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Best time to visit Sedona
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Alix Greenman on Unsplash
Best time to visit Sedona, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1-15°C, crisp and clear with occasional frost | low | low |
⚠ Occasional snow dusts the red rocks, but rarely accumulates. | |
| February | 2-18°C, mild days, chilly nights, dry | low | low |
⚠ Still possible to get a frost. | |
| March | 7-22°C, pleasant and sunny with minimal rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Spring Break crowds can increase later in the month. | |
| April | 10-27°C, warm and sunny, very little rain | high | high |
⚠ Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance. | |
| May | 15-32°C, warm to hot, sunny and dry | high | high |
⚠ Temperatures can approach heatwave levels by month's end. | |
| June | 20-38°C, hot and dry, increasing chance of monsoon storms late | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Afternoon temperatures require planning around the heat. | |
| July | 23-39°C, very hot with frequent, intense monsoon thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Monsoon storms can cause flash floods and trail closures. High heat is a major factor. | |
| August | 22-38°C, hot and humid with significant monsoon activity | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Monsoon season is at its peak; flash flood risk is high. Extreme heat persists. | |
| September | 18-34°C, hot but decreasing humidity, monsoon fades | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Still quite hot, especially early in the month. | |
| October | 12-28°C, warm, sunny, and dry with crisp evenings | high | high |
⚠ One of the busiest months; book far in advance. | |
| November | 5-22°C, cool and sunny, crisp air | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can experience early winter frost. | |
| December | 0-16°C, cold nights, mild days, dry with a chance of snow | low | low |
⚠ Snowfall is infrequent but possible, adding a unique beauty. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
October
Sedona Arts Festival
Showcasing a juried selection of fine art from artists across the country.
September
Sedona Plein Air Festival
Artists paint outdoors throughout Sedona, culminating in a public exhibition and sale.
November
Red Rock Balloon Rally
A spectacular display of hot air balloons launching over the stunning red rock landscape.
January
Sedona Stargazing Events
Special guided stargazing programs due to exceptionally clear winter skies.
February
Sedona Marathon
A popular race attracting runners of all levels through scenic red rock terrain.
Insider timing tips
- •The monsoon season (July-August) brings dramatic thunderstorms and potential flash floods, but also a brief period of lush greenery and cooler temperatures during downpours.
- •Spring (March-April) and Fall (October-November) offer the most comfortable hiking weather, but also coincide with peak tourist seasons and highest prices.
- •While summer (June-August) is hot, early mornings and late evenings are still prime times for outdoor activities, with fewer crowds than spring and fall.
- •Winter (December-February) is the least crowded and most affordable time, offering crisp, clear days perfect for photography and stargazing, though daytime temperatures are cool.
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