Guide to Visiting Sedona in Winter: Everything You Need to Know
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Our Experience Visiting Sedona in Winter
My husband and I took what most would consider a pretty non-traditional honeymoon. Instead of heading to a tropical beach to relax by a pool on a resort with hundreds of other newlyweds, we packed our bags and headed west to Arizona. To make it even more interesting, we opted to go the week of Christmas, and honestly it is still one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken together.
Visiting Sedona in the winter was incredible - the weather was on the cooler side but still mild. And honestly, the cold morning were well worth the tradeoff for t-shirt worthy afternoons this time of year.
With our visit in winter, we got all of the Sedona charm without the massive crowds that flock to this wellness and outdoors destination in peak seasons. For us that meant less traffic on both the streets and the trails - a major win if you ask me.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Sedona, this guide covers everything you need to know and what you can expect - including typical weather, what to pack, what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
The TLDR is that winter in Sedona is a vibe. If you love crisp mornings, peaceful trails, and sipping coffee while the sun hits sandstone, winter might just be your season.
What to Expect in Sedona in Winter
Weather
Winter weather in Sedona is fairly mild. Daytime temperatures average in the 50s-60s (sometimes even hitting 70) while evenings drop to the mid to low 30’s.
Does it Snow in Sedona?
Sedona’s desert climate means mostly sunny days all winter long but Sedona does occasionally get snow… turning into SNOWDONA. The contrast of the white snow against the vibrant red rocks in pure magic.
If it does snow, it generally melts fairly quickly and main roads and highways are kept clear making travel and driving not much of an issue. Of course there can always be exceptions to this so use caution and always check conditions before heading out!
Parking & Shuttles
Parking
One of the benefits of visiting in winter means that there is typically ample parking at trailheads. Some trailheads, operated by the USFS, require a parking permit. More information on parking passes including cost, how to get one and sites that require them can be found here. Visitors who have an America the Beautiful or other interagency passes may utilize those as well.
Shuttles
Sedona’s trailhead shuttle system operates year-round Thursday-Sunday. This free shuttle system connects visitors to popular trailheads and there is no reservation required. You can find out more including route details and operating hours here.
What to Pack For A Winter Trip in Sedona
Winter in Sedona is all about layers! Chilly mornings and evenings call for a mid-weight jacket (think Patagonia Nanopuff) while daytime highs are perfect for a flannel or long sleeve shirt. Here’s what I’d be sure to pack if I were headed on a winter trip to Sedona:
Base layers - think wool or synthetic fabrics that will wick moisture
Wool socks - if you don’t plan to do any hiking you miiiight be able to pass on this one but wool socks, like Darn Tough are my favorite for hiking year round.
Light layers - you’ll want to peel off your jacket and other layers as you get moving, be sure to have a tee-shirt or something light!
Mid Layers - think flannels, sweaters and fleece
Pants - for me, I love a legging for hiking but if that’s not your jam
Beanie & Gloves for early mornings
Warm Jacket like a Patagonia Nanopuff
Boots - I’m not talking heavy duty snowshoeing boots, but for somewhere like Sedona I found myself wearing either my hiking boots or something like Blundstones all week.
Sunscreen, yes even in winter!
For those to plan to hike:
Day pack with plenty of room to shed those morning layers
First aid kit
Water bladder like a Camelbak - the weather is still dry, I found even with cooler temps I still drank more water while hiking here than I normally would on the East Coast.
Microspikes - We did not find that we needed them at all during our visit but you may find that shady spots on trails may be icy.
Winter Activities In Sedona
Sedona is known as an outdoor recreation and wellness mecca of sorts. Here’s a taste of what to do in the winter in Sedona
Take a Hike: Winter is a great time for hiking in Sedona with the cooler, pleasant daytime temps. I honestly can’t imagine doing some of the more exposed hikes in the summer heat. For a round up of my top 8 hikes in Sedona, click here. This is how we spent the majority of our time!
Mountain Bike
Experience a vortex - Some say winter is the best time for this. With fewer crowds at the main vortex sites, you can have a more personal, soulful experience.
Rent a 4x4 or take an off-road tour - These are available year-round. Just be sure to layer up with a hat and gloves!
Enjoy a Spa Day
Shopping & Dining - Sedona is not a seasonal town that “shuts down” in winter, though some shops and restaurants may have reduced hours. Winter can be a great time to snag a reservation a popular spots that are harder to get into in peak season.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Whether your are looking for a luxurious wellness retreat or exploring on a budget, Sedona has options at every price point.
💸💸💸💸 Enchantment
💸💸💸💸 Ambiente
Getting to Sedona, AZ
✈️ Flying
Most visitors opt to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX). At just over a 2-hour drive, it the closest international airport. PHX is an American Airlines hub and has with direct flights from most major airports in the US.
Flagstaff Airport (FLG) is the closest small commercial airport to Sedona, and offers direct flights from Phoenix, Denver and Dallas. This airport is located about a 40-minute, scenic drive from Sedona.
🚗 Rental Car
Do you need a rental car when visiting Sedona? I would highly recommend it! Not only will the be your best bet from getting to Sedona from your preferred airport, the town itself is fairly spread out. Additionally, most trailheads are located in areas outside of the city proper, requiring a vehicle to easily access them. Trying to Uber to/from these locations wouldn’t be advisable.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
