Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
IFRSalinas Municipal Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with overcast skies at 5,500 feet and 2 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-southwest (240°) at 11 knots with gusts to 20 knots. Runway 26 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component (gusting to 7 knots crosswind).
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is reduced to 2 SM. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is 5500 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 12°C (54°F) with a dewpoint of 9°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 21 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Mist.
Pilot Recommendations
An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 08/26
Active: 26
|
6,004 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 96° |
↑ 10.3 kt
•
↔ 3.8 kt
20° angle
|
| 13/31 | 4,825 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 147° |
↓ 0.6 kt
•
↔ 11.0 kt
93° angle
|
| 14/32 | 1,900 ft | 50 ft | ASP | 153° |
↑ 0.6 kt
•
↔ 11.0 kt
87° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KSNS
6,215 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Salinas Municipal Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 73.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 11.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SE averaging 7.6 knots, with gusts recorded up to 34 knots. Calm conditions occur 18.1% of the time. Temperature extremes range from 1°C to 34°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are January, March, February.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 6,215 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Salinas Municipal Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Salinas Municipal Airport
Overview
Salinas Municipal Airport serves the agricultural Monterey County region in California, located at an elevation of 85 feet MSL. The airport provides critical transportation infrastructure for local and transient general aviation operations, featuring three paved runways ranging from 1,900 to 6,004 feet in length.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at KSNS demonstrate significant variability, with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) predominating at 70.4% of observations. Pilots can expect prevailing southeast winds averaging 7.6 knots, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 31°C and average visibility around 9.3 statute miles. Winter months of January, November, and December typically offer the most consistent VFR conditions.
Notable Features
The airport's three runways offer multiple landing options with consistent wind alignment. All three runways (08/26, 13/31, and 14/32) demonstrate 100% favorable wind conditions, with low average crosswind velocities between 2.3 and 5.6 knots. The terrain surrounding Salinas suggests a relatively flat approach environment typical of California's agricultural central coast region.
Approach Considerations
Runway 08/26, the longest at 6,004 feet, provides the primary landing surface with the most extensive operational flexibility. Pilots should anticipate southeast winds and prepare for potential fog conditions, which occur in 3.6% of observations. Instrument meteorological conditions (IFR and LIFR) represent approximately 13.6% of recorded weather, suggesting occasional challenges for visual approaches.
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.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at KSNS
Official Data Sources
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.