San Francisco to Burbank Turbulence Forecast

SFO → BUR · 326 miles · ~1h 9m

What to Expect

The flight from San Francisco to Burbank, heading southeast, is a relatively short hop, but it does cross some terrain that can lead to bumps. Immediately after takeoff, you might experience some clear-air turbulence, or CAT, as you fly over the Pacific Coast. This type of turbulence is often unexpected, but pilots are always monitoring weather conditions and using onboard radar to anticipate it. Later in the flight, as you approach Burbank, you'll be crossing the Sierra Nevada. These mountains can create what's called mountain wave turbulence, which occurs when air flows over the peaks and creates waves. Again, this is a common phenomenon, and pilots are trained to navigate it safely. At only 326 miles, the flight is short, and pilots deal with these conditions regularly.

Flights between San Francisco and Burbank cross the Sierra Nevada, a steep mountain barrier in eastern California. The Sierra generates some of the most intense rotor and wave turbulence in the world — the famous "Sierra Wave" can reach the stratosphere. East-side downdrafts are especially sharp, and flights into or out of Reno or the Central Valley often feel the effects.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): Pacific jet streaks arriving onshore drive upper-level clear-air turbulence along the West Coast.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Sierra Nevada produces the well-known Sierra Wave, one of the strongest mountain wave systems in North America.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible ride from San Francisco to Burbank, aim to fly during the summer or early fall. The air tends to be more stable then, reducing the likelihood of turbulence over both the Pacific Coast and the Sierra Nevada. Winter and early spring tend to be the bumpiest times to fly this route. During these months, stronger winds aloft can amplify both clear-air turbulence off the coast and mountain wave turbulence over the Sierra Nevada. The spring months bring more unstable weather patterns increasing the chance of afternoon instability and bumpiness.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is usually your best bet, as the air tends to be calmer earlier in the day. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving over a series of small, unexpected speed bumps; it's more of a nuisance than anything else. To help stay relaxed, choose a window seat so you can see what's happening outside; deep, slow breathing can also help calm your nerves. Remember, pilots are highly skilled at managing turbulence, and your safety is their top priority.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.