Sedona Arizona Weather
Sedona sits at 4350′ above sea level. This elevation keeps Sedona cooler than Phoenix in the summertime but also not as chilly as Flagstaff in the winter months. The spring and fall seasons in Sedona are nice and long… perfect for enjoying the dramatic red rock landscape as you hike or participate in other outdoor adventures and activities. Scroll down to learn more about typical Sedona Arizona weather trends, view average monthly temperatures, and precipitation.
If you only ever get to visit one place in Arizona, it has to be Sedona.
Of course, we’d suggest you try and visit everywhere in the Grand Canyon State, from the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix to Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Northeast Arizona. But, if there’s one place that sums up everything that Arizona has to offer, it’s Sedona.
Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, two state parks, and four wilderness areas, Sedona is nestled in some of the most beautiful country in the United States. Watching the sunrise or set over the red rocks is a uniquely beautiful experience.
Wilderness areas near Sedona include:
- Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness
- Munds Mountain Wilderness
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
- Wet Beaver Wilderness
The city itself is filled with a plethora of Southwest art galleries, shops, fine restaurants, and coffee houses that epitomize the laid-back, artistic atmosphere of Arizona.
However, as enjoying much of the beauty of Sedona involves being outside, the weather can play a huge part in your holiday.
To help you plan your visit to Sedona, we’ve broken down the usual weather patterns by season and month and combined them with some suggested, ideal activities.
Sedona Weather: Seasonal Trends
Sedona is a year-round vacation destination. However, spring and fall are considered peak-season. Most activities are available in all 4 seasons, just make sure you are appropriately attired and prepared for temperature variations and precipitation during the season in which you are visiting.
Sedona is considered high-desert, so early mornings can be quite cool but will warm up considerably as the day progresses. Plan on wearing layers and expect to bundle up if heading out very early in the morning during the fall, winter, and early spring.
Sedona Weather by Month Snapshot
| Month | Average High Temp | Average Low Temp | Average Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 30°F | 2.09″ |
| February | 59°F | 32°F | 2.18″ |
| March | 63°F | 35°F | 2.48″ |
| April | 72°F | 42°F | 1.14″ |
| May | 81°F | 49°F | 0.71″ |
| June | 91°F | 57°F | 0.35″ |
| July | 95°F | 65°F | 1.65″ |
| August | 92°F | 64°F | 1.89″ |
| September | 88°F | 58°F | 1.93″ |
| October | 78°F | 49°F | 1.65″ |
| November | 65°F | 37°F | 1.38″ |
| December | 56°F | 31°F | 1.50″ |
This weather table gives Sedona an average year-round high temperature of 75°F and a low of 46°F. Couple that with exceptionally low humidity levels (between 10% and 40%), and you’ve hit the weather jackpot.
How to get to Sedona? READ: Driving Directions to Sedona Arizona – 9 Different Maps
Sedona Weather by Season
If you’re wondering if there’s a “bad” time to visit Sedona, there’s not. Outdoor activities are possible year-round and the scenery is stunning 365 days of the year.
To help you better plan your trip, here’s what you can expect seasonally for Sedona weather.
Sedona in the Summer
Summer in Sedona gets hot. Not Phoenix hot, but still hot. Temperatures can get as high as 100°F, so make sure your accommodations are air-conditioned and, if possible, you have pool access.
It’s best to stay out of the heat in the middle of the day and enjoy a Spanish-style siesta, so plan your summer outdoor activities for the morning and the late afternoon/evening.
Summer monsoons start to arrive in July and usually last a couple months. That can mean dramatic afternoon thundershowers and heat lightning, or just brief sprinkles. Stunning rainbows are common this time of year.
Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Uptown Sedona along SR 89A, offers lush vegetation, cool swimming holes, shady camps, stunning canyon walls of rust and creamy sandstone, and plenty of places to stop and shop, eat, or hike. Plan on a leisurely trip through the canyon, especially on weekends when traffic is heavy.
Looking for a perfect Sedona hike that beats the heat? READ: Enjoy West Fork Trail Sedona with Your Kids
The summer is also fire season, so be aware that there may be fire restrictions in place and that forests may close if the fire danger level gets too high. You may want to purchase travel insurance. More information from the USDA Coconino National Forest here >>
Sedona Fall
After the heat of the summer, Fall in Sedona turns back into a festival town. The cooler temperatures bring tourists flocking to the Sedona Arts Festival, Sedona Plein Air Festival, Red Rocks Oktoberfest, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, and the ever-popular Sedona Winefest. The weather starts to cool down in mid-September and stays warmish/brisk until December. There is usually very little precipitation during the fall.
Golden fall colors in Sedona proper peak in mid-October, early November. But, as you head north through Oak Creek Canyon, the elevation gradually climbs, so you can start seeing autumn colors earlier in September as you travel north on 89A.
Sedona in the Winter
Winter in Sedona is one of the most enchanting times of the year. The temperatures in December and January can dip as low as 33 to 35°F, meaning it’s not unusual to see a little snow. If you are lucky enough to experience snow in Sedona, it is usually just a dusting that melts away by mid-day. Daytime temperatures can get as high as 70 degrees.
Coming to Sedona in the winter is a great opportunity to snuggle up with a romantic partner. You can enjoy the beauty of the snow on the red rocks during the day and then cozy up by the fire in the evening.
Sedona Spring
Springtime is festival season in Sedona. There’s a whole range of amazing celebrations to go and see, from the Cinco de Mayo Celebration and the Illuminate Film Festival to the Sedona Yoga Festival and Earth Day.
Temperatures range between 68 and 86 °F on average, from slightly chilly to pleasantly warm. Spring is also the time the desert starts to bloom. It is a lovely time to visit Sedona. There is usually very little rain, but it sometimes snows.
READ: Sedona Wildflowers – Colorful desert blooms along the trails in Red Rock Country
Sedona Weather by Month
To help you plan your trip in detail, we’ve broken down the weather in Sedona by month and added in some advice to help you get the most out of your visit.
Sedona Weather in January
Average temperatures in °F: Highs near 56 and lows near 31
Average precipitation in inches: 2.1
What to wear: Layer up in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a pullover, and a light jacket. Waterproof hiking boots, a stowaway raincoat, some gloves or mittens, and a scarf are also good ideas (just in case).
What to do: Enjoy the chilly air and beautiful scenery on less-crowded hiking trails. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at a luxury bed & breakfast or your own Air BnB. Visit fine art galleries, dine at Sedona’s gourmet restaurants, and head out to watch an early evening sunset.
Sedona Weather in February
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 61 and lows near 33
Average precipitation in inches: 2.16
What to wear: Layer up in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a pullover, and a light jacket. Waterproof hiking boots, a stowaway raincoat, some gloves or mittens, and a scarf are also good ideas (just in case).
What to do: Take advantage of the lower tourist numbers to visit the Sedona Heritage Museum and Red Rock State Park. Lovers can enjoy long romantic weekends with couples’ massage and spa treatments. Almost all outdoor activities and attractions are available and open during the winter, so there is still plenty to do with fewer crowds.
Sedona Weather in March
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 65 and lows near 37
Average precipitation in inches: 2.47
What to wear: Layer up in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a pullover, and a light jacket. Waterproof hiking boots and a stowaway raincoat are also good ideas. It could snow, so be prepared. It could also be quite warm, hence the layers.
What to do: Head out for some physical activity in this cool weather like hiking, jeep touring, and ATVing. Sedona events include the St Patrick’s Day Parade, Sedona Food Truck Festival, and the Sedona 5 and 10K Stumble.
Sedona Weather in April
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 73 and lows near 42
Average precipitation in inches: 1.16
What to wear: Bring pants and shorts, long-sleeves and t-shirts, sweatshirts, and light jackets. Spring weather is all over the place in Sedona. It could snow one day and be 80 degrees the next. Bring close-toed shoes or boots for hiking.
What to do: Rent a mountain bike and hit the trails. Hike to a vortex. Find yourself an outdoor firepit or restaurant with outdoor seating and enjoy the beauty of an explosively colorful sunset painting Sedona’s red rocks with a myriad of colors. Celebrate Earth Day/Month and SPRING!
Sedona Weather in May
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 82 and lows near 49
Average precipitation in inches: .71
What to wear: Shorts and pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, light jacket for early morning/late evening. Close-toed shoes or boots for hiking. Bring your swimsuit if your hotel has a heated pool or hot tub.
What to do: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the Illuminate Film Festival. Picnic at Red Rock Crossing. Explore Sinagua Indian Ruins. Hike to your heart’s content.
Sedona Weather in June
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 93 and lows near 58
Average precipitation in inches: .36
What to wear: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and sandals for in town. Close-toed shoes or boots for hiking. Don’t forget your swimsuit, water shoes, towel, and sunscreen.
What to do: The sun rises early during the summer in Arizona and if you can resist sleeping in, you can enjoy the nicest time of day in Sedona. It is peaceful and quiet as the day slowly awakens to birdsong. Dawn is a magical time to meditate or start an early morning bike ride or hike. Later on in the day as the temperature heats up, check out some of Sedona’s most popular swimming holes, including Grasshopper Point and Slide Rock State Park.
Sedona Weather in July
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 97 and lows near 64
Average precipitation in inches: 1.65
What to wear: Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for in town. Close-toed shoes or boots for hiking. Don’t forget your swimsuit, water shoes, towel, and sunscreen.
What to do: Check out the spiritual icon that is Cathedral Rock and join the huge community of people with pictures of one of the most photographed sights in Arizona. Explore shaded Oak Creek Canyon with a glorious hike through West Fork.
Sedona Weather in August
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 94 and lows near 62
Average precipitation in inches: 1.9
What to wear: Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for in town. Close-toed shoes or boots for hiking. Don’t forget your swimsuit, water shoes, towel, and sunscreen.
What to do: Get up early and head to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride or an afternoon helicopter excursion for an eagle-eye view of the red rocks. Attend the Sedona Photography Symposium or the Sedona Star Party. Watch for desert monsoons and rainbows.
Sedona Weather in September
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 88 and lows near 58
Average precipitation in inches: 1.94
What to wear: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and sandals for in town. Close-toed shoes or boots for hiking. Don’t forget your swimsuit, water shoes, towel, and sunscreen. The second half of September starts to cool down in the evening and early morning. Pack pants, sweaters, or sweatshirts.
What to do: Relax in one of Sedona’s world-class spas and let our pampering specialists smooth your cares away. Discover the vineyards and wineries in the surrounding Verde Valley. Attend the Sedona Winefest and bring your furry friend to the Sedona Wagfest and Fair.
Sedona Weather in October
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 77 and lows near 48
Average precipitation in inches: 1.67
What to wear: Pants and a long-sleeved shirt combined with a light jacket for colder days.
What to do: Sedona is full of festivals during October. Attend the Sedona Arts Festival, Sedona Plein Air Festival, Slide Rock Fall Fest, and the Red Rocks Oktoberfest. Halloween is celebrated in Uptown Sedona and is safe and entertaining for everyone! Oh, and don’t forget the golden fall colors.
Sedona Weather in November
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 64 and lows near 36
Average precipitation in inches: 1.38
What to wear: Pants and a long-sleeved shirt combined with sweatshirts, sweaters, or a light jacket for colder days.
What to do: Join one of the largest mountain biking festivals in the U.S, with bike demos, spectacular tracks, and a well-placed beer garden. Participate in the Sedona Annual Turkey Trot for some local fun. Hike a lot so you can indulge more during the holiday season.
Sedona Weather in December
Average temperature in °F: Highs near 57 and lows near 31
Average precipitation in inches: 1.5
What to wear: Layer up in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a pullover, and a light jacket. Waterproof hiking boots and a stowaway raincoat are also good ideas.
What to do: Enjoy the nooks and crannies of Sedona’s seasonal shopping areas and indulge in a mug of mulled wine while picking up some unique gifts. Attend the Festival of Lights and the Sedona Tree Lighting and Santa Visit with your family. The days are shorter, so you can watch a sunrise without having to get up too early. Just make sure you bundle up.
The Best Time to Visit Sedona? Anytime!
When it comes to Sedona weather, there’s no wrong time of year to visit. You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities and amazing scenery to enjoy no matter which season you choose.
Now that you know what to expect with the weather and climate, it’s time to continue your vacation planning.
Bring sunscreen, year-round.
Sedona sits at a high elevation of about 4350′. That means you can get sunburned fairly quickly on any day of the year, even when it’s cloudy. If you plan to be out and about from 10am – 4pm, make sure you wear sunscreen.
Reminder: Sedona is a Desert.
Please remember to take care of yourself when visiting Sedona at any time of year. Have a reusable, full water bottle with you at all times.
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