Maui to Myrtle Beach Turbulence Forecast

OGG → MYR · 4,735 miles · ~9h 58m

What to Expect

Your Maui to Myrtle Beach adventure, while long, has predictable patterns. The initial leg over the open Pacific might have some oceanic clear-air turbulence or convection, but pilots are skilled at navigating these. As you approach the Pacific Coast, expect possible clear-air turbulence. Inland, over the deserts, thermal turbulence can create some chop, but it's usually brief. Crossing the Southern Rockies, mountain wave turbulence is possible, but again, pilots are prepared. Over the Great Plains, more clear-air turbulence is possible. Tornado Alley, the Ozarks, and the Mississippi Valley can bring convective turbulence, especially if thunderstorms are brewing. Finally, expect some mechanical turbulence as you cross the Southern Appalachians. It sounds like a lot, but these are standard conditions for this flight path.

The Maui to Myrtle Beach route passes over the Southern Rockies in New Mexico and southern Colorado. While somewhat lower than the peaks to the north, these mountains still produce notable mountain wave turbulence, particularly when strong southwesterly winds aloft align perpendicular to the ridgeline.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Oceanic Clear-Air Turbulence: Transoceanic jet stream crossings produce extended stretches of clear-air turbulence over the open Pacific.
• Oceanic Convection: Isolated thunderstorms over warm Pacific waters can develop away from radar coverage, catching flights off guard.
• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest ride, aim for spring, early summer, or summer. Early fall, winter, fall, and late fall also tend to be relatively calm. The bumpier times are winter, late summer, early spring, summer, late winter, spring, and early summer, due to stronger jet streams creating clear-air turbulence, thermal differences causing thermal turbulence over the deserts, and more significant storm activity in Tornado Alley and the Southeast. Mountain wave turbulence from the Rockies is also more common when winds are stronger in winter.

Tips for This Flight

If possible, booking a morning flight often leads to a smoother experience since daytime heating hasn't yet created thermal turbulence over the deserts or convection over Tornado Alley and the Southeast Interior. Any turbulence you encounter will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road, a sudden dip, or maybe a brief roller-coaster sensation. To help stay calm, choose a seat over the wing; it's the most stable part of the plane. Staying hydrated can also lessen any anxiety, and remember, the flight crew is there to help you have a safe and comfortable flight.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.