Visiting Sedona in December (Everything You Need to Know)

Should You Go to Sedona in December?

Yes, December is a great month to visit Sedona! There are tons of benefits when you travel during the winter months like affordability with hotels and more last-minute availability. 

There are also fewer crowds at all of the tourist attractions making for a much easier time parking.

Not only is the winter an easier time to visit, but you’ll also find the Sedona weather in December isn’t even that cold! 

The average high is 57℉ which makes it quite comfortable to layer up and enjoy the red rock country during the day.

If you are still wondering ‘Is December a good time to visit Sedona?’, this month is jam-packed with fun seasonal events. Visiting around Christmas time is especially magical with all of the festive lights that brighten up the area.

Weather in Sedona in December

The winter season starts at the end of November for Sedona which means December will bring shorter days, lower average temperatures, freezing temperatures overnight, and some possible light dustings of snow. 

There is usually a 33-38% chance of cloud cover and the Sedona December weather tends to get colder and more cloudy as the month goes on.

This, however, doesn’t tend to affect your chance of enjoying a mild, sunny day outside when you visit Sedona.

Here are the average temperatures from low to high throughout the month of December:

Apart from the typical pleasant weather in Sedona in December, there are typically around 15.4 days of freezing low temperatures, 4.4 rainy days, and 0.4 snowy days. 

So it is overall very unlikely that you will encounter poor weather conditions!

Does Sedona get snow in December?

If you were wondering ‘Does it snow in Sedona in December?’ The answer is yes, but heavy snowfall is uncommon.

The snow that Sedona does get in December is very little. The average snowfall is about 1.1 inches for the entire month of December which is very minimal. 

Sedona actually has a better chance of snow in the later winter months (January, February & March) so if you’re looking to photograph the desert landscape covered in snow, December isn’t the best month. 

Despite this low chance of snowfall, it’s still likely that you can catch a glimpse of the higher-elevation red rock formations snow-capped (especially after a cold night.)

How Warm is Sedona in December?

The Sedona temps in December can get up to an average of 57℉ during the daytime which is actually pretty warm especially if you’re doing lots of outside activities.

While December is technically the coldest month of the year for Sedona, we find that it is still really comfortable during the daytime. 

You could even wear short-sleeved shirts during some days while hiking which is actually pretty typical of Sedona in December weather!

Despite the average December weather during the day being warm-ish, you’ll still want to come prepared for the cold that comes in the early mornings and late evenings. 

Temperatures can get down into the 30s and you could even see some freezing temperatures overnight. 

So we always make sure to have plenty of layers like jackets and sweaters on hand and know to expect cold weather before the sun comes up and when the sun goes down.

What to Wear and Pack

• Tops & Bottoms: With December in Sedona AZ being warmer during the days, especially around the afternoon, we make sure that we pack a variety of pants, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and long sleeves as our bases for all of our outfits. Lots of options are key to being prepared!

• Layers: We also make sure to have plenty of sweaters, jackets, and outer layers that we can throw on top of our base clothes in case we encounter colder temperatures especially while going out in the evening. You should also consider lightweight layers for the daytime just in case the weather changes up on you!

• Winter Coat: A heavy winter coat is a must while hiking in Sedona in December. While the temperatures are comfortable during the day, they can still drop to about 36°F in the early morning and evenings. So if you plan on going on any early morning hikes to beat any possible crowds, it’s important to be prepared for brisk winter temperatures.

• Winter Accessories: Even though the temps are great during the day, we like to pack extra winter accessories just in case.  Always remember to pack gloves, beanies, and scarves in case you choose to do some early morning hikes or late evening dinners.

• Hiking Shoes: Since the Sedona temperature in December is great for hiking during the day, we recommend bringing hiking shoes or boots to keep your ankles supported while walking. Hiking shoes with good tread are also important if you encounter any potential wet or icy conditions since the trails are often full of slick rocks.

• Sun Protection: While you might not think about sun protection in the winter, Sedona still has plenty of sunny days where you would want to cover up. We always bring sunscreen and sunglasses with us even on cloudy days to stay on the safe side. 

Where to Stay in Sedona

Since we’ve traveled to Sedona during a variety of months, we’ve come to find that hotels are much cheaper in the winter.

This is because Sedona AZ in December experiences significantly fewer crowds since the peak seasons are during the Fall and Spring. 

With fewer crowds, the hotels around the area lower their prices and oftentimes they don’t fill up like they would during a busy season. This means it is much easier to find rooms that are available last minute and at a cheap rate.

Another option when it comes to places to stay in Sedona is booking a rental home or studio. Rentals should be equally as easy to find with lots of comparable pricing to hotels. 

Things to do in December in Sedona

With the temperature in Sedona in December being up into the 50s, there are tons of things to do especially during the mild daytime weather. 

Hiking

One of the best things to do in Sedona in December is to explore all of the incredible hiking trails. 

Pretty much all trails in Sedona are also open year-round, so there are no worries about closures in December. And December is a great time to get out on the trails with the comfortable temps.

Here are some of the best trails to go hiking on in December:

• Cathedral Rock Trail: This popular trail will take you 1.2 miles through Sedona’s red rocks until you reach Cathedral Rock. Some of this hike can be challenging (& dangerous if there is any ice so please don’t hike if it’s slippery.) The views of the snow-capped Cathedral Rock are some of the best in all of Sedona, especially for a Sedona sunset hike!

• Bell Rock Trail: This 3.6-mile loop trail is a moderate hike that will take you past Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other beautiful sandstone landmarks along the trail. This is one of our favorite of many Sedona sunrise hikes.

• Boynton Canyon Trail: At 7.3 miles, this trail is one of the longest on our list, but it’s well worth the hike since this is one of the 4 famous vortex sites! 

• Soldier Pass Trail: Located in Coconino National Forest, Soldier Pass is a 4.3-mile moderate hike. This trail will take you to the famous sinkhole called Devil’s Kitchen, one of the coolest caves in Sedona– Soldiers Pass Cave, and the Seven Sacred Pools.

• West Fork Oak Creek Trail: Another trail located in Coconino National Forest, this hike is about 7 miles and moderate difficulty. It offers some excellent views of Oak Creek Canyon but can be quite cold due to the shaded trail. There are also multiple creek crossings that can be frozen over, so please be careful if it’s slippery. 

If you are looking for even more trails to explore, then check out our top 12 must-do hikes in Sedona!

Trail Conditions in December

If you are worried about trail conditions, don’t be! The trails are usually in great condition to hike on in December. 

With the average temperature in Sedona in December staying around the high 50s during the daytime, any ice that forms overnight will typically melt off by the time the sun hits the trail in the morning. 

The only time you’ll have to worry about the trail conditions is if there has been heavy rain or snowfall in the past couple of days. 

Since so many of the trails in the area have slick rock, it can be very dangerous to walk on them if they are wet or icy. But since the Sedona weather of December has such a low chance of precipitation, it shouldn’t be a big concern. 

Is Sedona Good for Christmas?

Yes, Sedona during Christmas is absolutely magical! Even though the weather doesn’t oftentimes make you think of Christmas, the town really makes up for it. 

The locals in Sedona and surrounding areas really make Christmas come to life with lots of festive lights and decorations. 

In addition to all of the lights and decor, there are a bunch of events that also embrace the Christmas spirit. There are events and festivals throughout the entire month, and lots of them are free. 

Most of the events are also great for families with children. One of the best December events is the Festival of Lights!

And if it couldn’t get any better, the Sedona Christmas weather being in the 30s to 50s makes it perfectly comfortable to enjoy all that the town has to offer. 

Even if you prefer to have a white Christmas, Sedona makes up for the lack of snow with beautiful weather for all of the festivities.

Events/Festivals

• The Magical Christmas Journey: Starting at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarksdale, the whole family can go on a 1-hour train ride to the North Pole together. Along the way, you can enjoy the yummy seasonal treats and drinks, festive lights, holiday decor, and all of the entertainment for the kids.

• Festival of Lights: This 50-year-old tradition is Tlaquepaque’s signature winter event. There is live music throughout the event, a bunch of entertainment, loads of free cider, and over 6,000 luminarias that are lit up to fill the evening with Christmas lights. This event is also a great option for families since Santa will be there!

• Holiday Sweet Stroll: This free Verde Valley event takes you through Tlaquepaque where you will find plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants. There will also be seasonal treats, some discounts at the shops, and live entertainment. This stroll is the perfect place to catch up on Christmas shopping!

• The Sedona Winter Solstice Festival: This seasonal event is more than just that, it’s a spiritual moment that the people of Sedona celebrate every year. This one-of-a-kind experience occurs at the Sedona Crystal Temple where you can participate in an immersive meditation. 

The Best Sedona Tours

Another great way to experience all that Sedona has to offer in December is to go on a Sedona tour!

There are so many different types of tours to choose from, and most of these tours are going to help you see Sedona from a new perspective and teach you things about the area that you might not have known before.

• Our Top Pick: Sedona Stargazing Tour – This unique nighttime excursion is led by professional astronomers who will help you use specialized telescopes out in Oak Creek. The clear, crisp night skies in December are a perfect time to do some stargazing. 
  
• Best Adventure Pick: Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona – This hands-on adventure tour is a great way to check out the outback of West Sedona. The best part of this ATV tour is the chance to ride up Skeleton Bone Mountain where you’ll get picturesque views of Verde Valley.
  
• Best Sightseeing Pick: Half-Day Sedona Sightseeing Tour – This half-day sightseeing tour covers all of the best parts of Sedona. You will have the opportunity to see up to 10 different sites with time to get out and enjoy what each stop has to offer. 

Other Things to Do

• Go on a scenic drive: If the weather is too cold for you, going on one of the best scenic drives in Sedona is the perfect alternative to experience the beautiful red rock country. Our favorite scenic drive is the Red Rock Scenic Byway!

• Visit a winery: Sedona has an award-winning wine region which makes visiting a winery totally worth doing! We think the best way to experience the wine country is to go on a wine tour so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

• Rent a Jeep or try out a Pink Jeep Tour: Renting a Jeep or going on a Pink Jeep Tour will take you to all of the best parts of Sedona that you can’t normally reach. We really love this option whenever we are too tired to hike!

• Book a vortex tour: If you are interested in the spiritual side of Sedona, then you should definitely book a vortex tour. Nothing is more relaxing than practicing yoga throughout the beautiful red rocks.

• Give winter camping a try: Instead of renting a place to stay, we think that winter camping is a one-of-a-kind experience that you shouldn’t pass up! Plus there are so many options when it comes to camping in Sedona.

• Go stargazing: Stargazing in Sedona is bucket list worthy! We are always amazed by the starry skies and constellations which are even better when experienced in the desert. 

• Take a train ride on Verde Canyon Railroad: Another one of the things to do in Sedona Arizona in December that will keep you warm during this chillier season is a train ride. The 4-hour round-trip ride through Verde Canyon will give you 360 views of the Verde Valley among other amazing sites!

• Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum: A trip to Sedona isn’t complete without a stop at the Sedona Heritage Museum. It’s a great way to discover the rich history of the Sedona area. We also like to peruse the gift shop for souvenirs!

• Go on a road trip: There are a ton of other great things to do near Sedona. If you rented a car from one of the closest airports to Sedona and are feeling the road trip vibes, why not take a day trip from Sedona to Antelope Canyon?

Is Sedona Busy in December?

Sedona is not considered busy in December, especially compared to the peak Fall and Spring months.

December is actually the start of the slow season which means you will experience very few crowds and cheaper accommodations.

With little to no crowds, we really love to take advantage of that by hiking the most popular trails that you might not get to enjoy as much during the peak season.

Closures in December

Sedona is a popular destination to visit year-round, and because of that most tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops are open year-round as well.

So if you were wondering what to do in Sedona Arizona in December, you won’t have to worry about there being many closures.

The only time you’ll find that anything closes down is on Christmas Day. But even when the state parks close for holidays like Christmas, the trailheads remain open.

Wrap-Up: Sedona in December