When is the best time to visit Sedona?

One of Arizona’s most alluring desert cities, Sedona has long attracted adventurers, artists, mystics and those seeking to connect with the authentic American West. Now, wine aficionados, vortex seekers, culinarians and film festival goers add to its eclectic vibe, creating a place where natural and cultural worlds come together. 

Hikers will delight in over 400 miles of trails that lead them through a meandering desert landscape of spiky cacti to vermillion peaks with names like Snoopy and Coffee Pot Rock. The city is also the epicenter of sacred Indigenous sites, energy vortexes, UFO sightings and a booming spiritual scene. 

Situated in the Verde Valley’s high desert at 4350ft, Sedona has four distinct seasons, with mostly moderate temperatures year-round. Whether you come for hiking and biking adventures, wine-tasting excursions or luxury spa indulgences, here’s a guide to the best times to visit Sedona.

March to May and September to mid-October are the best times for outdoor fun

Weather in Sedona during spring and fall: Evenings are still chilly in March, and even the days are usually sweater weather, but it all turns sublime in Sedona in April and May when highs climb to the 70s and 80s.

That’s when cactus flowers burst into bloom, and crowds, escaping the savage summer heat of Southern Arizona, head to Sedona. Because it’s the busiest time, hotel prices shoot up, and reservations are often needed at the most popular restaurants. The desert's beauty and pleasant weather make it worthwhile. Tickets are normally snapped up quickly for the spring festivals, such as the Yoga Festival and Piano on the Rocks International Festival, so it's wise to secure yours well in advance.

The city is packed with artists that work with a variety of mediums; get up close with their process during the Open Studio Tour every April. May and September see the arrival of the Red Dirt Concert Series, which boasts a spectacular lineup of talented musicians that bring music to the city's streets

From September to mid-October, temperatures cool down, dropping from the 80s to the 70s, and the hillsides are ablaze with the jewel colors of autumn. September heralds the harvest season in the Verde Valley's vineyards and there are lots of events to celebrate the bounty. Hotel prices drop a little, but fall festivals –the Sedona Plein Air Festival, the Sedona Arts Festival and the Fall Arts & Crafts Fair, – celebrating Sedona’s flourishing arts scene heat up, making October one of the best times to visit the area. Travel the winding roads through the surrounding countryside, mountain bike in the red-dirt terrain, hike to soak up vortex energy, or enjoy a prickly pear margarita at one of the city’s many wonderful restaurants.

December to February is the best time for budget travelers

Weather in Sedona during winter: Snow in the desert? It happens, so take advantage of these picturesque scenes of red rocks frosted with white. Winters are mild, but nights can drop to just around freezing, so pack accordingly.

It’s like having the city all to yourself – aside from the usual holiday season revelry, December is one of the quietest times to visit Sedona. Coveted restaurant reservations are more easily available and the price of hotels with cozy fireplaces goes down. Get in the holiday spirit at the Festival of Lights and enjoy some Merry Music at the Museum. The cooler weather in February makes it the perfect month for the Sedona Half Marathon and stars of the silver screen arrive to celebrate the Sedona International Film Festival.

June to August and mid-October to November are the best times to avoid crowds

Weather in Sedona during summer and late fall: In summer, expect short-lived but heavy afternoon downpours (along with thunder and lightning). And it can be hot, with temperatures in the mid-90s.  In autumn, the leaves of Sedona’s oaks and bigtooth maples explode into reds and yellows, creating a kaleidoscope of color in the vast desert landscape.

If you do want to go hiking in June, get out early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. Take plenty of water and sun protection. If you're around on a Friday in June, head to the Pavilion in Posse Grounds Park to enjoy free summer movies – family-friendly favorites on a big screen from 7:30pm. Weekends tend to be busy in July as families from Phoenix escape the sizzling temperatures and big celebrations are a feature around Independence Day.

Sedona is still gorgeous in November, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s. Visitors can soak up the last warm days while touring the backcountry, joining a 5k Thanksgiving run, sampling delicious eats at the Food Truck Festival, taking a jeep tour or drifting above the otherworldly landscapes on a hot air balloon ride.