SPRING – March, April, May
Though the mornings in Sedona can become quite cool and lovely, the temperature starts to pick up shortly afternoon. There is, therefore, a fluctuation in temperatures not just throughout the day, but throughout the state itself. For this reason, many visitors prefer to do their hiking and outdoor activities in the morning, especially if you’ll be going to one of the three national parks within the state. Pair some cargo shorts with a breathable, quick-dry shirt on your visit to the desert areas. You can also take along a comfortable hoodie which can always be removed if the temperature should increase.
Spring is also characterized by its dryness, so you might not need to bring as much waterproof and rain gear as you would if the climate featured more moisture. Instead, you’ll be exposed to hours of warm sunlight. Pack a sun hat and some extra sunscreen for the occasion. Temperatures throughout Spring range from a high of between 66℉ to 84℉ (19℃ to 29℃) to a low of between 38℉ and 52℉ (3℃ to 11℃), with May being the hotter of the three months.
SUMMER – June, July, August, mid-September
The hottest month of the year in Sedona is July, and it’s not uncommon to see highs of three digits throughout the summer. You’ll also notice that there are more summer months than any other season. Therefore, protecting yourself from the sun and keeping your body temperature down is going to be your top priority in dressing for the summer months. For a trendy look that also allows your body to keep cool, a breezy summer dress and some comfy sandals.
If you’re doing anything on the water, which you will definitely want to in order to cool down, don’t forget to pack all of the necessities in addition to your swim trunks: a beach bag, beach towel, and plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Temperatures throughout Summer range from a high of between 88℉ to 93℉ (31℃ to 34℃) to a low of between 60℉ and 66℉ (16℃ to 19℃), with July and August being the hottest months.
FALL – October, November
One of the most popular outdoor attractions during the fall season in Sedona is to see the colors of the leaves changing. In fact, the first or second week in October is the best time to see the plethora of hues from the great trees scattered throughout the area, and even though in terms of temperature, it won’t exactly feel like a regular fall, the warm reds, oranges, and yellows might say otherwise. Fall is the shortest season in Sedona, so be sure to take advantage of it before it passes you by!
Because the afternoons are much warmer than the mornings or the evenings, you’ll want to layer your outfits. Go with a cool, flowy tank top, a pair of jeans, and some flats. Pair the outfit with a shawl or an open-front cardigan that you can remove easily. Temperatures throughout the Fall season range from a high of between 66℉ to 78℉ (19℃ to 26℃) to a low of between 39℉ and 50℉ (4℃ to 10℃), with temperatures dropping as you get closer to November.
WINTER – December, January, February
While many don’t automatically think of Sedona as a winter destination getaway, there are plenty of reasons to visit during the off-months from December through February. For one, many people don’t typically travel there during this time of the year, so you won’t find the destinations to be as crowded as usual.
The more north you travel out of Sedona around the mesas, the more likely you’ll be to find snow! Many people enjoy cool-weather activities such as hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and holiday excursions through the town, which is a-glimmer with festive decorations during this time. If you’re set on enjoying wintertime excursions, then pack on the layers. Remember to bring a half-zip for when you’re outside, some comfortable yet fashionable boots, and a scarf if you plan to be outdoors after dark. Temperatures throughout the Winter season range from a high of between 57℉ to 61℉ (14℃ to 16℃) to a low of between 32℉ and 35℉ (0℃ to 2℃), with temperatures warming as you get closer to February.
Dressing Appropriately for the Activity – (Click to expand)
ATV Riding – A major outdoor activity that tourists flock to is the ATV riding experiences throughout the desert areas of Sedona. Because of the amount of dirt and sand that is kicked up on the ride, you’re going to want to wear a bandana and a pair of sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. Your shoes should be sturdy, so grab a pair of hiking boots or other types of rugged, durable shoes. A light, breathable shirt, preferably dry-fit, is your best bet. Since there are also little storage compartments in the ATV itself, you can pack water and some snacks to keep you going.
Hot Air Balloon Riding – If you’re a fan of heights and majestic aerial views, then a hot air balloon ride over the Red Rocks is right up your alley. Because most hot air balloon rides take place in the early morning when it’s cool, you’ll want to wear either a long-sleeved shirt or a sweater, comfortable pants such as jeans, and closed-toed shoes such as sneakers. Remember you’ll be on your feet for the duration of the ride. Any accessory you bring should be on a lanyard, securely fastened around your neck.
Landmark / Living History Touring – Many of the landmarks in and around Sedona are dedicated to Native American individuals and tribes, or are Native American ruins that you can visit. Build what you wear around your shoes, for you’ll be on your feet all day. Choose breathable, comfortable walking shoes with a lot of support for your soles. Since the indoors might be slightly cool, try wearing jeans and an airy blouse. Throw on a sweater or cardigan that can be removed if you need it, and store your important items, such as your credit card or your ID, in either a neck wallet or a cross-body bag for easy access.
Swimming at the Watering Holes – All of the items you’d typically pack for a beach outing or a day at the pool will be fine for a day at the lake. Make sure to bring your bathing suit, some type of a cover-up or sarong, and your water shoes. If you intend to layout and sunbathe, then you can’t go wrong with a sturdy sun hat and a strong SPF sunscreen, most notably one that is waterproof. For the kids, opt for the spray-on kind that you can apply easily throughout the day.
