Vandenberg Space Force Base

KVBG / VBG

Lompoc, US

Last Updated
Mar 5, 00:55Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 40 min ago
00:55Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
14°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 11°C
21 kt
340° G29 kt
8 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1017 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KVBG 050055Z 34021G29KT 8SM FEW012 FEW035 FEW240 SCT300 14/11 A3002 RMK AO2A PK WND 35033/25 SLP169 T01390111 LAST

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 369 ft
FEW 1,200 ft AGL
FEW 3,500 ft AGL
FEW 24,000 ft AGL
SCT 30,000 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
1,200 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,569 ft AMSL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
3,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
3,869 ft AMSL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
24,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
24,369 ft AMSL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
30,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
30,369 ft AMSL
QNH
1017 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1005 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (369 ft)
Pressure Alt
257 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 226 ft
ISA Deviation: -0.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF AMD KVBG 041655Z 0416/0521 03010G15KT 9999 FEW006 BKN250 QNH3009NS BECMG 0418/0419 35012G20KT 9999 NSW FEW006 BKN250 510006 QNH3008INS BECMG 0420/0421 34015G25KT 9999 SCT008 SCT250 520006 QNH3003INS TEMPO 0422/0505 34025G35KT BKN008 530006 BECMG 0509/0510 35012G20KT 9999 FEW010 FEW035 510006 QNH3008INS BECMG 0515/0516 34015G28KT 9999 SKC 520006 QNH3012INS BECMG 0519/0520 33012G18KT 9999 SKC 510006 QNH3015INS TX19/0422Z TN09/0514Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
01:35Z BASE
+0h
VFR 30° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 25,000 ft
09:00Z BECMG
+8h
VFR 350° 12 kt
Visibility: 10+ km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
VBG
12
30 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 12/30
Active: 30
15,000 ft 200 ft CON 136°
16.1 kt 13.5 kt
40° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KVBG

5,370 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
64.9%
MVFR
13.6%
IFR
11.3%
LIFR
10.2%

Vandenberg Space Force Base typically experiences VFR conditions 64.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 21.5% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SE averaging 7.5 knots. Calm conditions occur 15.4% of the time. Temperatures typically range between 2°C and 32°C with an average of 13.9°C. The best months for VFR flying are January, February, December.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SE (135°)
Average Speed: 7.5 kt
Maximum Recorded: 25 kt
Calm Winds: 15.4%
Direction Distribution:
N
19.4%
NE
6.2%
E
11.3%
SE
21%
S
5%
SW
3.3%
W
7.3%
NW
11%

Temperature Range

Average: 13.9°C
Range: 2°C to 32°C
2°C 32°C

Visibility

Average: 9.4 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.3%
Fog Frequency: 5.6%

Best Months for VFR

January February December

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4 kt

Statistics computed from 5,370 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Vandenberg Space Force Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KVBG
IATA Code: VBG
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 369 ft MSL

Location

City: Lompoc
Country: US
Latitude: 34.737301°
Longitude: -120.584000°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 12/30
Length: 15,000 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Vandenberg Space Force Base

Overview

Vandenberg Space Force Base is a medium airport located near Lompoc, California, primarily serving space and military operations. Situated at 369 ft MSL with coordinates 34.737301, -120.584000, the base features a substantial 15,000 ft concrete runway (12/30). Its strategic coastal location makes it critical for space launch and defense-related aviation activities.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions (61% of observations), with significant variability in weather patterns. Prevailing southeast winds at an average of 7.2 knots and temperatures ranging from 2°C to 29°C characterize typical conditions. Pilots should anticipate occasional reduced visibility, with 6.2% of observations reporting fog and 2.7% showing visibility below 3 statute miles.

Notable Features

The base's single runway 12/30 demonstrates excellent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind coverage and an average crosswind of only 3.7 knots. The coastal California location introduces complex terrain interactions that can impact local wind and visibility conditions. Winter months (November, December, January) consistently offer the most stable VFR flying conditions.

Approach Considerations

With a long 15,000 ft concrete runway, Vandenberg Space Force Base offers substantial landing flexibility. Pilots should anticipate southeast wind patterns and prepare for potential fog or reduced visibility, especially outside the peak VFR months. The runway's extensive length provides significant safety margins for diverse aircraft operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.