US
AIRPORT
LAX
WORLD RANK
#97

Los Angeles

Los Angeles International Airport

KLAX
432
Flights/Day
04:32
Local Time
Los Angeles
Timezone
125ft
Elevation
Flying from Los Angeles?

Get turbulence forecasts for your upcoming flight

Search Flights
Current Weather
Current Conditions
KLAX
IFR
15°C
Overcast • 5kt • 7mi • 1013.60"
Observed: 10:53 UTC
IFR — Instrument Flight Rules: Low ceiling or visibility, delays likely.
Cloud Forecast
12k 8k 4k 0
01:00
1k
03:00
0.8k
12:00
CLR
14:00
CLR
19:00
1.2k
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 05:00 local time
About Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles enjoys exceptionally calm weather most of the year. Santa Ana winds (October-March) create occasional rough conditions.

Is Los Angeles LAX Airport turbulent?

LAX enjoys some of the calmest flying weather of any major US airport thanks to Southern California's Mediterranean climate. However, Santa Ana winds from October through March can create challenging conditions with strong, gusty offshore winds that cause turbulence on approach. The marine layer (June Gloom) brings morning fog but rarely affects flights significantly once you're above it.

  • Santa Ana winds can exceed 60 mph in surrounding canyons
  • LAX averages only 35 days per year with measurable rain
  • Marine layer typically burns off by mid-morning
What are Santa Ana winds?

Santa Ana winds are hot, dry offshore winds that blow from the interior deserts toward the coast, typically between October and March. They occur when high pressure builds over the Great Basin and funnels air through mountain passes. These winds can create significant turbulence and crosswinds at LAX, particularly on runways oriented perpendicular to the wind flow.

When is the smoothest time to fly from LAX?

May through September offers the calmest conditions with minimal Santa Ana wind risk. Early morning flights year-round avoid the afternoon sea breeze that can make landings bumpier. LAX's consistently good weather makes it one of the most reliable major airports for on-time operations.

Is turbulence at Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

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)

No flights departing in the next 2 hours.

Back to Top 100