Sedona's best-kept secret season
Most people think of Sedona as a spring or fall destination. They're missing out. Winter in Sedona—December through February—offers something special: incredible hiking without the crowds, comfortable midday temperatures, and occasional snow-dusted red rocks that look absolutely magical.
I've hiked Cathedral Rock in every season, and winter is secretly my favorite. Yes, mornings are cold. Yes, you might encounter ice after a storm. But you'll often have the trail to yourself, the air is crystal clear, and the red rocks glow against blue winter skies in ways you don't see other times of year.
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 56°F | 32°F | Occasional snow, mostly sunny |
| January | 55°F | 31°F | Coldest month, clear days |
| February | 59°F | 34°F | Warming up, spring preview |
Mornings start cold—30s to low 40s. You'll want layers and warm gloves. But once the sun is up and you start moving, you warm up fast. By 10 AM on a sunny day, you're likely stripping off layers and it feels perfect for hiking.
Afternoons are typically pleasant—mid 50s to low 60s. Not hot, not cold, just comfortable. This is ideal hiking weather if you're dressed right.
The sun sets early (around 5:30 PM in December, 6:00 PM by February), so plan accordingly. Temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down.
Yes, but not frequently. Sedona sits at 4,350 feet elevation—high enough to get snow, low enough that it usually melts within a day or two. You might see 1-3 snowfalls per winter, typically light dustings of 1-4 inches.
When it does snow, the red rocks covered in white are stunning. Photos are incredible. But the trails become hazardous.
Before your hike, check:
• Weather forecast (weather.gov is most accurate)
• Recent trip reports on AllTrails or hiking forums
• Webcams in Sedona (shows current conditions)
• Call Coconino National Forest visitor center (928-203-2900)
If temperatures have been above freezing for 48 hours and there's been no precipitation, trails are likely clear. If it's been freezing at night or there was recent snow/rain, expect ice.
You'll start cold and end warm. Dress in layers you can shed as you heat up.
Base Layer: Thermal shirt (merino wool or synthetic). Not cotton—it stays wet and cold.
Mid Layer: Fleece or light insulated jacket. You'll probably take this off partway up.
Outer Layer: Windbreaker or light shell if it's windy. Sedona winters are usually calm, so a heavy winter coat is overkill.
Bottom: Hiking pants or thermal leggings. Not jeans—they're cold and restrictive for scrambling.
Extremities: Warm hat and gloves for the start. Bring a small pack to stow them when you warm up.
Footwear: Hiking boots or trail runners with good tread. If there's any chance of ice, consider traction devices (micro-spikes) though they're rarely necessary.
This is the biggest benefit. The parking lot that's full by 7:30 AM in spring? In winter, you can show up at 9 AM and get a spot. The trail that feels like a parade in October? In January, you might see 10 other people total.
Tourism drops significantly in winter. Families are in school, spring breakers haven't arrived yet, and many people assume Sedona is too cold (it's not). You benefit from their assumptions.
Winter air in Sedona is incredibly clear. Humidity is low, skies are deep blue, and the red rocks practically glow. Photography is spectacular. The light is softer and more flattering than harsh summer sun.
Once you're moving, 50-60°F is perfect hiking weather. You're not overheating like in summer, not freezing like at altitude, just comfortable. The scrambling sections are actually easier when you're not dripping sweat.
Summer hiking in Sedona can be dangerous if you're not careful. Winter eliminates that risk entirely. You don't need to carry gallons of water or worry about starting at 5 AM to beat the heat.
If you time it right (within a day or two after snowfall, once ice has melted), you can see snow-capped red rocks. It's a rare and beautiful sight. Just make sure conditions are safe before hiking.
Those first 20 minutes can be genuinely cold, especially if you're starting at sunrise. Your fingers might be numb until you get moving. Not everyone enjoys this.
You have to pay attention to weather and be willing to postpone if conditions are icy. This requires flexibility in your schedule.
Sunset is around 5:30 PM in December. If you want to do multiple hikes in one day, you have less daylight to work with. But for Cathedral Rock specifically (1.5-2.5 hour hike), this isn't a major issue.
A few seasonal restaurants and shops in Sedona close or reduce hours in winter. The main trails and attractions stay open, but you'll have fewer dining options late in the evening.
Early December is quiet—families are in school and holiday travel hasn't started. Mid-to-late December gets busier with Christmas vacations, but still way less crowded than spring. Coldest mornings, occasional snow. Beautiful but bundle up.
Best for: People who want solitude and don't mind cold starts. Avoid Christmas week if you want to avoid crowds.
The quietest month. Post-holiday lull means Sedona feels almost empty. Coldest temperatures of the year. Most likely to encounter ice conditions after storms. Clearest skies and best photography light.
Best for: Experienced hikers who value solitude over comfort. Photographers. People willing to check conditions and be flexible.
Starts to warm up. By late February, it feels like early spring. Still quiet compared to peak season but busier than January. Less ice risk. Flowers start blooming by month's end in lower elevations.
Best for: People who want winter benefits (fewer crowds) without the coldest temps. Good transition month.
Don't just look at the current temperature. Check if there's been recent snow, freezing rain, or overnight freezes. Ice can linger for days on shaded sections even when it's sunny.
In summer, you want to start at sunrise to beat the heat. In winter, starting at sunrise means hiking in the coldest temps. Consider starting 8-9 AM after the sun has warmed things up a bit, especially if it's been freezing overnight.
Better to have them and not need them. If you get injured and have to wait for help, you'll want that extra jacket. If clouds roll in or wind picks up, temps can drop quickly.
Winter storms can move in quickly. If you see dark clouds building, head down. Getting caught in rain when temps are near freezing is miserable and potentially dangerous.
Standard hiking safety, but especially important in winter when fewer people are on the trails. Let someone know where you're hiking and when you expect to be back.
• Value solitude and quiet trails
• Don't mind cold starts and layering
• Are willing to check conditions and be flexible
• Want better parking and easier logistics
• Prefer cooler hiking temperatures
• Are an experienced hiker comfortable with weather assessment
• Hate being cold
• Want guaranteed perfect weather
• Have an inflexible schedule (can't postpone for ice)
• Are a first-time hiker unfamiliar with winter conditions
• Want maximum daylight for multiple hikes in one day
Planning your winter hike?
• Complete Cathedral Rock Trail Guide - Everything you need to know
• Best Time to Hike - Sunrise vs sunset guide
• Parking Guide - Where to park and when
• What to Bring - Winter gear checklist
• Other Sedona Hikes - More winter trails