Weather in Sedona

Planning your day in Sedona? Check out the latest weather data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts right in this section.

The climate in Sedona can be characterised as semi-arid with four distinct seasons. The city is known for significant diurnal and annual temperature fluctuations, which is typical for high-altitude desert regions of the USA. Overall, there are many sunny days throughout the year.

Summer in Sedona (from June to August) is hot and predominantly dry, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 25°C, and daily highs often rising above 30°C. Interestingly, July and August, despite the heat, show an increase in the number of rainy days to 11, although the total amount of rainfall remains low (1-2 mm). Winters (from December to February) are cool, with average temperatures around 3-5°C, while night-time temperatures regularly drop below freezing. A small amount of precipitation also falls during the winter months.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Sedona are transitional seasons with comfortable and pleasant weather. In spring, temperatures gradually rise, with March standing out for having the highest amount of rainfall (3 mm) and rainy days (10 days). May and June are the driest months of the year. In autumn, the weather is mild with gradually decreasing temperatures, making this time of year popular for visiting.

The temperature regime in Sedona is characterised by significant fluctuations both throughout the year and during the day. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 25.3°C, and daily highs often rise to 32.2°C. The coldest months are considered to be January and February: the average temperature in January is 3.7°C (with minimum values down to -2.2°C), and in February — 3.8°C (with minimums down to -2.5°C). This difference between day and night temperatures is a distinctive feature of Sedona's climate year-round.

The summer months in Sedona, from June to August, bring real heat. In June, the average temperature is 23.1°C, and the maximum can reach 30.9°C. The peak heat occurs in July, as already mentioned, with maximum daily temperatures around 32.2°C. In August, the temperature drops slightly, with an average of 23.8°C and a maximum of up to 30.5°C. Despite the high daytime figures, nights in summer bring noticeable coolness: for example, in July the minimum average temperature drops to 18.4°C, and in June to 15.3°C, ensuring a comfortable rest after the daytime heat.

Winter in Sedona, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by cool weather, especially at night. In December, the average temperature holds at 5.4°C, but at night it can drop to -0.4°C. January and February are the coldest, with average night-time temperatures of -2.2°C and -2.5°C respectively, which means regular frosts. Daytime temperatures in winter are milder: in January the maximum reaches 9.6°C, in February — 10.1°C, and in December — 11.2°C. Thus, even in winter, daily temperature fluctuations remain quite substantial.

In Sedona, two precipitation peaks are observed during the year, although the total amount remains low, which is typical for a semi-arid climate. The first, and most significant by volume, falls in early spring, and the second, expressed more in an increase in the number of rainy days, is in mid-summer. Overall, the city does not suffer from prolonged rains, and many months are distinguished by very dry weather.

The wettest month in terms of rainfall amount is March, when an average of 3 mm falls, and there are about 10 rainy days. The summer months of July and August also stand out for increased precipitation activity, but by a different indicator: each registers 11 days with precipitation, although the volume is small – 2 mm in July and 1 mm in August. This may indicate short, possibly thundery showers, typical for the summer monsoon period in this region. Winter months, such as January and February, also bring precipitation (2 mm each and 7 rainy days), and given the average minimum temperatures below freezing (down to -2.5°C), some of this may fall as snow.

The driest period in Sedona falls in late spring and early summer. May and June are the most arid months, when the amount of precipitation tends towards zero (0 mm), and the number of days with precipitation is minimal – just 2 days each. April and the autumn months (September, October, November), as well as December, are also characterised by a small amount of precipitation (1 mm) and a small number of rainy days (from 3 to 5 days). This makes most of the year comfortable for active outdoor recreation, with a low probability of getting caught in the rain.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Sedona, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations during the day and the change of seasons. The key principle is layering. In summer (June-August) it will be hot during the day, so light breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, and t-shirts are your choice. However, evenings and nights can be noticeably cooler (especially in June with +15°C), so a light jacket or sweater will come in handy. Don't forget sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses – the sun in Arizona is very active. Despite the low total rainfall, the number of rainy days increases in July and August, so a compact raincoat or umbrella may be useful for short downpours.

In winter (December-February) it is cool in Sedona, and at night the temperature regularly drops below freezing. You will need warm items: sweaters, fleece jumpers, an insulated jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Given the possibility of precipitation (2 mm in January and February) and sub-zero temperatures, waterproof footwear will not be amiss. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with milder weather. In March, the wettest month, a light waterproof jacket may be useful. In the other months of these seasons, jeans, long-sleeved t-shirts, light jackets, or waistcoats will suffice. In May and June, the driest months, the emphasis shifts to sun protection.

Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as Sedona is famous for its trails and hiking opportunities. It is also worth taking a small backpack for water and personal items during walks. A first aid kit with basic medicines and plasters will also not be superfluous. Remember that even in the warm months, the air in the desert terrain can be dry, so moisturising cream for the skin and lip balm will help you feel more comfortable.