✈️ Flight Guide: Houston (IAH) → Cancun (CUN)

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) tends to be busier in December because of holiday travel, with short-term parking often filling first. Long-term lots and off-site park-and-ride options are good alternatives; reserve a spot in advance to secure lower rates. Allow extra time for shuttle transfers and plan to arrive at least 2–3 hours before an international flight from IAH to avoid delays.

Yes, there are typically nonstop IAH to CUN flights in December, especially on major carriers like United Airlines and seasonally on other carriers. Nonstop flight frequency increases during peak winter travel (December) to meet demand for beach vacations in Cancún. Check airline schedules and book early if you need a nonstop flight for holiday travel.

Security lines at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are often longer during December, particularly the week before Christmas and New Year's Eve. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to reduce wait times, and check IAH’s live security updates on the airport website or airline app before leaving home. For international travel to Cancún, factor in extra time for passport control and possible additional screening.

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers taxis, ride-shares, airport shuttles, hotel transfer services, and car rental facilities year-round. In December, pre-book rides or shuttle services to avoid surge pricing and longer wait times; major nearby destinations include downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Galveston, Austin (by connection), and San Antonio (by connection). Consider shared shuttles for groups heading to holiday events to save money.

You can pack most gifts and liquor in checked baggage for international travel from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), but comply with TSA and Mexican customs regulations: bottles must be sealed, and alcohol limits apply for duty-free allowances on arrival in Mexico. Declare any high-value items on your Mexican customs form and keep receipts handy to speed up inspection at Cancún International Airport (CUN).

Holiday advisories may be issued during December due to weather, airline staffing, or increased traveler volumes; check your airline, IAH travel alerts, and official advisories before departure from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Sign up for airline notifications and monitor local National Weather Service updates to stay informed on any cancellations or rebook options for your flight to Cancún International Airport (CUN).

Cancún International Airport (CUN) is usually busy in December due to peak winter tourism, with additional flights and longer immigration lines. Expect warm, dry weather and quick access to destinations like Cancún hotel zone, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Riviera Maya resorts; consider pre-booking airport transfers to avoid waits. Have your Mexican tourist card (FMM) and passport ready to speed up entry.

From Cancún International Airport (CUN), you can take shared shuttles, private transfers, ADO bus service, or rental cars to Playa del Carmen (approx. 45–60 minutes) and Tulum (approx. 90–120 minutes). December is a busy month, so pre-book reputable transfers or a private shuttle to secure your travel time and avoid long waits, especially on weekends and around holidays.

On arrival at Cancún International Airport (CUN), you must complete a customs declaration and declare items exceeding Mexico’s duty-free allowances; December holiday purchases may be scrutinized, so keep receipts available. Travelers over 18 can bring in limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco duty-free, but commercial or large quantities should be declared to avoid fines.

Ground transportation at Cancún International Airport (CUN) can be constrained on busy December weekends and around Christmas/New Year due to high demand. Pre-book accepted providers and confirm pickup locations; airport-authorized taxis, hotel shuttles, and private transfers tend to fill up early. For popular nearby destinations like Isla Mujeres (via Puerto Juárez), consider booking ferry tickets in advance.

December in Cancún is part of the dry season with pleasant daytime temperatures around 24–29°C (75–85°F) and mild evenings; humidity is lower and rainfall decreases. Pack light summer clothing, a light jacket for cooler nights, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle; include a hat and sunglasses for beach days and comfortable shoes for exploring nearby Mérida or Valladolid.

As of December travel trends, standard entry requirements include a valid passport and completed FMM tourist card; health entry requirements can change, so check official Mexican government and airline pages before departure. Travel health recommendations include routine vaccinations and travel insurance covering medical evacuation; pharmacies and clinics are available near Cancún International Airport (CUN) if needed.