Everytime I fly into LAS in the summer, whether it's windy or not, the approach is always very turbulent from about 14,000 to 2,000. Of course, the flight level varies. Typically, it begins as you break out of the clouds.

It's always a series of quick violent bumps, and seems to have little to do with the wind, although it is worse when it's windy. The turbulence stops as you level on final approach.

Is this the hot air/cooler air colliding?

I'm going to LAS in a few weeks, and have been meaning to ask this question for some time.

You are getting some thermal activity - hot fast rising air. The later in the day, the worse it will be until the land cools as the sun goes down.

With the surrounding higher elevations and any wind coming off the desert, you can also get mountain wave activity - even at lower levels.

If you think LAS is rough, try an approach over Carson City to Reno on an August early evening !

I flew into LAS in September just mid afternoon, and the only thing I noticed was it was very windy!
Iain

I flew out of LAS a couple years ago and the pilot predicted some choppy air. He referred to them as "thermals." As PhilB said, the turbulence is caused by the hot rising air. Since it rises unevenly, there isn't consistent support for the wings. Thus, turbulence.

RNO is far worse than LAS. Some of my most turbulent rides have been in and out of RNO. Twice on climbout out of RNO it was rough enough for some of the overhead luggage compartments to start opening.

Richard Silagi