Snow-capped red rock spires await travelers fortunate enough to experience Sedona in winter, one of the most magical seasons.

Winter is a very distinct travel season, with snow-blanketed red rocks creating a one-of-a-kind visual display, fewer crowds to enjoy popular trails at your own pace, illuminated courtyards in Tlaquepaque, and cooler temperatures to make challenging hikes more bearable.

If you are planning a winter trip, a cozy home base makes all the difference. Browse Sedona Premier vacation rentals to find a home with a private hot tub, a fireplace, and a wall of windows framing the red rock views.

Let’s dive in and see what to expect when visiting Sedona in the winter.

Winter Weather in Sedona

Photo Credit: Alexey Stiop

Winter weather in Sedona is mild by most standards, but don't let the desert trick you. It can still get cold. Daytime highs usually land in the upper 50s to low 60s, while nights can drop to freezing under clear skies.

Even though it's the desert, it can still snow in Sedona in the winter. It happens just a few times during the season, but it rarely sticks for long. So, enjoy those snow-capped red rock views while they last. Stay alert during hikes after a snow because shaded sections of trail and the roads into higher canyons can stay icy.

Our Sedona vacation rentals come with heating to keep you snug during the winter.

What Winter Crowds Look Like

Winter is one of the quieter times to visit Sedona, especially on weekdays in January and early February. Trailhead parking is easier to find than other seasons, and it's easier to score a red rock view table at popular restaurants.

An exception is during December, particularly around the holidays. Expect spikes in tourist traffic at these times:

• Christmas to New Year’s (December 24–January 1): The busiest stretch of the season, with families and holiday visitors filling town. Book your Sedona vacation rental well in advance to secure your accommodations.
• MLK Weekend (January 16–18, 2027): A popular long weekend for travelers from Phoenix, about two hours south.
• Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 13–15, 2027): Expect busy trails and full restaurants.
• Film Festival Week (February 20–28, 2027): Uptown and West Sedona get lively with festival-goers.

On busy weekends, arrive at popular trailheads early to find parking or use the free Sedona Shuttle if you prefer to leave your car at your rental.

Best Things to Do in Sedona in Winter

Photo Credit: Autumn Sky Photography

Cooler temperatures open up activities that feel exhausting in the summer heat. Long hikes, scenic drives, and lingering meals all feel better when the air is crisp. Here are some of the best ways to spend a winter day in Sedona.

1. Go on a Winter Hike

Winter is a unique time to hike in Sedona. Red-dusted trails wind through snow-coated brush, leading trekkers to scenic vistas. The busy Subway Cave trail is crowd-free, so you can enjoy the views and take Instagram-ready photos on your own time.

The views of the winter-kissed desert landscape from the Airport Mesa Loop Trail prove that Sedona is a beautiful destination in every season. The vortex energy at the trail end of the Cathedral Rock hike feels magnified when you're the only one there.

Find more exciting routes in our guide to the best hikes in Sedona.

2. Take a Jeep Tour

A Jeep tour is one of the best adventures in town and a fun way to see the backcountry landscape without worrying about icy trails. Pink Jeep Tours run rugged off-road routes like Broken Arrow, where you will climb slickrock hills and stop for photos along the way.

These tours use open-air Jeeps, so book a ride in the early afternoon to enjoy the warmest part of the day.

3. Stargaze Under Long Winter Nights

Winter has the clearest skies of the year, making it one of the best times to go stargazing. Sedona is a certified International Dark Sky Community, so the clear skies give the best window to see out-of-this-world phenomena.

Look for Orion rising over the red rocks after sunset and the Geminid Meteor Shower in early to mid-December. Book a guided astronomy tour for a closer look through a telescope. Just make sure to dress warmly because it gets cold at night.

4. Book a Spa Day

After a few days of hiking in the cooler temperatures, a spa day is the perfect way to warm up and recharge. The Spa at L’Auberge de Sedona delivered wellness greatness in a serene setting next to Oak Creek, while Sedona’s New Day Spa is renowned for its massages.

Want resort-style relaxation every day of your trip? Our rentals at Seven Canyons come with access to the club’s heated pool, oversized hot tub, fitness center, and Seasons Restaurant.

Winter Events in Sedona (2026/2027)

Photo Credit: Phoenixns

The holiday season is when Sedona’s events calendar really comes alive. From tree lighting to festivals, there is something happening almost every weekend in December. Here are the biggest winter events to plan around.

Tlaquepaque Tree Lighting

• When: December 4, 2026, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
• Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Consider the holiday season officially in full swing when the 26-foot Christmas tree lights up at Tlaquepaque North. The family-friendly event features live entertainment, kids’ activities, hot chocolate, and an appearance from Santa.

The Magical Christmas Journey

• When: November 27–December 24, 2026
• Where: Verde Canyon Railroad

Detour on Santa's Secret Tracks to reach the North Pole on this one-hour evening train ride. Families can stop by Santa’s workshop where you'll pick up the big guy himself, as he brings gifts for all the kids on board. Be sure to get tickets in advance, particularly if you want to ride on Christmas Eve.

Learn more in our guide to the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Sweet Stroll at Tlaquepaque

• When: December 19, 2026, 3:00–7:00 p.m.
• Where: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

During the day, complete all your holiday shopping with specials featured at the local boutiques tucked in holiday-decorated courtyards. In the evening, join an annual tradition of lighting luminaries around the cobblestone paths.

There will be live music, carolers, and even Santa will be in town early to attend this annual event.

Christmas in Sedona

• When: December 2026
• Where: Around town

Spend the Christmas holiday in Sedona if a relaxing escape is on your wish list. The holidays are always festive with destinations like Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village decked out in holiday lights, and annual events like the tree lighting and Lighting of the Menorah that keep visitors in the holiday spirit.

Many restaurants close or book up on Christmas Day, so reserve early or plan a holiday dinner in your rental’s full kitchen. See our guide to celebrating Christmas in Sedona for more ideas.

New Year’s Eve in Sedona

• When: December 31, 2026
• Where: Restaurants, resorts, and your own back patio

From western-style champagne toasts to a special holiday train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad, New Year’s Eve in Sedona gives plenty of ways to ring in 2027. Pick one of the local events or count down to the ball drop from the comfort of your Sedona vacation rental.

Get more ideas in our guide to spending New Year’s in Sedona.

RunSedona

• When: February 6, 2027
• Where: Dry Creek Road

On your mark, get set, go! Race to the finish line in a half marathon, 10K, or 5K run surrounded by red rock scenery.

Pack your running shoes and register in advance to participate in the race. It's just as fun to cheer on the runners from the sideline and celebrate at the post-race party with vendors and food trucks.

Sedona International Film Festival

• When: February 20–28, 2027
• Where: Various venues in Sedona

Repeatedly named one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker Magazine, this nine-day festival screens more than 150 independent films, documentaries, and shorts, often with filmmakers in attendance.

Spending the week immersed in culture is always a good idea if you want to avoid the outdoor cold weather.

Packing for Your Sedona Winter Getaway

Photo Credit: CrizzyStudio

Packing for Sedona in winter is all about layers. Mornings start cold, afternoons warm up fast, and the temperature drops again as soon as the sun sets. Check the forecast for your travel dates in case of snow.

• Warm layers: A fleece or puffy jacket over a lightweight base layer
• Hat, gloves, scarf: Essential for early morning hikes and stargazing at night
• Traction spikes: Helpful for shaded, icy sections of trail after a snowfall
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The high-desert sun is strong even in January

Enjoy Sedona in Winter

Sedona in winter offers quieter trails, snow-dusted red rocks, and a holiday season full of lights, music, and small-town charm. Whether you are here for a family Christmas, a New Year’s escape, or a peaceful week of snowy hikes and warm spa days, winter is a magical time to visit.

Ready to plan your winter trip? Browse Sedona Premier’s vacation rentals and find a cozy home base with a hot tub, fireplace, and views of the red rocks.