Any Time is a Good Time for Sedona
No matter if it’s rainy, sunny, snowy, hot, or chilly, anytime is the best time to visit Sedona, depending on your own preferences in the weather. There is plenty to do and see inside and outside. Hiking, shopping, swimming, sit-seeing, events, and delicious eateries abound in this magical place.
Sedona Weather: Summer
Sedona boasts 300 days a year of blue skies, so all seasons hold something unique and beautiful for visitors. Located on the “foothills” of the famous Colorado Plateau, Sedona has a relatively high elevation of 4,500 ft above sea level. This means that it escapes the truly oppressive summers that the rest of Arizona experiences. In the months of June, July, and August temperatures over 100 occur, but the highs are usually in the low-to-mid 90’s. Because the region is arid, however, the lows drop to the 60’s and even 50’s, making mornings, nights, and evenings magical. So come during summer and just plan to take a break mid-day. Additionally, in the summer months, plan hikes in the many canyons and arroyos, which give shade and remain much cooler than the numerous open hikes.
Beginning around July 4th the seasonal monsoons also begin. However, these rains are unlike what most visitors are used to. They are unpredictable extremely short storms of sometimes great intensity. Monsoon season gives a delicious respite to the heat, still leaving most of the day rain-free. It’s my favorite season because the clouds add spectacular depth and you find pools captured in the red rock that create wonderful reflections. Also, clouds make for better sunsets. If you detest rain of any kind, avoid visiting in July and August. Otherwise, don’t shy away from the monsoon season. It’s an underrated beauty. Oh, and the smell of the desert after a summer rain is something you’ll never forget.
Sedona Weather: Spring and Fall
Spring and Fall are the most popular times to visit Sedona because the temperates are very moderate with highs between the ’60-’80s range and lows in the 40-’50s range. Rain is scarce and nights are refreshing without being cold. Days are warm without being hot. Blue skies are almost guaranteed. This is considered “high season” in Sedona, so expect more crowds than usual. Because of its incredible weather, Sedona has a very long high season. The downside is that Oak Creek Canyon gets very full of tourists and locals.
Sedona Weather: Winter
Winters are colder than most expect of a place so toasty in the summer. Due to its aridity, winter nights can reach freezing, but days are usually still warm with highs in the mid-’50s and 60s. It’s the perfect time to come if strenuous hikes, mountain bike rides, and other outdoor adventures speak to you. Snow is rare in Sedona, and if it does snow, it is usually a dusting. The white snow on the red rocks is a can’t-miss visual delight. Camping during this season is doable, but prepare for the night temps to plunge. Winter is a great time to visit Sedona, just don’t confuse arid Arizona with the tropics.
Sedona Vortex Adventures would love to set us an adventure for you and have you experience Sedona firsthand any time of the year. Call us today and learn more about what we offer.
