Sedona is a four-season outdoor playground that attracts visitors from around the world. Regardless of the season of your visit, you can count on stunning red rocks, mild weather, and a city that is both enchanting and welcoming. Many people plan on visiting in the spring and fall; however, you can really beat the crowds and truly experience Sedona in the summer.
Summer
Not many people think to visit Arizona in the summer, and this is precisely why you should! Sedona is in Northern Arizona at an elevation of 4,500 feet. The average temperature is 97F during the day and 66F at night, 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix, our neighbors to the south.
Did we mention that this is a dry heat? Meaning very low humidity, and fewer sweat beads running down your face. Plan on being adventurous in the morning and evening; indulge in shopping, eating, winetasting, spa treatments, and pool day lounging mid-day; and stargazing at night!
Summer in Sedona means monsoons! Monsoon storms bring random outbursts of cool rain and magical lightning storms mostly in the afternoons. Monsoon storms typically end with an Instagram worthy sunset. Find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset!
Oak Creek
The fresh artisan spring waters of Oak Creek run through our high canyon walls and through the city, creating many opportunities to jump in, get refreshed, and soak up the Arizona sun. Here are a few spots to make your summer cooler:
• Grasshopper Point – pay by car just north of Uptown Sedona. The perfect swimming hole.
• Red Rock State Park – pay per person in West Sedona by the high school. Learn about Sedona’s flora and fauna, hike some flat sandy trails or relax at the creek.
• Verde River – this river goes through Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Camp Verde. Great for a gentle float or kayak.
• Beaver Creek – south of Sedona. Hiking trails and endless serene picnic spots.
• Clear Creek – head towards Camp Verde. Swim until your heart is content.
Many accommodations are located on Oak Creek, including Briar Patch Inn on Oak Creek, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek, Junipine Resort, L’Auberge de Sedona, Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas, Amara Resort & Spa, Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. Since summer is slower than spring and fall, you’ll get great rates and cool packages!
Voluntourism
Don’t forget to pack it in and pack it out! It is everyone’s responsibility to leave Sedona better than when you found it. Every summer, organizations such as the Friends of the Forest and Keep Sedona Beautiful put on volunteer events to clean up popular spots throughout the Sedona area.
During the July 4th 2019 weekend cleanup, hosted by the Oak Creek Watershed Council, volunteers removed 625 pounds of trash, including three dozen diapers. Let’s be responsible travelers, leaving no trace and taking only photographs. You can join voluntourism events too. Check out SedonaEvents.com and search under the ‘Voluntourism’ category!
Summer Events
Countless community events occur under the warm high desert:
• The Sedona Community Farmers Market is every Friday morning at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping village. Get to know the locals, the farmers, and support area merchants. Buy some goodies for an amazing picnic on the rocks.
• The City of Sedona Parks & Recreation Department puts on dozens of free events such as the 4th of July Wetfest, Red Dirt Concert series and Summer Cinema series.
• The annual Star Party in August is a tribute to Sedona’s Dark Sky accreditation. Step away from big city pollution to view the Milky Way, stars, constellations and planets like you’ve never seen them before.
• Enjoy taking photos? Check out the Sedona PhotoFest in June and the Sedona Photography Symposium in August.
Learn more about all of Sedona’s events at SedonaEvents.com. To plan your summer escape to #CoolSedona, start by going to CoolSedona.com.
