US
AIRPORT
DEN
WORLD RANK
#21

Denver

Denver International Airport

KDEN
1,451
Flights/Day
07:23
Local Time
Denver
Timezone
5,431ft
Elevation
Flying from Denver?

Get turbulence forecasts for your upcoming flight

Search Flights
Current Weather
Current Conditions
KDEN
LIFR
6°C
Clear • Calm • 0mi • 1019.70"
Observed: 12:17 UTC
LIFR — Low Instrument: Very poor conditions, significant delays expected.
Cloud Forecast
12k 8k 4k 0
06:00
CLR
09:00
0.2k
11:00
CLR
15:00
CLR
20:00
20k
23:00
20k
Few (1-2 oktas) Scattered (3-4) Broken (5-7) Overcast (8) | CLR = Clear 25k = 25,000 ft ceiling
FM = From (abrupt change) BECMG = Becoming (gradual) TEMPO = Temporary PROB = Probability %
TAF valid until 12:00 local time
About Denver International Airport

Denver experiences frequent mountain wave turbulence from Rocky Mountain winds. Consistently ranked among America's bumpiest airports.

Is Denver International Airport turbulent?

Denver is consistently ranked among the most turbulent airports in America due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Mountain wave turbulence occurs when high-speed winds pass over the peaks and create powerful oscillating air currents on the eastern side. The airport experiences frequent bumpy approaches and departures, particularly when winds blow from the west.

  • Four of the top five bumpiest US routes involve Denver
  • Mountain waves can extend 100+ miles from the Rockies
  • Microbursts from dry thunderstorms are common in summer
What causes mountain wave turbulence at Denver?

When winds exceed 25 knots and blow perpendicular to the Rocky Mountain ridgeline, air accelerates up and over the peaks, then plunges down the eastern slopes in powerful waves. These invisible ripples in the atmosphere can toss aircraft around unpredictably. Pilots describe it as hitting invisible speed bumps at altitude. The effect is strongest in winter and early spring when the jet stream passes over Colorado.

When is the smoothest time to fly from Denver?

Early morning flights before 9 AM typically offer calmer conditions before thermal activity begins. Summer afternoons are especially rough due to microbursts and wind shear along the Front Range. Late September through early November often provides a window of calmer weather between summer storms and winter jet stream patterns.

Is turbulence at Denver dangerous?

No. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand forces far stronger than turbulence. While bumps can feel uncomfortable, they do not pose a safety risk. Pilots actively avoid rough air whenever possible. Learn more about turbulence

Best seats to reduce turbulence when flying from Denver?

Seats near the wings feel the least movement because they are closest to the aircraft's center of gravity. Seats at the back of the aircraft feel turbulence more strongly. Learn more about seat selection

Upcoming Flights (next 2 hours) 87
Flight Destination Departure Aircraft Forecast
DL2002
Delta Air Lines
+1 codeshare UA
LAX 07:25 Local airbus a319-114 Forecast
AS220
Alaska Airlines
+1 codeshare UA
SAN 07:25 Local boeing 737 max 9 Forecast
WN3324
Southwest Airlines
BWI 07:25 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
F9686
Frontier (Buck The Pronghorn Livery)
DCA 07:35 Local airbus a320-251n Forecast
WN2378
Southwest Airlines
STL 07:40 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN2115
Southwest Airlines
MDW 07:40 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
UA5038
United Express
+1 codeshare UA
DDC 07:45 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA2271
United Airlines
+1 codeshare AS
SEA 07:45 Local boeing 737-824 Forecast
UA5246
United Express
COS 07:45 Local mitsubishi crj-701er Forecast
UA2640
United Airlines
EWR 07:45 Local boeing 737-924(er) Forecast
UA5102
United Express
DVL 07:45 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA4731
United Express
SAF 07:45 Local mitsubishi crj-701er Forecast
WN126
Southwest Airlines
HOU 07:45 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
UA5716
United Express
+1 codeshare UA
TUS 07:45 Local embraer e175lr Forecast
UA1101
United Airlines
IAD 07:45 Local boeing 737-924(er) Forecast
WN3081
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare UA
AUS 07:45 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
UA558
United Airlines
BOS 07:45 Local airbus a321-271nx Forecast
UA5403
United Express
+1 codeshare UA
RAP 07:45 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA2183
United Airlines
MSY 07:45 Local boeing 737-924(er) Forecast
UA5788
United Express
BOI 07:45 Local embraer e175lr Forecast
FX853
Fedex
MEM 07:49 Local boeing 767-300f Forecast
FX3608
Fedex
IND 07:50 Local airbus a300f4-605r Forecast
WN1100
Southwest Airlines
BNA 07:50 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN2524
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare F9
MSP 07:50 Local boeing 737-8h4 Forecast
UA1119
United Airlines
CUN 07:53 Local airbus a321-271nx Forecast
WN1894
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare UA
LAS 07:55 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
DL1581
Delta Air Lines
SLC 08:00 Local airbus a220-300 Forecast
WN4331
Southwest Airlines
+2 codeshares F9 WN
ONT 08:00 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
F92550
Frontier (Tico The Two-Toed Sloth Livery)
DFW 08:00 Local airbus a321-271nx Forecast
OO6070
Skywest Airlines
JMS 08:00 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA1247
United Airlines
PDX 08:00 Local boeing 737-824 Forecast
UA2149
United Airlines
SMF 08:00 Local airbus a320-232 Forecast
UA4747
United Express
PSP 08:00 Local embraer e175lr Forecast
UA5339
United Express
+1 codeshare UA
BIL 08:00 Local embraer e175lr Forecast
UA5730
United Express
JAC 08:00 Local embraer e175ll Forecast
UA5782
United Express
ASE 08:00 Local embraer e175ll Forecast
FX1728
Fedex
AFW 08:01 Local boeing 767-300f Forecast
UA5487
United Express
ABQ 08:01 Local embraer e175ll Forecast
WN2352
Southwest Airlines
MCI 08:05 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
UA5075
United Express
BFF 08:05 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA1469
United Airlines
+1 codeshare UA
FLL 08:05 Local boeing 737-924(er) Forecast
OO5104
Skywest Airlines
SUX 08:05 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA1442
United Airlines
LGA 08:08 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
UA2666
United Airlines
SNA 08:10 Local airbus a320-232 Forecast
UA5374
United Express
+1 codeshare OO
IDA 08:10 Local mitsubishi crj-550 Forecast
UA5050
United Express
+1 codeshare CW
PRC 08:10 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
WN1699
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
LGB 08:15 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
OO6057
Skywest Airlines
+1 codeshare UA
ABI 08:15 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
UA5929
Skywest Airlines
DRO 08:15 Local embraer e170lr Forecast
UA5123
United Express
+1 codeshare OO
ROW 08:15 Local mitsubishi crj-200lr Forecast
WN355
Southwest Airlines
LIR 08:20 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
G4230
Allegiant Air
AVL 08:21 Local airbus a320-214 Forecast
UA2352
United Airlines
RTB 08:25 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN1866
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
SAT 08:25 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN2510
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
EUG 08:30 Local boeing 737-8h4 Forecast
WN321
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
SEA 08:30 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN3949
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
OAK 08:30 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
WN695
Southwest Airlines
BUR 08:30 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
WN2848
Southwest Airlines
HOU 08:35 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN482
Southwest Airlines
MDW 08:35 Local b737 Forecast
WN806
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
SFO 08:35 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
WN2433
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
BOI 08:35 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN274
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
SAN 08:35 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN1304
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
PDX 08:35 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN993
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
RNO 08:35 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN1163
Southwest Airlines (Lone Star One Livery)
AUS 08:40 Local boeing 737-8h4 Forecast
WN1584
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
SJC 08:40 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN2924
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
LAS 08:40 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
AA516
American Airlines
PHL 08:40 Local airbus a321-231 Forecast
WN3037
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare F9
TPA 08:45 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
AC575
Air Canada
YVR 08:45 Local airbus a220-300 Forecast
WN1440
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare WN
DAL 08:45 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN106
Southwest Airlines
ONT 08:55 Local boeing 737-8h4 Forecast
WN1111
Southwest Airlines
BZN 08:55 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
WN601
Southwest Airlines
CUN 09:00 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN3852
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare F9
SNA 09:00 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
UA5072
United Airlines
BFF 09:01 Local -- Forecast
AA4731
American Airlines
SAF 09:01 Local -- Forecast
WN1232
Southwest Airlines
MSY 09:05 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN268
Southwest Airlines
+1 codeshare UA
MSP 09:05 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
WN4492
Southwest Airlines
BUR 09:05 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
F93933
Frontier (Hunter The Bobcat Livery)
BOI 09:10 Local airbus a321-271nx Forecast
8C3330
Amazon Air
IAH 09:10 Local b763 Forecast
WN1983
Southwest Airlines
LGB 09:10 Local boeing 737 max 8 Forecast
F93312
Frontier (Colorado The Bighorn Sheep Livery)
MCO 09:15 Local airbus a320-251n Forecast
AA3544
American Eagle
+1 codeshare UA
ORD 09:17 Local embraer e175lr Forecast
WN722
Southwest Airlines
SJD 09:20 Local boeing 737-7h4 Forecast
07:25
Local
DEN LAX
DL DL2002 +1
airbus a319-114
07:25
Local
DEN SAN
AS AS220 +1
boeing 737 max 9
07:25
Local
DEN BWI
WN WN3324
boeing 737-7h4
07:35
Local
DEN DCA
F9 F9686
airbus a320-251n
07:40
Local
DEN STL
WN WN2378
boeing 737 max 8
07:40
Local
DEN MDW
WN WN2115
boeing 737-7h4
07:45
Local
DEN DDC
UA UA5038 +1
mitsubishi crj-200lr
07:45
Local
DEN SEA
UA UA2271 +1
boeing 737-824
07:45
Local
DEN COS
UA UA5246
mitsubishi crj-701er
07:45
Local
DEN EWR
UA UA2640
boeing 737-924(er)
07:45
Local
DEN DVL
UA UA5102
mitsubishi crj-200lr
07:45
Local
DEN SAF
UA UA4731
mitsubishi crj-701er
07:45
Local
DEN HOU
WN WN126
boeing 737-7h4
07:45
Local
DEN TUS
UA UA5716 +1
embraer e175lr
07:45
Local
DEN IAD
UA UA1101
boeing 737-924(er)
07:45
Local
DEN AUS
WN WN3081 +1
boeing 737 max 8
07:45
Local
DEN BOS
UA UA558
airbus a321-271nx
07:45
Local
DEN RAP
UA UA5403 +1
mitsubishi crj-200lr
07:45
Local
DEN MSY
UA UA2183
boeing 737-924(er)
07:45
Local
DEN BOI
UA UA5788
embraer e175lr
07:49
Local
DEN MEM
FX FX853
boeing 767-300f
07:50
Local
DEN IND
FX FX3608
airbus a300f4-605r
07:50
Local
DEN BNA
WN WN1100
boeing 737 max 8
07:50
Local
DEN MSP
WN WN2524 +1
boeing 737-8h4
07:53
Local
DEN CUN
UA UA1119
airbus a321-271nx
07:55
Local
DEN LAS
WN WN1894 +1
boeing 737-7h4
08:00
Local
DEN SLC
DL DL1581
airbus a220-300
08:00
Local
DEN ONT
WN WN4331 +2
boeing 737 max 8
08:00
Local
DEN DFW
F9 F92550
airbus a321-271nx
08:00
Local
DEN JMS
OO OO6070
mitsubishi crj-200lr
08:00
Local
DEN PDX
UA UA1247
boeing 737-824
08:00
Local
DEN SMF
UA UA2149
airbus a320-232
08:00
Local
DEN PSP
UA UA4747
embraer e175lr
08:00
Local
DEN BIL
UA UA5339 +1
embraer e175lr
08:00
Local
DEN JAC
UA UA5730
embraer e175ll
08:00
Local
DEN ASE
UA UA5782
embraer e175ll
08:01
Local
DEN AFW
FX FX1728
boeing 767-300f
08:01
Local
DEN ABQ
UA UA5487
embraer e175ll
08:05
Local
DEN MCI
WN WN2352
boeing 737 max 8
08:05
Local
DEN BFF
UA UA5075
mitsubishi crj-200lr
08:05
Local
DEN FLL
UA UA1469 +1
boeing 737-924(er)
08:05
Local
DEN SUX
OO OO5104
mitsubishi crj-200lr
08:08
Local
DEN LGA
UA UA1442
boeing 737 max 8
08:10
Local
DEN SNA
UA UA2666
airbus a320-232
08:10
Local
DEN IDA
UA UA5374 +1
mitsubishi crj-550
08:10
Local
DEN PRC
UA UA5050 +1
mitsubishi crj-200lr
08:15
Local
DEN LGB
WN WN1699 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:15
Local
DEN ABI
OO OO6057 +1
mitsubishi crj-200lr
08:15
Local
DEN DRO
UA UA5929
embraer e170lr
08:15
Local
DEN ROW
UA UA5123 +1
mitsubishi crj-200lr
08:20
Local
DEN LIR
WN WN355
boeing 737 max 8
08:21
Local
DEN AVL
G4 G4230
airbus a320-214
08:25
Local
DEN RTB
UA UA2352
boeing 737 max 8
08:25
Local
DEN SAT
WN WN1866 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:30
Local
DEN EUG
WN WN2510 +1
boeing 737-8h4
08:30
Local
DEN SEA
WN WN321 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:30
Local
DEN OAK
WN WN3949 +1
boeing 737-7h4
08:30
Local
DEN BUR
WN WN695
boeing 737-7h4
08:35
Local
DEN HOU
WN WN2848
boeing 737 max 8
08:35
Local
DEN MDW
WN WN482
08:35
Local
DEN SFO
WN WN806 +1
boeing 737-7h4
08:35
Local
DEN BOI
WN WN2433 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:35
Local
DEN SAN
WN WN274 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:35
Local
DEN PDX
WN WN1304 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:35
Local
DEN RNO
WN WN993 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:40
Local
DEN AUS
WN WN1163
boeing 737-8h4
08:40
Local
DEN SJC
WN WN1584 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:40
Local
DEN LAS
WN WN2924 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:40
Local
DEN PHL
AA AA516
airbus a321-231
08:45
Local
DEN TPA
WN WN3037 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:45
Local
DEN YVR
AC AC575
airbus a220-300
08:45
Local
DEN DAL
WN WN1440 +1
boeing 737 max 8
08:55
Local
DEN ONT
WN WN106
boeing 737-8h4
08:55
Local
DEN BZN
WN WN1111
boeing 737-7h4
09:00
Local
DEN CUN
WN WN601
boeing 737 max 8
09:00
Local
DEN SNA
WN WN3852 +1
boeing 737-7h4
09:01
Local
DEN BFF
UA UA5072
09:01
Local
DEN SAF
AA AA4731
09:05
Local
DEN MSY
WN WN1232
boeing 737 max 8
09:05
Local
DEN MSP
WN WN268 +1
boeing 737 max 8
09:05
Local
DEN BUR
WN WN4492
boeing 737-7h4
09:10
Local
DEN BOI
F9 F93933
airbus a321-271nx
09:10
Local
DEN IAH
8C 8C3330
09:10
Local
DEN LGB
WN WN1983
boeing 737 max 8
09:15
Local
DEN MCO
F9 F93312
airbus a320-251n
09:17
Local
DEN ORD
AA AA3544 +1
embraer e175lr
09:20
Local
DEN SJD
WN WN722
boeing 737-7h4
Back to Top 100