Things to do / Sedona in four seasons
Sedona guide
Sedona in four seasons
There is no wrong time to visit. Here is what each season brings to the red rocks.
Sedona sits at about 4,500 feet, high enough to escape the worst of the desert heat and low enough for mild winters. Each season has its own character, and our guests return in all of them.
Spring: March to May
Warm, sunny days, usually in the 60s to 80s, with cool mornings and evenings. Wildflowers and blooming cactus brighten the trails, and the creeks run full from winter snowmelt. It is one of the most popular times to visit, so book early, especially around spring break and Easter.
- Hike before the summer heat arrives. Our favorite walk from the villas to Lower Chimney Rock and Little Sugarloaf is perfect now.
- Watch for wildflowers along the trails at the foot of Thunder Mountain.
- Take a sunrise balloon flight in the calm, clear spring air.
Summer: June to September
Hot days, often in the 90s, with warm evenings that are perfect for sitting out on your patio or balcony. From about July into September the monsoon brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, rainbows over the red rocks and spectacular sunsets.
- Hike at sunrise and be off the trail by late morning. Carry plenty of water.
- Cool off in Oak Creek. Buddha Beach, beneath Cathedral Rock, is our favorite swimming hole.
- Spend the hot afternoon at our spa, by the pool or in your villa's jetted tub.
- Avoid canyons and washes when storms are forecast, because flash floods can happen quickly.
Summer is also when we offer our best direct-booking specials. See our Rates & offers page.
Fall: October to November
Many locals' favorite season: clear skies, days in the 60s to 80s and crisp evenings. Fall color arrives in Oak Creek Canyon in late October and early November, with the maples and sycamores along the West Fork turning red and gold. It is a busy season, so plan ahead.
- Walk the West Fork of Oak Creek for fall color, early in the day before the lot fills.
- Hike to Devil's Bridge in comfortable temperatures.
- Watch the sunset from Little Sugarloaf, then come back for an evening by the fire.
Winter: December to February
One of Sedona's best-kept secrets. Days are often sunny with highs in the 50s and low 60s, and nights drop near freezing. Light snow falls a few times most winters and usually melts by afternoon, leaving the red rocks dusted in white. Trails are quieter and the clear, cold air makes the views sharper than ever.
- Hike in the middle of the day, when the sun is warmest. Fay Canyon and Bell Rock Pathway are good winter choices.
- Drive up Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff for snow in the pines, and check road conditions before you go.
- Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, about two hours away. It is beautiful in snow, but plan for winter driving.
- Long, clear nights are perfect for stargazing. Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community.
- In December, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village glows with holiday lights.
Every villa has a fireplace and a two-person jetted tub, and our spa is open daily, so a cold morning on the trail ends warm. Watch our Rates & offers page for winter savings.
Whenever you come
Pack layers in every season, because desert mornings and evenings are cooler than the afternoons. Ask us before your stay and we'll help plan around the weather.
