Salt Lake City to Maui Turbulence Forecast

SLC → OGG · 2,933 miles · ~6h 22m

What to Expect

Your flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Maui (OGG) crosses a diverse range of geographic features, and each can contribute to turbulence. As you head west, you'll first encounter the Central Rockies and Sierra Nevada, where mountain wave turbulence is common, especially when strong winds hit these ranges. Later, as you approach the Pacific Coast, clear-air turbulence (CAT) can occur, often unexpectedly. Finally, over the vast expanse of the Open Pacific, oceanic clear-air turbulence and oceanic convection may create bumps. These oceanic effects result from the air interacting with the sea surface, or air masses colliding far from any land. All of these types of turbulence are well-understood by pilots, who constantly monitor conditions and adjust flight paths for passenger comfort.

Between Salt Lake City and Maui, 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 flight, aim to travel during the summer or early fall. At this time of year, the atmospheric conditions over the mountains and the Pacific are generally more stable. Winter and early spring tend to be the bumpiest times, as stronger winds interact with the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, generating more mountain wave turbulence. Late summer can also bring increased turbulence, due to developing weather systems over the Pacific Ocean, and spring is a transitional season where conditions can be variable.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight may offer a slightly smoother ride, as the atmosphere tends to be more stable earlier in the day. Most turbulence on this route feels like driving over a series of potholes or encountering strong gusts of wind while driving. For extra comfort, choose a seat over the wing, as it's closest to the plane's center of gravity and experiences less motion. Remember to stay hydrated and practice deep, calming breaths throughout the flight; you've got this, and the crew is there to support you.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.