosses the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where intense daytime surface heating creates strong thermal updrafts and mechanical turbulence at lower altitudes. While cruise-level turbulence is generally lighter than over mountain terrain, summer monsoon thunderstorms over the desert Southwest can build rapidly and produce sharp convective jolts.

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.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride, aim to fly this route in the winter or fall. The cooler temperatures mean less of that thermal activity over the deserts. Summer tends to be the bumpiest time to fly between Burbank and Las Vegas, as the desert heat is most intense. Spring can also bring some unsettled weather, but it's generally milder than summer. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, choosing a flight outside of the peak summer months can make a noticeable difference in the smoothness of your flight.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, consider booking your flight for early in the morning. The desert air tends to be calmer before it heats up later in the day. Any turbulence you might experience on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, rather than anything severe. To enhance your comfort, choose a seat over the wing, as this area of the plane experiences less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on your breathing; you'll be in Vegas before you know it, and your pilots are there to make sure you have a safe flight.

Get Your Forecast

Related Routes

See all routes from Burbank or to Las Vegas.

More from Burbank

More to Las Vegas

Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.