1. Introduction
Find the perfect time to visit Sedona for any agenda.
2. Overview of Sedona, Arizona
With an otherworldly landscape, mystical sites, and a booming wellness industry, Sedona, Arizona, is a destination that will capture your heart from the moment you arrive. The gorgeous red rocks surrounding the city envelop you in their towering warmth, while Southwestern cuisine nourishes you from the inside out. It’s a must-see place that many visitors return to again and again.
Because of its high-desert location, Sedona offers four distinct seasons, each of which comes with relatively moderate weather. That means there’s no bad time to visit — but, depending on your itinerary, one time of year may tempt you more than the rest. The seasons in Sedona can be split into three rough categories as follows:
- High Seasons: March to May and September to November
- Shoulder Season: June to August
- Low Season: December to February
No matter what season catches your eye, here’s what you need to know about the weather, prices, and local sights when planning a trip to Sedona.
3. Most Popular Time to Visit Sedona
Sedona’s most popular seasons are spring and fall. Crowds flock to the Southwestern city between March and May and from September to November for beautiful temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Spring is prime time to see wildflowers (whether on a hike or via the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Spring in Bloom train), and both seasons offer great chances to take a Jeep tour through the canyons, walk through the picturesque center of town, or sit and watch a magical desert sunset.
Be warned, though: Things get very busy during these peak times, especially in the spring. So if you plan on visiting during the high seasons, it’s best to plan your accommodations and activities as early as possible.
4. Best Times to Visit Sedona for Smaller Crowds
As you may have guessed, winter is the least crowded time to visit Sedona. During these months, the temperatures drop as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the days get a little shorter. However, there are plenty of advantages to visiting this time of year — chief among them, the fact that you can likely snag a reservation wherever you want. It’s an advantageous time to stay at one of Sedona’s top resorts. Plus, you’ll probably have the hiking trails to yourself, and you can even snuggle up by a warm fire at night for a cozy stay. A winter trip to Sedona also means you’ll get to see it decked out in holiday lights.
5. Best Times to Visit Sedona for Good Weather
This one is a little subjective as it depends on your definition of “good weather.” But since Sedona has four distinct seasons and a year-round mild climate, nearly everyone can find their preferred environment here at some point or other. Sedona’s high elevation keeps it mostly insulated from the scorching heat Arizona is famous for — so no matter when you go, you’re unlikely to encounter the extreme temperatures you might expect from the Grand Canyon State.
According to Weather Spark, the temperature in Sedona “typically varies from 35°F to 94°F and is rarely below 27°F or above 101°F.” The city also hosts excellent events every month of the year, so even times that don’t align with your dream climate could offer other great reasons to visit.
Spring Visits in Sedona
Spring in Sedona may be best for those in search of weather that’s warm but not sweltering. Between March and May, temperatures tend to hover between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperate weather has a major fringe benefit — these months bring dazzling displays of wildflower blooms across Sedona.
Summer Adventures in Sedona
If you’re a heat seeker or a storm chaser, summer in Sedona could be for you. Temperatures rise to the mid-90s on average in July (the city’s hottest month), and summer is the rainy season, too. You can expect not only heavy rain from time to time but also some rather dramatic lightning and thunderstorms.
Fall Color Tours in Sedona
Temperatures begin to drop during the fall, resulting in average highs in the mid-60s by November. Because of that crisp air, the leaves on the trees quickly change color to a dazzling array of burnt orange, crimson red, and vibrant yellow. If finding this spectrum of fall colors is on your travel wish list, make your way to Sedona between late September and mid-October, when Sedona.net says the leaves are at their peak. If indoor pursuits are more your speed, the renowned Gem and Mineral Show held each October is another great reason to visit Sedona in the fall.
Winter Wonderland in Sedona
The winters in Sedona do get a bit chilly, with highs in the 50s and lows around freezing for much of December and January. However, visiting in the winter can be just as magical as any other season. Not only can you view the snow-capped peaks from town, but you could also plan more challenging outdoor activities, like long hikes and mountain bike rides, without the fear of overheating. Sedona also has a packed calendar of events during the winter. In November and December, Verde Canyon Railroad’s Magical Christmas Journey takes guests to the “North Pole” (complete with Santa and his elves), and in February and March, the Sedona International Film Festival brings the world’s best cinema to the city.
6. Best Times to Visit Sedona for Lower Prices
Here’s some good news: There are two less-expensive seasons to visit Sedona. Because of the cooler weather, winter tends to be an affordable time to visit the area, with the potential for good rates on accommodations and even discounted activities.
The summer can also be an affordable time to visit Sedona as the potential for inclement weather keeps some tourists away. If you dare to visit during the hottest months of July and August, you may be rewarded with lower rates — just don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and water.
7. Worst Times to Visit Sedona
Though your definition of “worst” will depend on your preferences, summer is certainly off-peak for a reason in Sedona. Temperatures — while lower than in much of Arizona — are often too high to comfortably enjoy the city’s natural landscapes, and even if you don’t mind the heat, summer storms can put a damper on your fun.
What’s more, summer here doesn’t even guarantee the lack of crowds you might expect during a destination’s off-season. Since summer is so sweltering in the Phoenix area, many Arizonans escape to Sedona in July and August for its slightly cooler climes. Therefore, while the area won’t be swarming with summer visitors, it won’t be empty, either.
That said, the worst times for crowds in Sedona are spring and fall. Their pleasant weather draws hundreds of thousands of tourists, so you should rule out these seasons if you’re hoping to contemplate those red rocks in solitude.
