With visions of towering red rock reaching into the boundless desert sky dancing in your head, Sedona calls to you. Its mystical energy vortexes, countless Sedona hikes, and tons of incredible desert accommodations make this Arizona city one of the best year-round destinations in the state.
It’s not just the temperate climate and crystals that make this place magical. Smack dab in the heart of Arizona, north of the heat of Phoenix and south of the mountainous regions of Flagstaff, Sedona offers an array of activities to all who visit this bustling town of mysticism and spectacular natural scenery.
Our luxury vacation homes scattered throughout the red rocks of Sedona allow guests to take in the iconic rust-colored buttes right from their bedroom windows. Let’s take a look at the best time to plan your visit.
Visiting Sedona in the Fall
Photo Credit: Adventuring With Friends
Autumn is one of the ideal times to visit Sedona, weather-wise. During this time, the leaves begin their fiery transition into winter, making it perfect for leaf peeping. Remember that because of the ideal weather, Sedona attracts larger crowds this time of year.
Fall Weather in Sedona
The air has cooled from the sweltering summers, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor recreation. Expect high temps in the comfortable mid-70s and crisp cold nights that dip into the low 40s with very little precipitation.
Best Things to Do in the Fall
Warm days and cool nights make for great Sedona hiking and camping excursions into Red Rock Country and state parks. West Fork Oak Creek Canyon trail is an easy but undeniably beautiful walk that will wind you through gold and crimson leaves as you move along the gentle canyon stream surrounded by enormous red rock walls. Keep in mind that on fall weekends, trails tend to get very crowded, so plan accordingly and arrive early.
Fall Events in Sedona
Autumn is a busy time in Sedona due to its comfortable temperatures and the spectacular scenery of changing seasons. Thankfully, it’s also a time full of events and activities.
Red Rocks Oktoberfest
Grab a stein and put on that lederhosen because Sedona celebrates all things beer. And the best part is all proceeds go towards youth programs for the city.
Sedona Rock, Gem, and Jewelry Show
No visit to Sedona is complete without a cleansing of your auras with various crystals and gems. Whether you believe in their mystic powers or not, this October event is perfect for seeing rare minerals, dazzling amethyst, fossils, and the custom jewelry that the Sedona region is famous for.
Visiting Sedona in Winter
Photo Credit: Alexey Stiop
Ditch the crowds of spring and fall, bundle up, and enjoy Sedona this winter. It is a perfect getaway for those who love to cozy up near the fireplace and soak up the sunshine during the winter holidays.
Winter Weather in Sedona
Average highs in the mid-60s and a rare chance to witness the red rocks dusted in snow make winter a great time to visit. Days are crisp and dry, with lots of daily sunshine so you can escape the dreary winter.
Best Things to Do in Winter
Photo Credit: Lissandra Melo
Crowd-Free Hiking
Enjoy some of Sedona's most famous hiking trails, like the Devil's Bridge, Airport Mesa Loop, and Soldiers Pass, without another soul in sight. Keep in mind that afternoon snowmelt tends to make some trails a bit muddy and slick.
Join a Pink Jeep Tour
Winter is an excellent time to get off-grid. With melting snow turning the ‘Broken Arrow trail to mud, this is a true off-road adventure with magnificent and unique scenery. Check out the famous Pink Jeep Tours for one of the best ways to soak up Sedona’s landscapes.
Take a Helicopter Tour
The best way to view the enchanting desert winter wonderland is from above. Apex Air Tours takes you into the sky for a bird's eye view of some of Sedona's most iconic red rock monoliths, ancient ruins, and vast high desert forests.
Winter Events in Sedona
The Magical Christmas Journey
Photo Credit: Kit Leong
Every weekend in December, Christmas magic arrives in Sedona at the Verde Canyon Railroad, where you and the kids can hop aboard a real-life Polar Express as the festively decorated train departs for the North Pole as Santa’s elves make the journey fun and jolly! Visit Santa’s workshop, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and Reindeer Flight School as you take in the brilliant display of lights and Christmas cheer as it slowly passes by.
Visiting Sedona in Spring
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
Sedona truly comes alive in spring. Blossoming desert flora and fauna create breathtaking natural landscapes perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Be sure to keep in mind that it is the busiest and most popular time of year to visit. But for good reason, with numerous annual events like spring break, quirky music festivals, and generally pleasant weather.
Spring Weather in Sedona
Warm temperatures and the arrival of wildflowers make it a truly magical time to visit Sedona. Average highs in the 80s and lows in the mid-50s mean consistent t-shirt and shorts weather.
Best Things to Do in Spring
Photo Credit: Ablaze Media
Mountain Biking
Vast networks of trails, grippy red rock, and incredible landscapes make Sedona a mountain biker’s wildest dream. Trails out here range from beginner to expert. Proper safety gear and sun protection are highly recommended.
Rock Climbing
Sedona's location along the Colorado Plateau means it has an endless supply of sandstone spires waiting to be conquered. Rock climbing is a popular pastime here, and people come from all over the world to scale Sedona’s red rocks, such as Bell Rock.
Spring Events in Sedona
Photo Credit: jessicaxmarie
Sedona Yoga Festival
Practice your asanas and align your chakras at Sedona’s very own yoga festival. In early May this town is transformed into one of the largest yoga retreats in the country. With spiritualists drawn in by the energy vortexes, Sedona has long been seen as a magical place to recenter and elevate your being.
Visiting Sedona in the Summer
Photo Credit: venuswix
Temperatures begin to cool in the late afternoon and early mornings, making it a perfect time to drive up to Sedona's many viewpoints and vortexes surrounding the Verde Valley or visit the many art galleries and restaurants during the daytime hours.
Summertime Sedona Weather
It’s no secret that summers in Arizona are blazing hot, Sedona is no exception. But Sedona is high-elevation, meaning average temperatures top out at around a dry 90 to 94 degrees. The rainy season rolls in around June to provide some mid-afternoon relief.
Best Things to Do in Summer
Escape the heat of summer by sightseeing with the blessing of air conditioning. Day trips from Sedona include The Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. See Sedona and its surrounding beauty on the endless desert highways, passing small towns along the way.
Summer Events in Sedona
Photo Credit: Ondrej Prosicky
Hummingbird Festival
Late July provides the perfect opportunity to get close to the brilliant display of all things hummingbirds, including photography, art, and speakers at the Hummingbird Festival advocating for the importance of these dazzling birds. Of course, it’s also a great time to feast your eyes on the feeders while dozens of these busy little guys flock to the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Where to Stay Year Round in Sedona
Surrounded by nearly 2 million acres of national forest, this landscape is built for adventure, a little mystic magic, and a lot of relaxation – no matter the time of year!
Our luxurious vacation homes scattered throughout the region can help you embrace the natural beauty of the desert and connect with the landscape during your stay.
