Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is one of the busiest months at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) because of holiday travel, business trips and winter sun seekers. If you’re flying IAH to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), plan for common one-stop routes through hubs like Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU), which offer the most frequent connections to the French Caribbean. Expect longer security lines during morning and evening peaks; arrive 2–3 hours before scheduled international departures. For cheaper December flights, search flexible dates, set price alerts 6–10 weeks before travel, and consider midweek or early-December departures. Nearby cities served by IAH include Houston, Galveston, Austin, Dallas, and New Orleans — all useful for multi-city itineraries or alternate airports when fares spike.
December is a peak travel month at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) due to holiday travel. Busiest times are early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon/evening (4–9 PM) on peak travel days, and the week before Christmas. To avoid long security and check-in lines, plan to arrive 2–3 hours before international departures and consider off-peak mid-week flights.
There are typically no regular nonstop flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF). Most itineraries in December route through hubs like Miami (MIA), San Juan (SJU), or Paris (CDG/ORY) depending on the carrier. Expect total travel times (including layover) from roughly 7 to 12+ hours depending on connection length.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers terminal parking (short-term and long-term), economy lots with shuttles, and rideshare pick-up zones which can be busier in December. Many hotels near IAH provide park-and-fly packages during holiday weeks. For the smoothest experience during December peak travel, reserve long-term parking in advance or use app-based shuttle/ride services to avoid wait times.
As of December travel planning, travelers should check both U.S. and French Caribbean (Martinique) entry requirements for passport validity, visa rules (if applicable), and any health advisories. While routine COVID-19 testing requirements have been relaxed in many places, airline and country rules can change; verify airline notifications and Martinique prefecture guidance within 72 hours of departure to ensure compliance.
To find budget-friendly IAH to FDF flights in December, book as early as possible (6–10 weeks recommended for holiday travel), use flexible date searches, set fare alerts, and compare itineraries via Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU) where competition is higher. Consider mid-week departures or early-December travel to avoid peak Christmas/New Year fares and sign up for airline newsletters and price trackers.
During December holiday peaks, expect TSA security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to range from 20 minutes during off-peak to over 60 minutes during morning/evening rush periods. International check-in counters can also have longer queues; use online check-in and carry minimal checked luggage when possible. Priority lanes (TSA PreCheck) significantly reduce wait times if you’re enrolled.
Arriving at Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) in December offers warm, pleasant weather ideal for beach exploration and cultural festivals. Transfer options include taxis, shared shuttles and car rentals; Fort-de-France is roughly 20–30 minutes away, while Santa-Anne and Le Marin are accessible within 30–60 minutes by road. December is high season—book hotels and transfers in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year. For food lovers, try local Creole markets and beachfront restaurants around Les Trois-Îlets and Sainte-Anne. Maintain valid passport documentation and be prepared to declare agricultural items at customs.
December in Fort-de-France / Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) typically marks the start of the dry season with warm, pleasant temperatures averaging 24–29°C (75–84°F). Expect sunny days, lower humidity, and occasional short showers. Pack lightweight layers, sun protection, and a light rain jacket for brief passing showers.
From Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), taxis, shared shuttles and car rentals are commonly available year-round, including December. The airport is near Le Lamentin and about a 20–30 minute drive to downtown Fort-de-France; popular island destinations such as Sainte-Anne, Les Trois-Îlets, and northern spots like Saint-Pierre are accessible by car or intercity buses. Book transfers in advance during December holidays to secure preferred times.
Houston (near George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH): Enjoy seasonal attractions such as Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker, holiday light festivals at local gardens, and Christmas markets across the Greater Houston area. Expect increased airport traffic around performance nights and holiday weekends. Fort-de-France / Martinique (near Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport, FDF): December features festive Creole Christmas markets, church concerts, and community New Year’s Eve celebrations in waterfront towns like Les Trois-Îlets and Sainte-Anne. Many restaurants and hotels run special holiday menus and events — book reservations early for Christmas Eve and New Year’s.
If you must travel in December, aim for early-December (first two weeks) to secure lower fares and more availability than the last two weeks of the month. Midweek departures often have better prices and shorter lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). For fewer crowds and lower prices overall, consider shoulder seasons like late April–May or September–October, though weather trade-offs exist. If holiday timing is fixed, book as early as possible and confirm flexible change policies.
Most travelers between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) will fly connecting itineraries because nonstops are rare. Pros of connecting flights include lower fares and more schedule options, especially through Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU). Cons include longer overall travel time and potential missed connections during busy December travel. If you prioritize comfort and minimal disruption, choose itineraries with longer minimum connection times or pay a premium for premium cabin seats with flexible rebooking. Always allow ample layover time during December when delays are more likely.
American Airlines: Frequent U.S. connectivity from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with one-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA); competitive on price and schedule frequency. JetBlue/American codeshares: Good connections through San Juan (SJU) with a comfortable cabin product on many regional flights. Air France / Air Caraïbes: Best for European connections via Paris (CDG/ORY) if combining European legs, but usually longer total travel time from IAH due to transatlantic routing. When booking in December, compare checked-bag allowances, layover durations, and change/cancellation policies. Loyalty program status and alliance partners can affect baggage and priority boarding, so weigh total trip value when selecting a carrier.
Pack lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light rain jacket for brief showers when arriving at Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) in December. Book flights and hotels early to avoid premium holiday pricing and limited availability, and opt for refundable or flexible tickets if plans could change. Enroll in TSA PreCheck if departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for faster security screening. Keep chargers and essential documents in carry-on luggage, and allow generous layover times when booking connecting flights in December to avoid missed connections due to weather or holiday congestion.
There are rarely nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF). Expect common one-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA), San Juan (SJU), or Paris (CDG/ORY) depending on carrier, with flight durations as follows: IAH→MIA ~2–2.5 hours, MIA→FDF ~3.5–4 hours; IAH→SJU ~4 hours, SJU→FDF ~1–1.5 hours. Total travel time door-to-door typically ranges from about 7 to 12+ hours including layovers. December schedules are busier around holidays; flights fill quickly on peak travel days (pre-Christmas and New Year’s Eve).
Finding cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) in December requires early planning and flexibility. Book 6–10 weeks ahead of peak holiday dates; search mid-week departures and early-December travel to avoid Christmas/New Year surcharges. Compare routes via Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU) where competition can lower fares; also check multi-city itineraries that include Paris (CDG/ORY) if combining European travel. Use fare alerts, flexible date tools, and incognito searches to spot discounts. Consider bundling flight + hotel packages and signing up for airline and OTA newsletters for last-minute promotions.
Yes — December in Fort-de-France brings festive markets, Creole Christmas celebrations, and a busier tourist season through New Year’s. Expect higher hotel occupancy and special holiday menus at restaurants; book accommodations and rental cars early. Local cultural events include nativity displays, concerts, and beachfront celebrations in towns like Les Trois-Îlets and Sainte-Anne.
Martinique is an overseas department of France, so travelers should be prepared for Schengen/France entry procedures when arriving at Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF). U.S. citizens need a valid passport; no visa is required for short tourist stays. Customs may screen luggage for agricultural products; declare food items to avoid fines. During December, expect slightly longer immigration lines due to peak season.
From Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), popular nearby destinations include Fort-de-France, Les Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne, Le Marin, and northern historical sites like Saint-Pierre. December visitors often choose beachfront resorts in Sainte-Anne or boutique hotels in Fort-de-France; book early to secure the best options during holiday weeks and New Year celebrations.
