The spectacular city of Sedona is one of the most exciting destinations in Arizona. Here, a collection of classic Southwestern buildings blends into a verdant valley amid breathtaking red rock buttes. Sedona has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an energy healing session at the Bell Rock vortex; an 18-hole course overlooking the cliffs at Sedona Golf Resort; or a hike up Broken Arrow Trail. Although the region is stunning at any time of year, monthly weather patterns can affect your itinerary. Check out the average temperatures and conditions for each season before booking your Sedona vacation rental, so that you can plan what to pack and enjoy your getaway to the fullest.
Visiting Sedona in the Summer
For travelers who love sunshine and dry heat, summer in Sedona is a dream. Days often reach the mid-90s, with evenings that can drop into the 60s. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing to stay cool, and bring an umbrella for the frequent, though short-lived, thunderstorms that roll through the valley. On hot days, locals head to Slide Rock State Park to cool off on the natural water slide in Oak Creek.
Summer is busy in Sedona. Vacation rentals fill up well in advance, so it’s a good idea to start searching early to find properties with the best views of the buttes. Beat the crowds by planning early morning or early evening hikes; as a bonus, you can experience Arizona’s legendary sunrises and sunsets, which turn Sedona into a flood of color that’s overwhelmingly beautiful. Airport Mesa is a great viewpoint, while Doe Mountain offers a more secluded vantage point. The city hosts a variety of festivals from June through August, including the Sedona Hummingbird Festival and Sedona Bike and Brew. Spots with popular tour companies such as Pink Jeep Tours book up fast; make reservations early.
Visiting Sedona in the Fall
Fall is one of Sedona’s most active seasons. Temperatures drop to comfortable 70s and 80s in September and October, so it’s the ideal time to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Companies such as Sedona Trail Zen and Arizona ATV Adventures offer a full fall schedule of biking, hiking, ATV, and yoga adventures. Mountain biking is popular this time of year, particularly at the Sedona Bike Park and the Hangover Trail. Be sure to pack sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain and a light jacket for cool evenings.
Sedona takes full advantage of the spectacular fall weather with a series of annual events. Enjoy classical music at the Red Rocks Music Festival, join in the rich arts culture at the Sedona Plein Air Festival, or sip a beer at the Red Rocks Oktober Fest and Craft Beer Festival. Fall also brings the Pumpkin Splash, a favorite local tradition where kids jump in the Sedona Community Pool to pick a pumpkin out of the water. Make reservations in advance for weekend dinners out, particularly at popular restaurants such as Indian Gardens Cafe and Market. In Late November, head to nearby Oak Creek Canyon to view vibrant fall foliage.
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Visiting Sedona in the Winter
Winter is cool and sunny in Sedona, with daytime temperatures generally in the 50s. A mid-weight jacket can keep you warm; tuck a hat and gloves in your bag for the occasional below-freezing morning. Rain is common, and high-elevation storms frequently dust the tops of the buttes with a pristine coat of snow. If crowds aren’t your thing, winter is the ideal time to visit Sedona. Enjoy fantastic hiking and biking on uncrowded trails, and watch the sunset in solitude from the stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross. In town, it’s easy to get reservations at hot spots such as Tamaliza and Elote Cafe.
Feel like a local from December through February at community events including The Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque, the Sedona Yoga Festival, and the Sedona Marathon. Winter is a great time to find an available tee time at the Sedona Golf Resort or The Oak Creek Country Club. For a truly memorable evening, bundle up and head out of town to watch the stars shine brilliantly in the clear, cold air.
Visiting Sedona in the Spring
As the high-altitude snows dissipate and the temperatures start to warm, Sedona undergoes a colorful transformation. Each spring, wildflowers bloom along the sunny canyon walls, creating perfect photo opportunities near Courthouse Butte and Doe Mesa. Crowd levels start to rise in April as temperatures hit the 70s, but you can see the flowers and enjoy the peace of the desert on a private tour with local companies such as Secret Mountain Tours. Though days can reach the 80s by May, it’s important to bring light layers for cold nighttime temperatures.
The warm, sunny spring ushers in a new season of festivals in Sedona. Try a guided trail ride at the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, attend concerts by internationally acclaimed musicians at the Sedona Spring Music Festival, or indulge during the Sedona Food Truck Festival. Spring is a fantastic time to hike above town to see the fresh green leaves framing the red-rock buttes.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Sedona?
The best time to visit Sedona is in the spring, when perfect temperatures and new leaves turn the landscape into a riot of natural color. Take advantage of sunny days by getting out onto the iconic West Fork Trail or checking out the city’s famous energy vortex on Cathedral Rock. Sedona’s many New Age healing centers tend to be less busy in the early spring, so it’s a good time to book a personalized session with Sedona Soul Adventures. For a cooler twist, head up to Oak Creek Canyon, which often features snow cover until late April.
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