Best time to visit · Sedona · United States
The best time to visit Sedona
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Eddiewexler, CC0
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Quick answer
The best times to visit Sedona are March to May and September to November, when hiking weather is comfortable and skies are clear. These are also the busiest and most expensive months, so book early and start hikes at sunrise. Winter is quiet and pleasant by day with cold nights, while July and August bring heat and monsoon storms.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–May and September–November
- Shoulder season
- February and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 36°C (97°F))
- Coldest month
- December (avg high 13°C (55°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~8 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January
Seasons
At about 1,300 metres, Sedona is cooler than Phoenix: hot, dry early summers, a July–September monsoon with afternoon storms, crisp sunny autumns and mild winter days with frosty nights and occasional snow on the red rocks.
March–May
Spring
Ideal hiking temperatures, wildflowers and the year's biggest crowds, especially around spring break.
June–August
Summer
Hot days, high fire risk in June and monsoon storms with flash floods from July; Oak Creek's swimming holes are the draw.
September–November
Autumn
Sunny, mild days, autumn colour in Oak Creek Canyon and busy trails, particularly in October.
December–February
Winter
Cool sunny days, freezing nights, occasional snow on the red rocks and the quietest trails of the year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | -1°C | 5 | 10.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 16°C | 1°C | 5 | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 18°C | 2°C | 5 | 11.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 23°C | 5°C | 3 | 13 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| May | 28°C | 9°C | 2 | 14 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 33°C | 14°C | 1 | 14.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 36°C | 18°C | 6 | 14.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 34°C | 17°C | 8 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 31°C | 13°C | 4 | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 25°C | 7°C | 3 | 11.2 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 18°C | 2°C | 3 | 10.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 13°C | -1°C | 4 | 9.8 h | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Sedona Marathon (usually early February); Sedona International Film Festival (usually late February to early March) |
| March | Sedona International Film Festival (early March) |
| October | Sedona Arts Festival (usually early October); Sedona Plein Air Festival (usually October) |
| December | Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights — thousands of luminarias (usually early-to-mid December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January, and the sights are quietest in January. Many visitors avoid July–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Sedona?
The best times to visit Sedona are March to May and September to November, when hiking weather is comfortable and skies are clear. These are also the busiest and most expensive months, so book early and start hikes at sunrise. Winter is quiet and pleasant by day with cold nights, while July and August bring heat and monsoon storms.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Sedona?
Usually in January. Cool, sunny days and frosty nights; occasional snow dusts the red rocks. Quiet trails and lower prices.
+What is the rainiest month in Sedona?
August, with about 8 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Sedona get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 36°C (97°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).