Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December departures from Portland International Airport (PDX) require planning for holiday crowds, rainy weather, and fluctuating airfares. Expect higher demand the weekends before Christmas and around New Year’s; book 6–10 weeks ahead and use fare alerts for the best Portland to Guadalajara flight deals. For December travel, allow extra time for security and TSA PreCheck lines, and use MAX light rail for reliable access to downtown Portland despite winter weather. Pack layers for the Pacific Northwest and confirm all travel documents before leaving PDX; if you want cheap flights PDX to GDL this December, check mid-week departures and flexible dates during the early December window. CTA: Search Portland to Guadalajara December fares now and sign up for price alerts to lock in holiday savings.
Typical one-stop itineraries from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) take about 6.5 to 9 hours total travel time including layovers, depending on the connection city (commonly Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Dallas). Nonstop options are rare; factor in an extra hour for customs and baggage at GDL if you connect through a U.S. gateway. Book early and select realistic connection times during December holiday travel to avoid tight layovers.
Direct nonstop flights between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) are uncommon in December; most itineraries are one-stop via major U.S. hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), or Dallas (DFW). Airlines frequently operate seasonal or code-share connections, so check carrier schedules and filter search results for nonstop to find any temporary direct services.
For December travel from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), book 6–10 weeks in advance for better holiday fares; booking earlier for peak dates around Christmas and New Year’s can secure lower prices. Monitor fare alerts, be flexible on travel days (Tuesdays/Wednesdays often cheaper), and compare nearby airports like Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) if prices spike.
Portland International Airport (PDX) offers indoor dining, last-minute shopping, free Wi-Fi, and efficient public transit connections via the MAX light rail into downtown Portland—especially useful in rainy December weather. Rideshares, airport shuttles, and on-site parking are available year-round; allow extra time on busy December mornings and evenings when security lines and shuttle demand increase.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to travel from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL); check Mexico’s entry requirements for any proof of onward travel or health declarations prior to departure. COVID-19 restrictions are largely lifted, but confirm airline and transit policies, and consider travel insurance for December holiday cancellations or schedule changes.
The busiest travel days at Portland International Airport (PDX) for December are typically the weekends before Christmas and the days immediately after New Year’s Day, causing higher demand for PDX to GDL routes. To avoid crowds and higher fares, consider mid-week departures and earlier December dates; set fare alerts for Portland to Guadalajara cheap flights to catch price drops.
December arrivals at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) should expect mild daytime weather, increased transfer demand for Christmas/New Year, and plentiful options for reaching Guadalajara, Zapopan, or Puerto Vallarta. Prebooked taxis and private shuttles help avoid waits at the official taxi stands, and terminals are well-signposted in English and Spanish for international travelers. If you plan to explore nearby destinations like Puerto Vallarta or Mexico City after landing at GDL, check intercity bus schedules and domestic flight connections in advance. CTA: Reserve your airport transfer from GDL today and check Guadalajara holiday events to plan arrival days around local festivities.
Upon arrival at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), passengers proceed through immigration and customs; processing times can be slightly longer in December due to holiday travel. Plan 30–60 minutes for immigration if flights are on-time, and use official airport taxis or prearranged transfers to reach Guadalajara, Zapopan, or nearby destinations like Puerto Vallarta.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) offers authorized airport taxis, ride-hailing services, shuttle vans, and car rental desks; some metro-bus connections serve central Guadalajara and Zapopan. In December expect higher demand for transfers—book shuttle or private transport in advance for peak holiday arrival windows to avoid long waits.
Guadalajara in December is mild and dry with average daytime highs around 24°C (75°F) and cooler evenings near 10–12°C (50–54°F), making light layers, a jacket, and comfortable shoes ideal. Pack a mix of summer clothes for daytime sightseeing and a sweater for evenings; include sun protection for daytime sun and a light rain layer just in case.
December in Guadalajara features Christmas markets, Las Posadas processions, and New Year celebrations that can increase hotel occupancy and transfer demand, leading to busier arrival flows at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). If traveling during peak holiday dates, reserve accommodations and transfers in advance and plan extra transit time when arriving at GDL.
Public transit from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) connects to Guadalajara and Zapopan via buses and shuttles, but reaching Puerto Vallarta typically requires an additional bus or a connecting flight. For convenience and holiday schedules in December, many travelers prefer prebooked shuttles or private transfers to reach nearby cities efficiently.
In Guadalajara, December brings Christmas markets, Las Posadas processions, nativity displays, and lively New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city center and Zapopan, increasing hotel occupancy and transfer demand around holiday dates. Nearby Puerto Vallarta hosts festive beachfront concerts and fireworks for travelers combining beach time with Guadalajara visits. In Portland, holiday markets, zoo lights, and winter cultural events can increase transportation demand to Portland International Airport (PDX) early in December and between Christmas and New Year’s. If you plan to attend local events on either end, book flights and ground transportation early to secure space and avoid premium holiday rates. CTA: Check event dates and book flights PDX to GDL early to coincide with your preferred holiday festivities.
The best time to fly from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in December is early to mid-December (first three weeks) to avoid peak holiday crowds and inflated fares. Mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) typically offer lower prices and quieter airports, while flying just after New Year’s Day tends to bring higher demand and costs. For family travel, balance convenience and price by booking early and choosing flights that minimize overnight layovers. CTA: Check flexible-date calendars for December PDX to GDL flights to spot the cheapest travel windows.
Direct nonstop flights between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) are limited; most travelers will book one-stop itineraries via Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), or Dallas (DFW). Connecting flights often cost less and provide more schedule options, but carry a slightly higher risk of missed connections—especially during December storms or holiday delays. If you value speed and minimizing hassle, prioritize itineraries with single, well-timed connections and at least 90 minutes for domestic-to-international transfers. CTA: Use filters to compare nonstop vs one-stop options and choose the best balance of price and convenience for your December trip.
Alaska Airlines often offers competitive schedules from Portland International Airport (PDX) with connections through Los Angeles (LAX), providing strong loyalty perks for Mileage Plan members. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines typically connect through major hubs (DTW/ATL/DFW) and may offer more frequent transborder schedules. United Airlines routes commonly route via San Francisco (SFO) or Denver (DEN). Low-cost carriers such as Volaris and VivaAerobus can yield lower base fares into Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) but often charge for extras like checked bags and seat assignments. Compare total trip cost including baggage and seat fees; if comfort and on-time performance matter in December, consider premium Economy or Main Cabin Extra options. CTA: Compare airlines and total trip costs now to find the best PDX to GDL service for your December travel.
Pack layers for Guadalajara’s mild December days and cool evenings—light shirts, a sweater, and a light jacket—and include sunscreen for daytime sightseeing. From Portland International Airport (PDX), allow extra time for traffic and security on busy pre-holiday days; aim to arrive 2–3 hours before international departures during peak December periods. Keep digital and paper copies of travel documents, enroll in airline irregularity notifications, and purchase travel insurance that covers holiday changes. Currency exchange: obtain some Mexican pesos before arrival or use airport ATMs at GDL for convenience, and notify your bank of international travel to avoid card blocks. CTA: Prepare your December packing list and check airport arrival recommendations now to ensure a smooth PDX to GDL trip.
Most itineraries from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in December are one-stop with total door-to-door durations of 6.5–9 hours depending on layover lengths. Common connection hubs include Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW); choose layovers of at least 90 minutes for domestic-to-international transfers to allow for possible delays. Early morning departures from PDX reduce the risk of missed connections, while late-evening arrivals at GDL are convenient for hotel check-ins but may have reduced public transit options. CTA: Review carrier schedules now and pick itineraries with at least 90 minutes for U.S. domestic to international connections during December holidays.
To find cheap flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in December, book 6–10 weeks ahead and be flexible with departure days—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often return lower fares. Set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, compare one-stop options via LAX or PHX, and consider alternate nearby departure airports like Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) for additional competition. Use fare calendar views and clear browser cookies or use incognito searches to compare rates, and evaluate budget carriers plus legacy airlines for best total costs including baggage. CTA: Create a fare alert now for PDX to GDL December and compare flexible-date options to lock in the best holiday price.