December travel from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) combines winter sunshine in Florida with milder coastal California weather. Early December often yields the best fares—book 4–8 weeks in advance to find competitive prices and consider midweek departures for cheaper results. Expect one-stop itineraries via DFW, PHX, CLT, or DEN; nonstop options are rare. For holiday travel, plan extra time for airport security and baggage. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to secure cheap flights RSW to SAN for your December getaway.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is an ideal arrival point for a December California escape, with easy access to beaches, holiday lights, and cultural events. Expect mild winter temperatures and busy holiday weekends; book transportation and tickets for popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park early. For travelers coming from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), allow extra time for customs if connecting internationally, and plan transfers to downtown, Coronado, or North County San Diego in advance.
December brings festive events to both Fort Myers and San Diego. Near Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), enjoy holiday light displays, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates holiday tours, and seasonal farmers markets in Fort Myers and Naples. In San Diego near San Diego International Airport (SAN), the Bay Parade of Lights, Balboa Park December Nights (or similar holiday programming), seasonal ice rinks, and holiday concerts draw crowds. Book attraction tickets and restaurants early during holiday weekends to avoid sold-out experiences.
The best time to fly from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in December is early in the month and midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) to find lower fares and less crowded flights. Avoid the peak travel window starting about 5–7 days before Christmas through New Year's Eve when fares surge. For smoother travel days, choose early morning flights to minimize the impact of delayed connections and holiday traffic.
While nonstop flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) are rare, direct options save time and reduce connection risk when available. Connecting flights are typically cheaper and offer more schedule choices, but expect longer total travel time (6–9 hours) and potential layover delays in hubs such as DFW or PHX. For December travel, weigh the premium for fewer stops against the flexibility and cost savings of one-stop itineraries.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines commonly serve the RSW→SAN market via one-stop connections in December. American and Delta often route through Charlotte (CLT) or Dallas (DFW), United frequently connects via Denver (DEN) or Chicago (ORD), while Southwest uses its own network with potential changes through Phoenix (PHX) or other focus cities. Southwest may offer more competitive checked-bag policies on standard fares, while legacy carriers can provide more premium connections and seamless connections for elite members. Compare total travel time, change fees, and baggage inclusions when choosing a December itinerary.
Pack layers for December: Fort Myers is mild but San Diego evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket for coastal breezes. For holiday travel, arrive early at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and monitor San Diego International Airport (SAN) traffic advisories; reserve parking and rental cars in advance. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to speed security screening, and allow extra time for connections during the holiday peak. Consider travel insurance or flexible fares for peace of mind during winter holiday travel.
Nonstop flight time from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN), when available, is approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours. Most flights in December are one-stop itineraries with total door-to-door travel typically 6–9 hours, depending on layover length. Common connection hubs include Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), Charlotte (CLT), and Denver (DEN). For December schedules, early morning and late-night connections can be less prone to weather-related delays.
To secure cheap flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in December, start monitoring fares 6–8 weeks before departure. Early December and midweek departures typically yield the best prices. Use fare-compare tools, flexible-date search, and set alerts for price drops; consider one-stop itineraries via Phoenix or Dallas to reduce cost compared with rare nonstop options. Look for holiday travel deals from main carriers and bundle with hotels for additional savings.