Sedona, Arizona, enjoys a high-desert climate with four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and dramatic red rock scenery. Summers are hot and often punctuated by monsoon storms, while winters are mild with occasional light snow. Comfortable spring and autumn temperatures, low humidity, and over 275 sunny days a year make Sedona a year-round destination for outdoor adventurers.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Sedona’s climate is classified as high-desert Mediterranean, shaped by its 1,372-metre (4,500-foot) elevation. Summers (June–September) are hot and sunny, with average highs of 32–36°C and lows of 15–18°C. July and August are the warmest months, and the region experiences a monsoon season from late June to August, bringing brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms and dramatic skies. Despite the heat, evenings cool rapidly, making nights comfortable for outdoor dining and stargazing. Summer humidity remains low except during monsoon periods.
Winters (December–February) are mild, with daytime highs of 11–16°C and nighttime lows near freezing. Snow falls a few times each winter, usually melting by midday, but occasionally dusts the red rocks for spectacular views. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular seasons, offering mild, sunny days (17–28°C), cool nights, and vibrant wildflowers or autumn foliage. Rain is moderate year-round, with an annual average of 500–600 mm, peaking in March and during summer monsoons. Sedona enjoys around 278 sunny days per year, with daylight ranging from just under 10 hours in December to over 14 hours in June. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be brisk during storms or in exposed canyon areas.
| Average climate data for Sedona, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 8 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 25 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 29 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -2 | -1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 7 | 2 | -2 | -2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 22 | 29 | 27 | 12 | 9 | 4 | 58 | 45 | 22 | 12 | 27 | 29 | 296 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 16 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 86 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 38 | 66 | 28 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 68 | 227 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 11 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 63 | 58 | 47 | 36 | 32 | 24 | 42 | 43 | 42 | 44 | 48 | 61 | 45 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 23 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 11 | 6 | 18 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 24 | 15 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The best time to visit Sedona is in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are comfortable, skies are clear, and the landscape is vibrant with wildflowers or autumn colours. These seasons offer ideal conditions for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures, with fewer weather extremes and manageable crowds.
The least favourable time to visit Sedona is during the peak of summer (late June–August), when daytime temperatures can exceed 36°C and monsoon storms bring sudden, intense rainfall and lightning. While mornings and evenings are pleasant, midday heat and storm risks can limit outdoor activities. Winter is mild but may bring occasional snow and chilly nights.
Sedona has a high-desert Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and abundant sunshine.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best times to visit Sedona, offering mild weather, clear skies, and vibrant natural scenery—perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Yes, Sedona receives occasional light snow in winter, usually a few times per year. Snow rarely lingers and often melts by midday, but it creates stunning views of the red rocks.
Summer highs in Sedona typically reach 32–36°C. July and August are the hottest months, and afternoon monsoon storms can bring brief, intense rain and lightning.
Monsoon season runs from late June to August, bringing short but intense afternoon thunderstorms, dramatic skies, and occasional flash floods. Storms usually clear quickly, leaving fresh, fragrant air.
Bring sunblock, a brimmed hat, sturdy hiking shoes, and layers for cool mornings and evenings. In summer, pack rain gear for monsoon storms. Always carry water and check weather forecasts before hiking.
Yes, Sedona’s climate supports outdoor activities all year. Spring and autumn are ideal, summer mornings and evenings are pleasant, and winter offers mild days with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (29.3 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is December (7.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 18.5 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (16.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is December (-2.3 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 6.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (57.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is June (4 mm). Over the whole year there are 295.6 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (16.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is June (2.7 days). Over the whole year there are 86.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is December (68.4 mm). The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 226.5 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is December (3.5 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are June, July and August (0 days). Over the whole year there are 11 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (62.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is June (24.3 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 44.9 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is April (13.3 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (7.9 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 10.6 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is December (23.9 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is June (6.4 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 15.1 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 12.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 6 h). Over the whole year there are 9.1 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 6). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.8.
