Burbank to San Diego Turbulence Forecast

BUR → SAN · 121 miles · ~45m

What to Expect

Your upcoming flight from Burbank (BUR) to San Diego (SAN) is a quick hop of about 45 minutes southeast. One thing that makes this particular route unique is that it crosses both the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. These deserts create what's called 'thermal turbulence'. This happens when the sun heats the desert floor unevenly, causing columns of warm air to rise, and cooler air to sink. Your plane will essentially be flying through these invisible currents, which can feel like driving over small bumps in the road. It’s very common, and pilots are trained to anticipate and navigate these conditions. Think of it like sailing; a little chop is normal, and your experienced crew knows how to handle it. It's a very short flight, so any bumps will be brief.

The Burbank to San Diego 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, winter and fall are your best bets for flying this route. The cooler temperatures mean less thermal activity over the deserts, resulting in calmer air. Summer tends to be the bumpiest season, as the desert heat is at its peak, creating more intense thermal updrafts. Spring can also have some bumpiness, as the weather transitions and temperatures begin to rise. But, even in summer, remember that turbulence is a normal part of flying, and your pilots are always monitoring the conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, consider booking your flight for early in the morning, as the air tends to be calmer before the desert heats up. The thermal turbulence you might experience on this route is usually light to moderate, similar to driving on a slightly bumpy, gravel road. For extra comfort, choose a seat over the wing; this area of the plane experiences less motion. Staying well-hydrated and practicing deep, slow breaths can also help you feel more relaxed. Remember, the pilots are experts at managing these conditions, and your flight will be over before you know it.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.