The climate of Sedona
Falling under the Mediterranean hot summer climate category or Köppen climate classification Csa,
Sedona is nestled in an ideal geographical location that boasts a wealth of weather variations throughout the year.
Sedona, located in
Arizona, USA, observes a significant variation in temperatures, rainfall, humidity levels and other weather conditions throughout the year. This variation results in the unique climate for which the city is renowned.
Based on data, the city experiences its high temperatures from 46°F (7.8°C) in
January to a sizzling 84.7°F (29.3°C) in
July. Similarly, the winter season sees the lowest temperatures drop from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) in January down to 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in
December. It is this wide temperature range that sets Sedona apart, creating a climate where each season is distinctly different and easily recognizable.
Rainfall is another defining characteristic of Sedona’s climate. The data indicates that July witnesses the highest precipitation, recording an average of 2.28" (58mm) of rain, while
June is the driest month, with just 0.16" (4mm) of rain on average.
Unique weather patterns in Sedona include a notable absence of snow from
May to
November, with December seeing the most snowfall at 2.68" (68mm). The city also observes its maximum daylight hours in June, 14.5 hours on average, and the highest UV index from June through
August - a factor to be reckoned with for tourists planning a visit during these months.
The best time to visit Sedona
The best time to visit
Sedona would be between
May and
June, where the temperatures range from a comfortable 70.2°F (21.2°C) to 82.8°F (28.2°C) and the rainfall averages just 0.35" (9mm) to 0.16" (4mm) respectively. These conditions provide the ideal setting for outdoor activities without the risk of precipitation. Additionally, the daylight hours are the longest, averaging 14 hours to 14.5 hours during this period.
The worst time to visit Sedona
The city sees its peak rainfall from
July to
August. Here, rainfall reaches a monthly average of 2.28" (58mm) to 1.77" (45mm) respectively. Coupled with the high temperatures, ranging from 84.7°F (29.3°C) to 83.3°F (28.5°C) in the same period, this is typically the least ideal time to visit
Sedona, especially for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Sedona
The spring season in
Sedona includes
March,
April, and
May. The temperatures during these months range from 56.3°F (13.5°C) in March to 70.2°F (21.2°C) in May on the higher side, and 35.1°F (1.7°C) to 45.3°F (7.4°C) on the lower side. Rainfall during the spring stays relatively low, going from 1.06" (27mm) in March down to 0.35" (9mm) in May. With sunshine hours ranging from 9.2 to 11.8 and moderate UV index oscillating between 3 and 5, the weather during spring is overall pleasant and ideal for outdoor explorations.
Summer weather in Sedona
June through
August marks the summer season in
Sedona. June sees a minimum rainfall of 0.16" (4mm), but as the season progresses, rainfall significantly increases to 2.28" (58mm) in
July. High temperatures are observed in this season, escalating from 82.8°F (28.2°C) in June to a peak of 84.7°F (29.3°C) in July, declining slightly to 83.3°F (28.5°C) in August. With maximum daylight hours around 14.5, and high UV indexes from 6 to 6, adequate sun protection is crucial for anyone venturing outside.
Autumn weather in Sedona
Autumn in
Sedona occurs from
September to
November. The season witnesses a decrescendo in temperatures, starting from a high of 77.5°F (25.3°C) in September to 56.3°F (13.5°C) in November. The low temperatures fluctuate from 55.2°F (12.9°C) to 35.4°F (1.9°C) over the same period. Autumn sees moderate rainfall, beginning with 0.87" (22mm) in September, reducing to 0.47" (12mm) in
October, and increasing slightly to 1.06" (27mm) in November. Sedona experiences a decrease in daylight hours (from 12.4 to 10.3 hours) and UV index (from 5 to 2) throughout the autumn season.
Winter weather in Sedona
Winter descends over
Sedona from
December through
February. This period sees the lowest temperatures in the year oscillating between 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in December and 28.8°F (-1.8°C) in
January for the lows, and 46°F (7.8°C) in January to 48.6°F (9.2°C) in February for the highs. Snowfall also characterizes the Sedona winters; however, it's minimal, with the maximum snowfall of 2.68" (68mm) observed in December. Despite the colder conditions, the city shines with bright sunshine averaging from 6.7 to 6.9 hours per day. The UV index is at its lowest ranging from 2 to 2 during this period.
Weather in January
January in
Sedona,
Arizona, is a winter month with an average of 1.5" (38mm) of snowfall over 2.0 days. The temperatures shift subtly from cool to cold, making it great for outdoor activities. Visitors often enjoy trail hikes and photography while locals relish reservoir ice fishing.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The shortest month of the year,
February, sees a transition towards spring, with temperatures slightly increasing compared to
January. This is especially palpable towards the end of the month. Despite this,
Sedona residents still have their share of a mild winter, as snow showers grace the city, albeit decreasingly.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As temperatures continue to rise in
March,
Sedona experiences a significant decrease in snowfall to an average of 1.1" (28mm). The shift in weather directly correlates to the surge in outdoor activities. Blossom events start occurring as plants start to thrive in the rising temperatures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses steady climatic improvements, with the average minimum temperature rising to 39°F (3.9°C). This evolution in weather accompanies the melting of any leftover snow in
Sedona, signaling a definitive departure from winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
May is characterized by a substantial increase in temperature, signalling the onset of summer. As the conditions become dry, trails and national parks come alive with outdoor enthusiasts. Increased daylight hours lead to longer, adventurous days and pleasant evenings backed with vivid sunsets.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the beginning of summer in
Sedona, with temperatures hitting 82.8°F (28.2°C) at their highest. Accompanied by the lowest relative humidity of 24%, the weather encourages alfresco activities. Hiking trails start bustling with activity, and water-based sports gain popularity during this month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is particularly known for its summer heat, with temperatures soaring even higher. However, it also brings about unexpected rainfalls, which provide a refreshing contrast to the prevalent dryness. Adventurers head to higher elevations to enjoy cooler temperate climates.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite a minor drop in temperatures in
August compared to
July, summer's reign persists in
Sedona. Equally, rainfall remains fairly consistent, injecting an unpredictable, refreshing twist into the dry heat. This combination of conditions proves optimum for exploring Sedona's trails and mountain ranges.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees a gradual shift in temperatures, such as cooling evenings that mark the onset of autumn. However, daytime temperatures remain relatively high, continuing the city’s summer-like sensation. While locals and visitors continue to enjoy outdoor activities, forests display an appealing blend of green and brown, accentuating the city's scenic beauty. In the transition to September,
Sedona observes a minor drop in the average high-temperature, shifting from 83.3°F (28.5°C) in
August to a still moderately hot 77.5°F (25.3°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sedona is characterized by a notable decrease to an average high temperature of 67.1°F (19.5°C). The changing foliage of the landscape offers great opportunities for photography. Autumn is at its peak, and the city is imbued with a warm, mellow ambiance.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the year draws to an end,
November brings a further drop in temperatures, indicative of an incoming winter. The fall foliage reaches its zenith, painting the city in hues of crimson and gold. The tasteful blend of sun and shade provide the perfect atmosphere for festivals and parades throughout the city.
Sedona in November undergoes a mild reduction in the average high-temperature, shifting from
October's comfortable 67.1°F (19.5°C) to a mild 56.3°F (13.5°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Sedona welcomes winter yet again with a drop in temperatures to an average low of 27.9°F (-2.3°C). The city celebrates this holiday season with snowfall, lights, and various festive events. Despite the cold temperatures, the weather is beautifully neutralized by the warmth and joy of seasonal holidays and celebrations.
Weather in December »