Other Options for This Route
Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $119
From $119
Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO) in January from $72
From $72
Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO) in January from $169
From $169
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Denver International Airport (DEN) in December is a major departure hub for travelers heading to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and nearby destinations such as Boulder, Colorado Springs, Aspen, and Vail. Holiday travel increases passenger volume—allow extra time for security and snow-related delays. Use the A Line commuter rail for predictable travel from downtown Denver, reserve airport parking early, and monitor airline notifications for schedule changes. For cheap flights from Denver to San Francisco in December, book in advance and search both nonstop and one-stop options; consider Tuesdays and Wednesdays for lower fares. CTA: Search cheap DEN to SFO December flights now and secure your seat.
When flying DEN→SFO in December expect cool, occasionally rainy weather on arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and holiday crowds at terminals and ground transport. BART connects SFO to downtown San Francisco and beyond; rental cars and shuttle services provide access to nearby top destinations like San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto, and Napa Valley. For smooth December arrivals, reconfirm baggage arrangements, pre-book rideshares or airport shuttles, and check flights for potential weather-related delays. CTA: Compare DEN to SFO December flights and arrange ground transport in advance.
December brings festive events accessible from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) like Union Square holiday ice skating, the Embarcadero lights, and special holiday markets in Union Square and Ferry Building. From Denver International Airport (DEN), travelers can reach Denver’s Parade of Lights, Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo, and early ski-season openings in nearby resorts such as Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, and Keystone. For winery visits, Napa Valley holiday tastings are a short drive from SFO. CTA: Time your DEN→SFO December trip to include local holiday festivals and book event tickets in advance.
For December travel from Denver International Airport (DEN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), early morning flights (departures before 8 AM) often have the highest on-time performance because they avoid accumulated winter weather delays and air-traffic bottlenecks. Midweek travel (Tuesday–Thursday) typically offers lower fares and fewer crowds than weekend or peak holiday dates. Avoid flying on major travel days like the days immediately before Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve if possible, or book refundable/changeable fares. CTA: Choose early morning DEN→SFO flights in December for better reliability and savings.
Nonstop flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections during December’s unpredictable weather, making them ideal for time-sensitive holiday travel. Connecting flights can be cheaper but add complexity and vulnerability to weather-related delays at connecting hubs. If you opt for a connection, allow longer layovers (2+ hours) to accommodate potential de-icing or re-routing delays. CTA: Compare nonstop DEN→SFO prices for December to weigh time savings against potential cost benefits.
United Airlines offers multiple daily nonstop flights between Denver International Airport (DEN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with a wide selection of fares, lounges at SFO, and strong frequent flyer ties—good for business and flexible travelers. Southwest Airlines usually provides competitive fares with two free checked bags and flexible change policies, a popular choice for families traveling in December. Frontier offers low base fares but higher ancillary fees (bags, seat selection), which can be a good low-cost option if you travel light. Alaska Airlines may have fewer frequencies but competitive service and mileage benefits when connecting via Seattle or Los Angeles. Compare total trip cost including baggage and change fees when booking DEN→SFO flights in December. CTA: Use the airline comparison to select the best December DEN to SFO flight for your budget and schedule.
Pack layerable clothing when flying from Denver (cold, potentially snowy) to San Francisco (cool, often rainy) in December—include a compact umbrella and cold-weather accessories in carry-on luggage. Allow extra ground-transport time at both Denver International Airport (DEN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) because holiday traffic and weather can slow pickup/dropoff. Buy refundable fares or travel insurance during peak holiday windows, enroll in TSA PreCheck to reduce security time, and carry essential items in your carry-on in case baggage is delayed. CTA: Prepare for your December DEN→SFO trip—check weather forecasts and confirm flight status before heading to the airport.
Nonstop flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically take about 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. In December, airlines may adjust frequencies to meet holiday demand—expect more morning and midday flights before Christmas and variable schedules on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. For tight connections, aim for flights with at least 90 minutes of buffer when arriving at SFO. CTA: Check live DEN→SFO schedules for December and book flights that match your preferred arrival times.
To find cheap flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December, search early (6–10 weeks ahead), use flexible date calendars, and compare nonstop and one-stop options. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yield lower fares; monitor flash sales from United and Southwest around Black Friday or early December. Consider budget carriers like Frontier or basic-economy fares and factor in baggage fees. Use fare alerts, book refundable or changeable tickets if weather is a concern, and sign up for airline newsletters for last-minute December discounts. CTA: Set fare alerts for DEN to SFO December routes and compare nonstop vs connecting savings.