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Best Times to Visit Sedona
The best time to visit Sedona is from March to May when the temperatures are warm – but not scorching – and the area is in full bloom. Hikers love this season, as desert flowers add a pop of color to the rust-colored trails. September to November is another ideal time for outdoor activities thanks to mild weather. Spring and fall are characterized by blue sunny skies and temps ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s, however, travelers should note that these are the most popular times to visit and room rates are high. If you're looking for cheaper rooms, consider visiting in the winter, when most tourists head farther south for warmer weather. There really is no bad time to visit Sedona, as the weather is pretty great year-round.
Weather in Sedona
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
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| March-May |
Nature lovers relish springtime in Sedona when the desert flora speckles the red rocks with yellow, purple and orange. And temperatures, ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s, make for ideal hiking weather. Just prepare to share Sedona with plenty of other camera-carrying tourists. In this peak season, you can expect higher room rates and limited availability, so consider making reservations at least a month in advance. Key Events:
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| June-August |
Summer may see a drop in tourism, but residents of Phoenix and Tucson often head to Sedona to escape southern Arizona's triple-digit temps. Average highs rest in the 90s, so be ready for the heat. You'll also want to pack an umbrella: Sedona experiences 18 inches of precipitation per year and most of it falls during the summer monsoon season. Fortunately, the heat and rain also bring cheaper lodging prices. You will be able to find some good deals on hotels, but consider booking two or three weeks in advance for the best selection. Key Events:
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| September-November |
Fall is another extremely popular time. September and October still boast comfortable temperatures (hovering in the high 70s and 80s), but you'll find the best deals if you plan a November trip. Even then, it's still a good idea to book your hotel at least three weeks in advance to ensure availability and the best rate. Key Events:
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| December-February |
Winter marks Sedona's slow season with temperatures reaching the mid-50s on average. Snowfall isn't prevalent, but the region does see a light dusting on the top of Sedona's red rocks (around 3 1/2 inches annually). However, during these months, Arizona tourists head south for more pleasant weather, leaving Sedona's hotels with plenty of vacancies and bargain prices. Key Events:
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Popular Times to Visit Sedona
Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.
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