Month guide · Sedona · United States
Sedona in December
What December is really like in Sedona: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ken Thomas, Public domain
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 13°C (55°F), lows of -1°C (30°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 9.8 hours of daylight. Cool and calm, with luminarias and lights at Tlaquepaque and occasional snow on the buttes.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 13°C (55°F) / -1°C (30°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 9.8 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Sedona: days average 13°C (55°F) against a yearly average high of 24°C (75°F), and nights fall to about -1°C (30°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with November (18°C (64°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 14°C (57°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:28
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:17
- Daylight
- About 9.8 hours
Winter (December–February). Cool sunny days, freezing nights, occasional snow on the red rocks and the quietest trails of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is March at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in March). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights — thousands of luminarias (usually early-to-mid December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · West Sedona
Devil's Bridge
The largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area is reached by a trail of about 6.5 km round trip from the Dry Creek Vista trailhead, finishing with a steep stone staircase.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Active
- Photo spot
- Views
- Outdoors
Park · West Sedona
Red Rock State Park
Climb the short Eagle's Nest Trail for a classic Cathedral Rock view without the crowds of the main trail.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
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Park · Oak Creek Canyon
Slide Rock State Park
On a historic apple farm in Oak Creek Canyon, a slippery sandstone chute about 25 metres long sends swimmers sliding down the creek into pools.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Active
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Viewpoint · West Sedona
Airport Mesa
Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to find space at the small overlook parking area.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 13°C, lows near -1°C and 4 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Sedona?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, March–May and September–November are better overall. Compare every month.
Sedona in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Sedona?
It is a shoulder-season month. Cool and calm, with luminarias and lights at Tlaquepaque and occasional snow on the buttes.
+How warm is Sedona in December?
Average highs are around 13°C (55°F) and lows around -1°C (30°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Sedona in December?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.