December departures from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) combine winter weather preparation with holiday travel demand. Travelers flying BUF to Tampa International Airport (TPA) should expect a mix of nonstop and connecting flights, variable fares during the holiday season, and possible snow-related delays in upstate New York. Popular nearby destinations from BUF include Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo metro and nearby Canadian cities like Toronto, which influence passenger flow and seasonal schedules.
Arriving at Tampa International Airport (TPA) in December offers a warm contrast to Buffalo's winter. The airport provides efficient rental, rideshare and shuttle options to access nearby destinations such as Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Orlando and the greater Tampa Bay area. December is popular for holiday lights and seasonal theme-park events, so plan transfers and activities with advance bookings.
The best time to fly from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) in December is typically the first two weeks of the month or mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Prices spike during the third week of December and around Christmas and New Year’s, so if you can travel early December or after Dec 26 you’ll often find better value. For fewer delays, choose morning flights and avoid late-afternoon/early-evening connections during known snow events in western New York.
To find cheap flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) in December, start searching 6–10 weeks in advance and target early December or mid-week departures for the lowest fares. Use fare comparison engines, set price alerts, and check low-cost carriers like Spirit and Southwest for promotional sales. Flexible-date searches and consideration of one-stop itineraries (via Charlotte, Philadelphia, or Atlanta) can lower prices; however, weigh savings against potential holiday delay risk. Sign up for airline newsletters and use reward points to offset holiday surcharges.