Sedona is a four-season outdoor playground that attracts visitors from around the world, so there is plenty of room to spread out! 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 the serenity of Sedona in the winter. In order to keep Sedona’s natural, spiritual wonder for generations to come, we invite you to join our culture of respect for our environment and way of life by taking the Sedona Cares Pledge.
Winter
You may have seen weather reports about Flagstaff, a winter wonderland 45 minutes north of Sedona that receives an abundance of snow. In relation, the elevation of Flagstaff is 7,000 feet, not to be confused with Sedona at 4,500 feet. Sedona’s average daytime temperature is 62F and 33F at night; about 20 degrees warmer than Flagstaff. Winter days are crisp and cool, perfect for warm sweaters and fuzzy boots. Most days, the sun shines brilliantly, so soak up the vitamin D and say goodbye to your dark and dreary winter funk.
Sedona does receive snow, and it is dreamy. About five times a year, a storm rolls in to add a glittery dusting of powder to the glowing red rocks. The storm typically leaves the same day and the snow disappears as the clouds do. It is a rare and magnificent sight.
400 Miles of Adventure
Surrounded by nearly 2 million acres of national forest land and buttressed by four wilderness areas and two state parks, this is a landscape built for adventure. Take advantage of the cherished winter sunshine and unleash your inner child on Sedona’s outdoor playground by day. By night, wine, dine and snuggle next to a fire.
• Stroll down a hiking trail
• Hop on a bike and practice single track riding
• Ride a horse on hidden terrain
• See Sedona from a bird’s eyes with a helicopter or hot air balloon tour
• Golf on one of Sedona’s many courses
• Take a tour on a Jeep, Train, Hummer, ATV, Segway or Motorcycle
Many accommodations are focused on servicing outdoor enthusiasts! Almost 300 local businesses have signed on to Sedona | Safe.Clean.Ready commitment including the Element by Westin, Vacations at Seven Canyons, Poco Diablo Resort and Sky Rock Inn. Since winter is slower than spring and fall, you’ll get great rates and sweet packages!
Holiday Spirit
When was the last time the holiday season made you downright giddy like a kid in a candy store? The two twisted roads which intersect in Sedona will be decorated with your childhood favorites, sure to captivate young and old. Take a trip back in time where the holidays meant candy canes, garland, bows of merry, mistletoe, bright lights, carolers and homemade apple cider. And, if you are lucky, you will witness a high desert snow flurry amidst blazing cardinal rocks, a memory that will last a lifetime.
There are even two year-round holiday themed stores in Sedona to prepare you for the magic of the season: Merry Christmas Sedona and Feliz Navidad Sedona
Winter Events
There are some upcoming holiday events listed at SedonaEvents.com, including:
• Sedona Turkey Trot
• Sedona’s Virtual Tree Lighting and Santa Visit
• Santa Visit
• The Magical Christmas Journey
• Loving Bowls
• Holiday Sweet Stroll
To plan your winter getaway, go to VisitSedona.com.
