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Route turbulence forecast

Washington Bogota

Turbulence forecast for flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG).

Mountain-wave sensitive route
Distance
3,822 km
2,064 nm
Typical duration
4h 57m
Ground-speed estimate
Cruise
FL370
37,000 ft
Jet stream
Moderate — partial jet exposure

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Get a segment-by-segment turbulence forecast for any scheduled flight from IAD to BOG, with live wind and pilot reports.

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What to expect on this route

Southbound · Great-circle bearing 174°

The route crosses mid-latitudes where the polar jet can influence flight conditions, though exposure is shorter than on genuine long-haul crossings. The route crosses or passes near the Andes, which can generate mountain-wave turbulence downwind when upper-level winds are strong.

Mountain crossings
Andes
Ocean / water segments
South Pacific

Seasonal turbulence pattern

This corridor is most turbulent in the northern winter (Nov–Mar), when the jet stream is strongest and sits closer to the route. Wind flowing over the Andes can generate mountain-wave turbulence that extends hundreds of kilometres downwind — most pronounced in the northern winter (Nov–Mar), when upper-level winds are strongest.

Peak turbulence
November–March (Northern Hemisphere winter)
Typically calmest
Late spring to early autumn (May–September)

IADBOG turbulence FAQ

Is the Washington to Bogota flight usually bumpy?

Most of the 3,822 km route sits in the mixed band with moderate jet-stream exposure. Historically that means occasional clear-air turbulence at cruise altitude is normal, especially in winter. Mountain-wave effects near the Andes add short bumpy stretches when upper-level winds are strong.

When is the best time to fly IAD to BOG for a smooth flight?

Statistically, Late spring to early autumn (May–September) sees the calmest conditions for this corridor. Within any season, morning departures see less convective (thunderstorm-driven) turbulence than afternoon flights.

How long is the flight from IAD to BOG?

Block time is usually around 4h 57m direct, cruising at approximately FL370 (37,000 ft). Actual duration varies with winds — tailwinds can shave 15–30 minutes, headwinds can add 30+ minutes on this southbound sector.

How accurate is Turbcast's forecast for this route?

We use live NOAA Aviation Weather Center pilot reports (PIREPs), SIGMETs and AIRMETs, layered with physics-based Ellrod and Richardson-number calculations from Open-Meteo pressure-level wind and temperature data. If a source is unavailable for a waypoint we show an em dash rather than invent a value.

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