Complete travel information for your December journey
December flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) are in high demand due to holiday escapes and winter sun seekers. Expect peak travel around the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve; book at least 4–8 weeks ahead to secure competitive rates. Use flexible date searches, target midweek departures, and subscribe to airline fare alerts to capture deals from carriers offering non-stop or one-stop services. Weather in Puerto Vallarta is mild and dry in December, making it an excellent time for beach, cultural tours, and holiday festivals. For departures, O'Hare (ORD) generally offers the most nonstop options to PVR, while Midway (MDW) and connections via Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston can sometimes lower prices. Consider nearby cities such as Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Detroit when comparing fares; ground transfers to ORD may be economical when timed well. CTA: Book early for December nonstop Chicago to Puerto Vallarta flights to lock in holiday seats and the best prices.
To find cheap December flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), search 6–8 weeks in advance, compare low-cost carriers and legacy airlines, and use flexible date search tools. Consider midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) and early-morning flights to lower fares; sign up for fare alerts and check package deals that combine flights and hotels for the Puerto Vallarta Riviera Nayarit area.
CHIA represents Chicago (All Airports), commonly including O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Midway International Airport (MDW), and suburban airport options. For Puerto Vallarta (PVR), O'Hare (ORD) typically offers more nonstop and one-stop options, while Midway (MDW) may have lower-cost connecting itineraries; check departure times, connection cities, and total travel time when choosing.
A nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) typically takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes to 4 hours and 45 minutes. If you choose a connecting flight through hubs like Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), or Mexico City (MEX), total travel time can range from 6 to 10+ hours depending on layover durations.
December is a busy travel month at Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) due to winter holidays, so expect increased security lines, potential winter-weather delays, and higher demand for airport parking and lounges. Arrive at least 2–3 hours before domestic departures and monitor flight status for weather-related schedule changes; consider airport lounges or early check-in to reduce stress.
Airline baggage fees and COVID-19 requirements vary by carrier; in December expect standard domestic and international baggage policies—carry-on limits typically apply and checked baggage fees may vary by fare class. Check your specific airline for any health entry requirements to Mexico and confirm passport validity; most travelers need a valid passport and may be required to fill a Mexico travel form or comply with airline health checks.
From Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) you can easily connect to major cities like Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, Madison, and St. Louis for regional travel before or after a trip to Puerto Vallarta. These cities are common origin points for passengers using CHIA ticketing and can offer additional flight options or cheaper fares when combined with multi-city itineraries.
Arriving at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in December means landing into peak tourist season with warm, dry weather perfect for beaches, whale watching, and holiday markets. Expect larger crowds during the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s; plan for up to 30–45 minute processing times for immigration and luggage on busy days and prebook ground transportation to Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Sayulita, and Punta Mita. December is an ideal time to combine cultural activities in Puerto Vallarta city with nearby Riviera Nayarit destinations—book activities like whale-watching tours and cultural walking tours in advance to guarantee availability. CTA: Reserve your PVR arrivals transfer and December tours now to avoid sold-out dates during the holiday season.
Arrivals at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in December are generally smooth, with pleasant dry-season weather and busy tourist activity. Expect increased passenger volume around holidays; allow time for immigration and luggage, especially on peak arrival days, and pre-arrange airport transfers to popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta city, Nuevo Vallarta, and the Riviera Nayarit to avoid lines.
Yes, several carriers operate nonstop and seasonal nonstop services from Chicago (ORD) to PVR during December, catering to holiday travelers and sun-seekers. Availability varies year-to-year, so search for nonstop options early and book quickly for peak December weeks to secure the most convenient schedules.
December in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) features mild daytime temperatures around 75–85°F (24–29°C) and low humidity, making it ideal for beach days, snorkeling, whale-watching season (late year into winter), and town festivals. Expect mostly sunny skies and minimal rain, perfect for outdoor tours and holiday events; pack light layers for cooler evenings.
From PVR you can reach Guadalajara via a 4–5 hour private transfer or shuttle, and Sayulita and other Riviera Nayarit towns via 45–90 minute shuttles or rental cars. December demand increases transfer lead times, so pre-book airport shuttles, private transfers, or car rentals in advance to secure the best rates and ensure holiday availability.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) offers modern passenger services including duty-free shops, car rental counters, currency exchange, ATMs, and multiple transfer options; during December you’ll find extended hours for tourist services and additional seasonal staff. Lounges and fast-track immigration services may be available through airlines or independent providers—check availability and book ahead during peak holiday periods.
Travellers arriving at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) often visit nearby major cities and regions such as Guadalajara, Tepic, Sayulita, Punta Mita, and Puerto Vallarta city (Bahía de Banderas). These locations are popular for multi-destination itineraries and cultural excursions during December's dry, pleasant season.
December in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Riviera Nayarit is vibrant with holiday celebrations, Christmas markets, and special seasonal events. Popular activities include festive street fairs in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica, seasonal concerts and cultural performances, and early-season whale watching excursions starting in late December and into January. Visitors can also enjoy New Year’s Eve fireworks along the malecón and themed resort events across Bahía de Banderas.
The best time to fly from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) depends on priorities: for lowest fares in December, aim for midweek travel and avoid peak holiday weeks; for best weather and activities, early-to-mid December offers excellent beach conditions and lower crowds than the Christmas week. Nonstop morning departures can reduce chances of weather-related delays in Chicago; return flights midweek after New Year can be less expensive. Use fare calendars to spot price dips and consider shoulder dates around holidays for savings.
Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago (ORD) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) provide the fastest door-to-door travel and reduce the risk of missed connections—a valuable consideration in December when winter weather can cause delays. Connecting flights via hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston may offer lower fares and more schedule flexibility but add layover time. Evaluate total travel time, price, and the reliability of the connection airport when choosing; for holiday travel, many travelers prefer nonstop options despite slightly higher fares.
Major carriers operating CHIA→PVR routes in December typically include legacy airlines and select low-cost carriers offering seasonal nonstops and one-stop itineraries. Compare based on price, luggage allowance, change fees, onboard service, and schedule reliability. Legacy carriers often include checked bag waivers for premium fares and more generous rebooking policies, while low-cost carriers can provide lower base fares but add fees for bags and seat selection. For December, prioritize airline reliability and cancellation flexibility due to holiday schedule volatility.
December travel from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) benefits from advance planning: monitor Chicago winter forecasts and allow extra time for airport transfers, pack for warm days and cooler nights, and secure ground transport and popular tours early. Use travel insurance or flexible fares in case of weather-related delays, confirm baggage allowances for your chosen carrier, and consider airport lounge access for comfort during holiday crowds. Stay aware of peak travel dates (mid-December and the New Year holidays) to avoid the highest fares and heaviest lines.
Typical nonstop flight time from Chicago (ORD, part of CHIA) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is approximately 4 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes. One-stop itineraries via hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), or Mexico City (MEX) can extend travel time to 6–10+ hours depending on layover length. December schedules often expand with seasonal nonstop flights; check airlines’ published timetables for exact departure windows and arrival gates. For best results, filter searches by total travel time and number of stops to balance price and convenience.
To find the cheapest December flights between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), use fare comparison engines, set up multi-site alerts, and be flexible with departure/return dates. Search 6–8 weeks out for the best December deals and consider midweek departures to avoid premium weekend pricing. Use airport flexibility (ORD vs MDW) and check one-stop itineraries via hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Houston (IAH) to lower costs. Consider bundling flights and hotels for discounts and evaluate loyalty program redemptions or credit-card points for holiday travel.