How high wind affects
flights at SFO.
San Francisco International (SFO) in San Francisco. Historical delay data, cancellation risk, airline performance, and what to do when high wind hits. Season: Jan - Dec.
High Wind Impact at SFO
Based on historical flight performance data during Jan - Dec
77%
On-time rate
during high wind
1.3%
Cancellation
rate
72m
Avg delay
when late
No change
On-time rate drop
vs off-peak months
10 mph avg wind
During
Jan - Dec
What happens at SFO during high wind
High winds force runway configuration changes, reduce arrival rates, and can exceed crosswind limits for smaller aircraft. Wind-exposed airports like Denver and Newark are particularly vulnerable to sustained gusts.
Historical impact
During Jan - Dec, SFO's on-time rate drops to 77% — compared to 76% during non-peak months. Cancellations rise from 0.9% to 1.3% during peak high wind months.
Weather as primary cause
Weather-related factors are the top delay cause at SFO in 41% of peak-season months — meaning weather is one of several competing delay causes during this period.
Typical recovery time
Delays resolve when sustained winds drop below 25-30 mph. Unlike storms, wind doesn't create a backlog — once it dies down, operations return to normal within 1-2 hours.
Which airlines handle high wind best at SFO?
All airlines are subject to the same runway closures and ground stops, but some handle disruption better than others — faster rebooking, better crew scheduling, and more de-icing capacity.
Best at SFO
United Airlines
80% on-time · 67m avg delay
Most delayed
Frontier Airlines
63% on-time · 77m avg delay
Based on overall performance at SFO. Individual flight performance varies by route and time of day.
Tips for flying through SFO during high wind
Check crosswind limits for your aircraft
Smaller regional jets have lower crosswind limits (typically 30 mph). If you're on a CRJ or ERJ at SFO, your flight is more likely to be cancelled in high winds than a 737 or A320.
Expect runway changes
High winds at SFO force runway configuration changes, which temporarily reduce the airport's capacity. This creates delays even without cancellations.
Wind delays resolve fast
Unlike snow or hurricanes, wind delays don't create multi-day backlogs. Once winds drop below 25-30 mph, operations return to normal within 1-2 hours.
Avoid the last flight of the day
If winds are building, the last departure is most at risk of cancellation. Airlines will cancel late flights first to avoid stranding crews and aircraft overnight.
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Common questions
How does high wind affect flights at SFO?
During high wind season, SFO averages a 77% on-time rate with an average delay of 72 minutes when flights are late. The cancellation rate during peak months is 1.3%.
What months are worst for high wind at SFO?
High Wind at SFO peaks during Year-round (worst Nov - Mar). These months show measurably higher delay and cancellation rates compared to the rest of the year.
Which airline handles high wind best at SFO?
Based on historical data, United Airlines has the best on-time performance at SFO with a 80% on-time rate. However, all airlines are subject to the same runway and ground stop constraints during severe weather.
Do I get a refund if my SFO flight is cancelled due to high wind?
Yes. Under federal law (14 CFR Part 260), you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled — regardless of the reason, including weather. The airline must refund to your original payment method within 7 business days for credit cards.
How long do high wind delays last at SFO?
Delays resolve when sustained winds drop below 25-30 mph. Unlike storms, wind doesn't create a backlog — once it dies down, operations return to normal within 1-2 hours.
Other airports affected by high wind