Other Options for This Route
San Francisco (SFO) to San Jose (SJO) in February from $411
From $411
San Francisco (SFO) to San Jose (SJO) in May from $471
From $471
San Francisco (SFO) to San Jose (SJO) in June from $376
From $376
Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
San Francisco (SFO) to Atlanta (Any) in December from $50
From $50
San Francisco (SFO) to Dallas (Any) in December from $54
From $54
San Francisco (SFO) to Salt Lake City (SLC) in December from $54
From $54
San Francisco (SFO) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $74
From $74
San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (Any) in December from $94
From $94
San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN) in December from $97
From $97
Flights from Other Cities
Charleston (CHS) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $198
From $198
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $311
From $311
Chicago (ORD) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $401
From $401
Washington, D.C. (DCA) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $408
From $408
New York (JFK) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $443
From $443
Orlando (MCO) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $451
From $451
✈️ Flight Guide: San Francisco (SFO) → San Jose (SJO)
Complete travel information for your December journey
Travelers departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December should expect busier security lines, holiday peak periods, and occasional schedule adjustments. For flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), book early and check for seasonal nonstops or convenient one-stop itineraries through hubs like George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Nearby cities commonly using SFO include Oakland, Palo Alto, San Jose (CA), and Daly City; coordinate ground transport early to avoid holiday congestion. Use fare alerts and flexible dates to capture last-minute deals—search phrases like 'cheap flights San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) December' often yield price drops mid-week. CTA: Compare December flight prices from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) now and book early to secure holiday savings.
Departing from San Francisco (SFO) FAQs
For December travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before international departures to allow time for check-in, TSA screening, and holiday crowds. December is a busy month with holiday travelers, so use online check-in, print or download boarding passes, and consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to shorten lines. Allow extra time for checked baggage and late-running holiday traffic to the airport.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) typically take about 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes depending on winds and routing. Expect an approximate 2-hour local time difference (SFO is Pacific Time, SJO is Costa Rica Time), so plan arrival times accordingly. If you choose a one-stop routing, total travel time can range from 7 to 12+ hours depending on connection length.
Seasonal nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) may operate in December depending on airline schedules; many travelers will find one-stop options via hub airports. Common connecting hubs include George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Check airline schedules early and consider flexible dates to find nonstop or shortest-duration options.
Baggage allowances from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) depend on the airline and fare class—economy fares often include one carry-on and one personal item, while checked bag fees vary. Declare any restricted items and review Costa Rica's customs rules for items like food or large sums of cash. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), expect customs inspection and have your passport, completed customs form, and any required documents ready.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers BART rapid transit to downtown San Francisco, airport shuttles, ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and regional buses to places like Palo Alto and San Jose (CA). If you're staying in the Bay Area prior to departure, plan extra travel time for holiday traffic in December and consider taking BART or airport shuttles to avoid congestion. Parking options at SFO include hourly and long-term garages if you drive.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has multiple airline and independent lounges offering food, Wi‑Fi, and comfortable seating to wait before your December departure. Lounges include carrier clubs and pay-per-day options; availability can be limited during the busy holiday season. Book lounge access in advance when possible or consider priority pass programs to guarantee space during peak travel days.
Arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in December is a popular entry point for travelers from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) seeking beach and inland adventures. December ushers in drier weather across many regions—ideal for visiting Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste beaches. For efficient transfers, prebook private shuttles or domestic flights to your next destination and keep local cash for taxis and tips. CTA: Plan your December Costa Rica arrival—compare transfer options from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and book ahead to secure space during holiday travel.
Arriving at San Jose (SJO) FAQs
Arrivals at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in December often coincide with the start of Costa Rica's dry season and increased tourist traffic. Expect straightforward immigration and customs procedures, but plan for slightly longer lines during holiday weeks. Have your passport ready, any required entry forms completed, and local currency or credit cards for ground transport and immigration fees if applicable.
From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) you can choose taxis, pre-booked private shuttles, local buses, and rental cars to reach San José, Alajuela, or transfer points for Monteverde, Arenal/La Fortuna, and the Pacific coast. December road conditions are generally improving as the dry season approaches, but book shuttles or private transfers ahead during holiday weeks to guarantee availability. Major nearby cities and tourist hubs commonly accessed from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) include San José, Alajuela, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste beaches.
December marks the transition to the dry season in many parts of Costa Rica, including the Central Valley near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), with generally lower rainfall and warm days. Expect mild evenings in San José and cooler temperatures at higher elevations such as Monteverde. Bring light layers, a light rain jacket for occasional showers, and sunscreen for daytime excursions.
Health entry requirements can change; as of December, Costa Rica typically requires no mandatory quarantine for vaccinated travelers but recommends being up to date on routine vaccines. Check official Costa Rica government and airline pages before departure for the latest health advisories and entry rules. Consider travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip interruption for peace of mind during holiday travel.
After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), travelers can easily reach San José, Alajuela, the cloud forests of Monteverde, the hot springs of Arenal/La Fortuna, and Pacific coast destinations such as Manuel Antonio and Puntarenas. Domestic flights and ground shuttles are plentiful; book domestic connections in advance during December holiday weeks to avoid sold-out services. Consider combining a city stay in San José with beach or mountain excursions for a varied Costa Rica itinerary.
1.0.2512.10
December Events & Festivals — Travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
December brings vibrant holiday celebrations on both sides of the SFO–SJO route. In Costa Rica, San José hosts the Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) and city Christmas markets, drawing visitors arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to experience parades, illuminated floats, and live music. On the departure side, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) travelers can enjoy Union Square holiday displays, seasonal craft fairs, and city light shows before flights. Festivals and holidays increase demand for December flights, accommodations, and transfers—book early and include event dates when searching for fares. CTA: Check event dates and reserve flights and local tours early to avoid holiday sell-outs.
Best Time to Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) — December Advice
For December travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), early December (first two weeks) usually offers the best balance of good weather and lower airfare. The period Dec 20–31 is peak holiday travel with higher prices and busier airports; if possible, fly outside the narrow holiday window to save money and avoid sold-out domestic transfers. The end of December and early January are excellent for dry-season beach conditions in Guanacaste and the Pacific coast, but book well in advance for accommodations and internal transport. CTA: Compare early-December vs. holiday fares now to find the best balance of price and weather for your SFO to SJO trip.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in December
Direct flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) save time and reduce the risk of missed connections—valuable during December travel when schedules are tight. However, nonstop seats can be more expensive and may sell out quickly. Connecting flights through hubs like George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), or Tocumen International Airport (PTY) often offer lower fares and more schedule options. For December travelers prioritizing speed and convenience, prioritize nonstop options; for budget-conscious travelers or those with flexible timing, one-stop itineraries can provide significant savings. CTA: Search both nonstop and 1-stop itineraries to compare total travel time and price for your December trip.
Airline Comparison for December Travel — San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Major carriers serving the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) market in December include national and regional partners offering one-stop connections and occasional seasonal nonstops. United and American often provide convenient connections via their respective hubs (George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)), Delta may connect through Atlanta or Salt Lake City, while Copa Airlines connects via Tocumen International Airport (PTY) from Central America. Compare baggage allowances, seat assignments, and loyalty program benefits—basic economy fares can be restrictive while premium economy or main-cabin fares include better flexibility. For December holiday travel, consider airlines with generous change policies and robust international schedules. CTA: Compare December fares and baggage rules across carriers to pick the best airline for your SFO to SJO trip.
December Seasonal Travel Tips for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Pack versatile clothing for December: light breathable layers for Costa Rica days, a light sweater for cooler Central Valley evenings near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and a compact rain jacket for occasional showers. For departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), bring an extra layer for airport terminals and plan for holiday security wait times. Book internal transfers and domestic flights early—popular destinations like Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio fill rapidly in December. Don’t forget travel insurance, photocopies of documents, and to register travel plans if desired. CTA: Prepare a December packing checklist for your SFO to SJO trip and prebook transfers to save time on arrival.
Flight Time and Typical December Schedules for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), when available in December, usually take approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes. The local time difference is typically 2 hours (SFO is Pacific Time, SJO is Costa Rica Time), so factor this into arrival and connection planning. Many December itineraries are one-stop with total travel times ranging from about 7 to 12 hours, depending on connection duration at hubs such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Miami International Airport (MIA), or Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Check carrier schedules for seasonal nonstop services and verify departure/arrival times as airlines adjust frequency for holiday demand.
Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in December
To find cheap December fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), search 2–4 months in advance and avoid peak holiday dates (Dec 20–31) when prices spike. Use flexible-date calendars, set fare alerts, and compare one-stop itineraries via hubs like Miami International Airport (MIA) or Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to save money. Mid-week departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) often yield lower prices; consider red-eye or early morning flights to capture discounts. Typical December round-trip economy fares range widely—expect $450–$900 depending on timing and promotions; booking early and using alerts will increase chances of lower rates. CTA: Set a fare alert now to monitor cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for December travel.