US Airports With Worst Weather Delays During Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, travelers hoping for smooth journeys may want to prepare for potential disruptions at certain U.S. airports where weather is known to wreak havoc. A recent analysis by Upgraded Points, using data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), revealed which airports are most likely to experience weather-related delays during the height of holiday travel season from November through January.

Most Weather-Delayed Airports for the Holiday Season

The analysis identifies five major U.S. airports that regularly see high levels of weather-related delays during the holiday months. These airports, which include both coastal and northern hubs, are vulnerable to various weather disruptions, from heavy rains and fog to snow and icy conditions. Travelers flying through these locations should be prepared for longer waits and potential rescheduling.

Top Five Most Weather-Delayed Airports for Holiday Travel:

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 42.3 percent of delays due to weather
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 42.1 percent
3. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – 38.3 percent
4. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 38.1 percent
5. Logan International Airport (BOS) – 31.3 percent

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) tops the list, with a striking 42.3 percent of holiday delays caused by weather. December is particularly challenging at SFO, where over half of all delays in that month (50.5 percent) are weather-related, often due to rain and fog. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) follows closely with 42.1 percent weather-related delays, driven by the frequent winter storms that hit the East Coast.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA), another East Coast hub, ranks third with 38.3 percent of delays attributed to inclement weather, reflecting the challenges of winter travel in the Northeast. In Seattle, November rain and fog are common, contributing to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's (SEA) 38.1 percent weather-delay rate. Rounding out the top five, Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) has a 31.3 percent weather-delay rate, which spikes during the city’s harsh winter season.

Most Weather-Delayed Airports for the Holiday Season

For travelers looking to avoid weather-related delays, several U.S. airports typically experience fewer disruptions during the holiday months. Warm coastal climates and reliably milder weather conditions help keep these airports running smoothly.

Top Five Least Weather-Delayed Airports for Holiday Travel

1. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – 11 percent
2. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – 12.3 percent
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 12.4 percent
4. Dallas Love Field (DAL) – 12.7 percent
5. San Diego International Airport (SAN), Miami International Airport (MIA) – 13.1 percent (tied)

With a low weather-related delay rate of 11 percent, Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the most reliable option for those aiming for hassle-free holiday travel. Thanks to Hawaii’s tropical climate, flights here face few weather disruptions even during peak travel periods. Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are close behind, each with around 12 percent of delays attributed to weather.

Meanwhile, Dallas Love Field (DAL), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Miami International Airport (MIA) all see weather-related delays at rates under 13.5 percent, making them solid options for travelers seeking smoother travel experiences.

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