Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is one of the busiest months at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as travelers fly to Guadalajara (Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)) for holidays, family visits, and winter getaways. Expect higher demand and fluctuating fares—book early and consider midweek departures to save. Peak travel windows are generally the two weeks before Christmas and the days immediately after New Year’s. Use fare alerts, flexible date searches, and consider nearby alternate airports (Oakland and San Jose) to find cheaper SFO to GDL flights. For December departures, carry warm-layered clothing for Bay Area weather and verify baggage allowances with your carrier. CTA: Search cheap flights from San Francisco to Guadalajara now and set price alerts to lock in December savings.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) recommends arriving at least 2–3 hours before an international flight to Guadalajara (Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)) in December. Peak holiday travel in December can increase lines at TSA and check-in counters, so allow extra time for baggage drop and security screening. Consider online check-in, TSA PreCheck, and mobile boarding passes to speed your departure through SFO.
Nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) are occasionally scheduled, especially during peak travel seasons like December holidays. Availability depends on the airline and the year’s winter schedule—check carriers such as United or Aeromexico and compare with Google Flights or the airlines' sites for current nonstop options and holiday frequency.
Average round-trip airfare from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in December tends to be higher than off-peak months due to holiday travel demand. Expect prices to rise the two to three weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year; booking 6–10 weeks in advance or using price alerts and flexible date searches can help you find cheaper flights from SFO to GDL.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers BART, Caltrain connections via shuttle, airport shuttles, taxis, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), and rental cars to reach downtown San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, or Silicon Valley hubs before your flight to Guadalajara. Plan for longer transit times during December holiday traffic and allow extra time if you’ll return a car to avoid delays at the rental center before international departures.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL). Make sure your passport is valid for the duration required by Mexican entry rules and complete any required forms such as Mexico’s FMM (tourist card) if applicable. Check current entry requirements and COVID-19 related travel advisories before travel, and allow extra time at SFO for document checks in December.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a variety of airline lounges, pay-per-use lounges, dining, and shopping options across terminals—ideal for winter layovers before flights to Guadalajara. During December, lounges may reach capacity on peak days; consider booking lounge access in advance or arriving earlier to enjoy amenities, charging stations, and quieter spaces before your SFO to GDL flight.
December arrivals at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) see steady tourist traffic for holiday markets, tequila tours, and cooler-season travel to Lake Chapala and Puerto Vallarta. Immigration and baggage claim are efficient most days, but increased volumes around Christmas require patience and pre-planned transfers. If you’re flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), expect popular ground routes into Guadalajara and Zapopan, and consider booking private transfers for groups or family visits. CTA: Book your SFO to GDL arrival transfers now and prepare for festive December experiences in Jalisco.
When arriving at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in December, expect cooler evenings and busy immigration lines during holiday periods. Airport services are fully operational with taxis, authorized rideshares, and shuttles to Guadalajara, Zapopan, Lake Chapala, and Tequila. Have your passport and completed immigration form (FMM) ready; consider pre-booking transport because demand can spike around Christmas and New Year’s.
Typical processing time through customs and immigration at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) ranges from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on flight volume and time of day; December holiday peaks can increase waits. Travelers with family documentation or fast-track services should prepare documents in advance and follow signs for international arrivals to expedite the process.
December in Guadalajara and the Jalisco region offers festive activities including Christmas markets (mercados navideños), holiday posadas, illuminated town centers in Tlaquepaque and Zapopan, and tequila distillery tours near Tequila. Visitors arriving at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can combine cultural nights in downtown Guadalajara with day trips to Lake Chapala and the highlands. Check event calendars for exact dates and book guided tours early during December to secure spots. CTA: Explore and book Guadalajara December events and tequila tours now to ensure availability.
For December travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), the best time to fly to avoid the heaviest crowds is midweek and outside peak holiday dates (avoid Dec 20–26 and Dec 30–Jan 2). Book 6–10 weeks ahead to secure favorable fares; last-minute deals are rare during holidays. Consider traveling early December or the second week of January for lower prices and fewer crowds. CTA: Compare December fares now and move flexible travel dates to save on SFO to GDL flights.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) offer the fastest travel with fewer connection risks—ideal for holiday travel in December. Connecting flights may be cheaper but increase total journey time and the risk of missed connections during busy holiday periods. If saving money is the priority, consider a well-timed one-stop itinerary with a reliable airline and sufficient layover buffer. CTA: Compare nonstop vs connecting SFO to GDL options for your December travel and select the balance of price and convenience that works for you.
United and Aeromexico often offer full-service options with checked baggage included in certain fare classes and occasional nonstop routes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), while low-cost carriers like Volaris may provide lower base fares but charge for baggage and seat selection. Aeromexico can offer convenient connections through Mexico City, and United may provide reliable timing with U.S. domestic connections. Review baggage fees, change policies, and schedule reliability when booking December holiday travel to Guadalajara. CTA: Compare airline fares and baggage policies now to find the best December SFO–GDL option for your needs.
Traveling between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in December requires planning for holiday crowds, slightly cooler Mexican evenings, and higher fares around peak dates. Pack layers for Guadalajara’s mild days and chilly nights, keep travel documents and FMM forms accessible, and arrive early at SFO to clear security. Use mobile boarding passes, sign up for airline alerts, and consider refundable or flexible fares for holiday travel. CTA: Prepare your December SFO to GDL trip checklist and confirm all bookings before traveling.
Typical nonstop flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) ranges from approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours. One-stop routes commonly connect in Mexico City (MEX), Dallas (DFW), or Houston (IAH) and can extend total travel time to 7–12 hours including layovers. In December, expect additional schedule adjustments and increased frequency on popular holiday travel days; check schedules early and confirm connections to avoid tight layovers. CTA: Check live SFO to GDL schedules and choose the best flight time for your December trip.
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in December, use flexible date searches and price alerts to track fare drops. Consider flying midweek or selecting early January return dates to reduce holiday premiums. Use nearby alternatives such as Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) for additional options, and compare low-cost carriers with legacy airlines while factoring in baggage fees. CTA: Set a price alert for SFO to GDL flights today to catch December fare dips.
Starting from $445
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Guadalajara (GDL)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $460
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Guadalajara (GDL)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $460
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Guadalajara (GDL)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $592
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Guadalajara (GDL)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Planning a trip from San Francisco (SFO) to Guadalajara (GDL) in december? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is well-connected by authorized airport taxis, Uber, private shuttles, and bus services to downtown Guadalajara, nearby Zapopan, the Tequila region, and onward connections to Puerto Vallarta. In December, pre-booking transfers to Tequila or Lake Chapala is advised due to holiday demand; routes to Puerto Vallarta often involve a bus or a short connecting flight.
December in Guadalajara typically offers mild days and cooler nights with low rainfall, making it a favorable month for travel; however, occasional cold fronts can bring chillier evenings. There are usually no major weather delays, but holiday operational changes and high passenger volumes can affect schedules. Always check airline notifications and local advisories before departure.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) offers currency exchange, ATMs, car rental desks, medical assistance, baggage services, and passenger lounges for international arrivals. Shops and restaurants cater to holiday travelers, but hours can vary around public holidays—plan accordingly and carry small pesos for taxis and tips.
After landing at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in December, popular nearby attractions include the historic center of Guadalajara, Tequila distillery tours in the Jalisco highlands, Lake Chapala for scenic views, and Puente de los Suspiros in Tlaquepaque. December events such as Christmas markets and local holiday posadas make it an excellent time for cultural visits.
