Salt Lake City to Honolulu Turbulence Forecast

SLC → HNL · 2,991 miles · ~6h 29m

What to Expect

The flight from Salt Lake City to Honolulu, a journey of nearly 3000 miles, presents some unique turbulence possibilities given the terrain it crosses. Immediately after takeoff, you'll be flying over the Central Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence is common as air flows over the peaks. This effect can reoccur as you cross the Sierra Nevada, too. As you approach the Pacific Coast, you might encounter clear-air turbulence, which is often invisible and caused by different air masses colliding. The long stretch over the open Pacific can bring both oceanic clear-air turbulence and oceanic convection, both of which are normal atmospheric events, and that skilled pilots are trained to handle.

Between Salt Lake City and Honolulu, 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

• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Central Rockies produce frequent, sometimes severe, mountain waves that can extend 100+ miles downstream.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): Pacific jet streaks arriving onshore drive upper-level clear-air turbulence along the West Coast.
• Oceanic Convection: Isolated thunderstorms over warm Pacific waters can develop away from radar coverage, catching flights off guard.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride, aim to fly this route during the summer or early fall. Spring and early summer can also be relatively calm. Winter and early spring, however, tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route. The mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies and Sierra Nevada is more pronounced during the colder months due to stronger winds. Late summer can also see an increase in convection over the Pacific, potentially leading to bumpier conditions.

Tips for This Flight

If you're anxious about turbulence, consider booking your flight for the morning, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a road with potholes, or perhaps a slightly bumpy elevator ride. Choose a seat over the wing, as this area experiences less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on slow, deep breaths, knowing that the pilots are well-prepared to navigate any bumps along the way, and that turbulence is a normal part of flying.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.