Why Now Is the Best Time to Discover One of America’s Most Beautiful Desert Towns

Wondering when is the best time to visit the jewel of Arizona known for its gorgeous red rock formations, art scene, and sacred vortexes?

Ever since an ex-boss of mine who lived in Sedona showed me a literal butte in his backyard, I’ve been vying to go to Sedona. I finally found myself here during my vanlife years on a Southwest road trip, choosing the slightly chilly February to hike through the dusty trails. But I just had to come back and found November’s weather to be absolutely still perfect for being out, about, and around town.

Sedona’s weather swings from toasty summers to cool winters, giving you a mixed bag depending on when you visit. So, here’s a quick rundown on the visitor seasons in Sedona:

• Best and Peak Season: March to May and September to November
• Off-Peak Season: December to February
• Worst Season: Peak of Summer

Now, let’s get into the details of the seasons, any can’t-miss events, and what the weather is like month by month. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip to Sedona or a longer retreat to see the Cathedral Rock trails or ride a jeep tour, these are the best times to make your visit.

Best Time to Visit Sedona

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time to visit Sedona, hands down, is from March to May and then again from September to November. The weather during these months is absolutely delightful, with warm days and cool evenings. You’ll get wonderful outdoor hiking days without the intense heat of summer. Spring and fall are also packed with outdoor festivals and events.

Best Time for Good Weather

If you’re chasing that perfect weather window for your Sedona adventure, again, aim for late March through May or mid-September to early November. During both seasons, mild temperatures will hover around 60°F to 80°F. In November, I was walking around the middle of the day in shorts and a tank top.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

To dodge the crowds, the winter, like late January to early February, is when there are the fewest visitors. It’s post-holiday time, and it’s just slightly chilly enough that you don’t want to be outdoors all the time. 

Whereas, usually, you’ll have to fight for a parking spot, it’ll be way easier than any other time of the year to find a spot. The queue for the Devil’s Bridge trail will be much shorter, too!

Cheapest Time to Visit

Sedona isn’t the most budget-friendly place, particularly for lodging. Prime times for better deals are the hottest summer months (July and August) and November to early March, excluding holidays. You can often find accommodations 20% to 30% cheaper than during peak seasons.

Worst Time to Visit Sedona

While Sedona’s beauty never really fades, the worst time to drop by might just be the scorching summer months of mid-June to August. The thermometer often flirts with the high 90s F, which can be pretty unpleasant under those scenic trails with no shade. 

Usually, the peak of summer is when the local Arizonians come to Sedona, as the temperatures scare off most others. 

Seasons of Sedona

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Sedona floats between that magical 60°F and 80°F zone. Wildflowers burst into bloom against those iconic red rocks, and the town fills with energy as outdoor enthusiasts flock to the trails. The event calendar starts to pack out with festivals that celebrate everything from art to music to Sedona’s natural and spiritual vibe. 

Despite its appeal, spring is also when Sedona starts seeing more visitors, especially around popular spots like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. My advice? Hit the trails early in the morning, like 6 am, go in the late afternoon, or explore some of the less-traveled paths. Not only will you dodge the crowds, but you’ll also catch some of those breathtaking sunrises Sedona is famous for.

Key Events:

• Sedona International Film Festival (late February to early March): This celebrated event brings film buffs together to enjoy a week-long showcase of independent films from around the globe.
• Sedona MTB Festival (March):  This 3-day celebration is about biking and a full-on celebration with demos, shuttled rides, and a beer garden. 
• Celebration of Spring (March): This annual event at the Sedona Community Center features egg hunts, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
• Sedona Yoga Festival (Typically in March): Stretch, breathe, and find your zen at this transformative festival, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just curious about downward dogs (or at least some really good stretching). 

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Sedona is intense, unforgettable, but not for everyone. First thing’s first, it’s hot. Temperatures easily hit the 90s and sometimes even venture into triple-digit territory. But it’s a dry heat, which means you won’t feel like you’re swimming in your clothes.

Hiking? You’d better hit those trails at dawn before the sun decides it’s time to really shine. The same goes for any outdoor activity you want to do in almost all of Arizona. But summer evenings are something else. Following the golden hour, the temperature drops to a more palatable level for some pretty spectacular stargazing opportunities. Outdoor concerts, nighttime art walks, and al fresco dining options keep the vibe alive.

What about the crowds? Yep, they’re still here, especially on weekends. Summer is definitely more popular amongst local Arizonians than it is with tourists from other places.  

Key Events:

• Summer Solstice Celebration (June): Celebrate the longest day of the year with the Summer Solstice Celebration.
• 4th of July Wet Fest (July): Get wet and wild at the annual 4th of July Wet Fest, where a slip-n-slide, community BBQ, and live music make for an afternoon to remember.
• Sedona Hummingbird Festival (July): Celebrate the color and speed these little birds bring. Workshops, garden tours, and opportunities for photography are here for this very niche event.
• National Day of the Cowboy (July): This event celebrates Sedona’s cowboy heritage with live performances, parades, and cowboy-themed activities.
• Sedona Star Party (August): Join astronomers for a night of constellation spotting, planet peeping, and deep space discoveries. It’s an out-of-this-world experience that reminds us how truly stunning the universe is.

Fall (September to November)

Fall in Sedona returns to milder days with slightly crisper air in the mornings and evenings. The temperatures hover in the comfy 60s and 70s F, meaning you can actually enjoy your hike without starting at the crack of dawn.

The foliage in Oak Creek Canyon starts throwing shades of gold, amber, and red. Event-wise, there’s everything from wine festivals to marathons. 

Fall is the close second as the busiest time of the year. Here’s a tip: mid-week visits mean fewer people and much shorter lines. Plus, accommodations might be easier on your wallet.

Key Events: 

• Sedona Winefest (September): Wine lovers can do tastings from multiple wineries and enjoy delicious food at a sophisticated yet casual event.
• Thunder Valley Rally (September): This event combines scenic rides with live music, poker runs, and a whole lot of camaraderie among bikers.
• Sedona Vortifest Music Festival & Experience (September): This unique festival dives deep into the mystical with a blend of music, wellness workshops, and spiritual sessions.
• Sedona Plein Air Festival (October): This week-long celebration of art and nature showcases the works of talented plein air painters as they capture the surrounding landscapes.
• Sedona Food Truck Festival (November): A taste of local and international cuisines paired with live music and entertainment.

Winter (December to February)

The pace finally slows a bit in winter. Surprisingly, Sedona’s winters are mild, with daytime temperatures hovering around the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. Yes, it gets chilly, especially when the sun dips, but it’s nothing a good jacket can’t handle.

Snow in Sedona isn’t an everyday occurrence, but when it happens, the red rocks are wrapped in a winter wonderland vibe. The snow typically melts off quickly in town, so you’re not dealing with slushy streets for long.

Winter is Sedona’s low season, which means fewer tourists and better deals on accommodations. 

Key Events: 

• Sedona Winterfest (January): This event is the town’s holiday party, featuring everything from local arts and crafts to delicious seasonal treats. 
• Winter Solstice Event (December): Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a blend of spiritual and cultural festivities.
• Winter Play Day (January): This occasion is all about unleashing your inner child with inflatables, games, music, and more.

Sedona Weather By Month

Below is a detailed month-by-month overview of the average high and low temperatures, along with precipitation, in Sedona:

Month	Average High (ºF)	Average Low (ºF)	Av. Precipitation (inch)
Jan	56	31	2.09
Feb	61	33	2.17
Mar	65	37	2.48
Apr	73	42	1.14
May	82	49	0.71
Jun	93	58	0.35
Jul	97	64	1.65
Aug	94	63	1.89
Sep	88	58	1.93
Oct	77	48	1.65
Nov	64	36	1.38
Dec	57	31	1.50

Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Arizona?

Arizona is amongst my top favorite places in the world. I’ve vanlifed around and through this great state back and forth, north and south, multiple times on my road trips. If you’re looking for more itineraries on Arizona, check out these other destinations.

• Perfect One Day In Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
• One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.