Las Vegas to Des Moines Turbulence Forecast

LAS → DSM · 1,213 miles · ~2h 56m

What to Expect

Your flight from Las Vegas to Des Moines is interesting from a turbulence perspective. Immediately after takeoff, you'll be crossing the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, which are prone to thermal turbulence, especially on sunny days. This happens when warm air rises quickly from the hot desert floor, creating bumpy conditions. As you continue northeast, you'll encounter the Central Rockies and the Front Range. These mountains can cause what's known as mountain wave turbulence, where air flows over the peaks and creates wave-like motions, and thus bumps. Finally, as you approach Des Moines over the Great Plains, you might experience clear-air turbulence (CAT). CAT is often unexpected, but pilots are constantly monitoring weather conditions to anticipate and navigate around it. All of these types of turbulence are normal and well-accounted for in flight planning.

Between Las Vegas and Des Moines, 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.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

The smoothest flights on this route are usually in the fall. This is because the temperature differences between the desert floor and the air above are less extreme, reducing thermal turbulence. Also, the mountain wave activity is typically lower in the fall than in the winter or spring. Winter can also be fairly smooth, but early spring tends to be bumpier as the Rockies and Front Range create mountain waves. Summer can see increased thermal turbulence over the deserts, as well as more frequent thunderstorms that can contribute to a choppier ride.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking your flight for early morning can often mean a smoother ride, as the air hasn't had as much time to heat up and create thermal turbulence over the desert. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving over a bumpy road or a series of small dips. Booking a seat over the wing can help minimize the sensation of movement. Remember to stay hydrated, as this can help you feel more comfortable, and focus on your breathing to help stay calm. The pilots are highly trained to handle all types of turbulence, and your safety is always their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.