Sedona in October: Weather, Things to Do, What to Wear (2023)
Wondering about visiting Sedona in October?
Then you’ve landed on the right article! We’ve visited Sedona in October multiple times now, so we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Sedona in the fall.
We’re going to tell you exactly what to expect for the Sedona October weather, the best hiking in Sedona in October, things to do, what to pack, and SO much more.
Ready to discover everything you need to know about visiting Sedona, Arizona in October? Let’s get to it!
Weather in Sedona in October
Average Sedona Temperatures in October
The weather in October in Sedona is typically mild and really comfortable, especially for outdoor activities.
The average temperature in Sedona during the month of October ranges from 48℉ up to 58℉, and the average highs will range from 70℉ up to 82℉.
Is there Rain in Sedona in October?
It does not rain very much in Sedona during the month of October.
The rainy months in Arizona tend to be during the summer season. By the time October rolls around, the percentage of rain drops to an average of 1.65 inches for the month.
There is about a 9% chance of rain on the average Sedona October day. It’s unlikely you’ll need to bring a rain jacket, but check the forecast before your trip just in case!
Is it Hot in Sedona in October?
The Sedona Arizona weather in October is typically not very hot. It’s actually quite comfortable during the daytime making a great time to enjoy all the outdoor activities in Sedona.
The average temperature in Sedona AZ in October is right around 77℉. The weather can be anywhere around the mid-60s to the mid-70s, depending on the year and how late it is in the month.
Expect the lows at night to reach the 40s. If you plan to be out at night it’s a good idea to bring along a light-weight coat or sweater as it can get pretty chilly.
Does it Snow in Sedona in October?
While it does snow in the winter months, it is very unlikely to snow in October in Sedona.
In October, Sedona never really gets cold enough, even at night, to produce favorable conditions for snow. It is also very dry, which leaves little chance of precipitation in October
Is October a good time to go to Sedona Arizona?
Yes, October is a great time to go to Sedona Arizona! As a close runner-up to the months of April and May, October offers nice cool weather which makes hiking more enjoyable. There are also a variety of popular Sedona October events to check out.
Best Places to Stay in Sedona in October
(Photo Credit: VRBO.com)
Luxury: Uptown Home with Heated Pool & Hot Tub
If you feel like splurging while in Sedona, you should check out Casa Colibri.
This 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom home, sleeps up to 8 people which is ideal for bringing some friends or family along. This beautiful rental also has a heated saltwater swimming pool and a hot tub to enjoy in the cool October evenings.
This uptown home is just a short walk from all of the downtown shops, restaurants, and hiking opportunities.
(Photo Credit: VRBO.com)
Mid-Range: Beautiful West Sedona Guest House
This Sedona Sunset Retreat is even more beautiful in person and we love that it has a heated pool too!
This 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom guest house sleeps up to 6 people. The house is also perfectly situated to face west so that you get the best view of the stunning sunsets all year round.
Apart from the wonderful amenities and privacy that this guest house offers, we appreciated just how close this house is to the West Sedona shops and restaurants.
(Photo Credit: VRBO.com)
Budget: Cozy Sedona Studio near Red Rock State Park
If you’re looking to save some money when traveling to Sedona, check out this budget-friendly studio.
This cozy 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom studio rental sleeps up to 2 people. We think it’s the perfect little romantic getaway without breaking the bank!
This vacation rental also is known for its easy access to trails and creeks like Crescent Moon Ranch and Red Rock State Park. It’s the ideal option for anyone wanting to spend lots of time hiking.
Things to do in Sedona in October
Hiking Sedona in October
The best way to take advantage of the comfortable temperatures this time of year is to go hiking!
Hiking in Sedona is one of our all-time favorite places to go hiking and we’ve hiked a lot of the best trails in Sedona.
One of the best ways to experience these hikes is in the fall. With all of the beautiful fall colors and the nice cool air, this month is a great time to check out any of these 12 incredible Sedona hikes.
There are also some really nice waterfalls in the area to check out if you’re looking for something to add to your hiking list!
Camping in Sedona in October
Camping is ideal with the cool, but not too cold nighttime temperatures.
With little chance of rain and temperatures typically hanging around the 50s at night, sleeping at one of these awesome camping spots is a great way to get close to nature and fully immerse yourself in the fall colors of the forests.
Sunset in Sedona in October
One way to make the fall scenery even better is to hike out to a stunning sunset spot in Sedona.
Watching the beautiful colors of a sunset illuminating the red rocks is our favorite way to end the day!
The sunset time in October is around 6:00 PM. The beginning of the month is later and the end of the month is earlier around 5:30 PM.
The Sedona AZ weather in October will bring chillier evenings, but that leaves you with milder hiking conditions since most sunset spots require a short hike.
You will want to bring a cozy sweater, a light jacket, or even a blanket to sit back and enjoy the sunset.
If you’re a morning person rather than a sunset person, the Sedona sunrises are just as, or possibly even more incredible than the sunsets.
Where is the best place to see fall colors in Sedona?
Oak Creek Canyon is the best place to see fall colors in Sedona.
With the backdrop of the Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon offers a beautiful scenic drive and spectacular hiking opportunities to see the fall colors.
Other Things to Do in Sedona
Besides the things listed above, there are a ton of fun things to do in Sedona during your October visit. Here are some of our favorites:
- Go wine tasting. The nearby Verde Valley is known for some of the best wine in all of Arizona. There are a lot of gorgeous Sedona wineries to choose from for a fun day trip from Sedona.
- Check out a vortex. Sedona is known to have mystical energy and healing powers at vortex sites throughout the area. Going on a Sedona vortex tour is the best way to find these vortexes and learn about their energies.
- Go on a off-road Jeep tour. Off-roading is one of the best things you can do in Sedona. By taking a Sedona Jeep tour you can see some of the best views of the incredible red rocks the area is known for.
- Go on a road trip. If you flew into an airport near Sedona and rented a car for road trip vibes, make sure you do the drive from Sedona to Antelope Canyon, it’s one of the best road trips in the whole area!
- Check out Sedona’s caves. Did you know Sedona has quite a few caves to explore? We visited a bunch of them and had an awesome time exploring all the Sedona caves!
Best Tours in Sedona in October
Our Top Pick: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Hiking Tour from Sedona
- Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in the world and for good reason! It’s absolutely breathtaking. If you have the time, we highly recommend taking a tour to see Antelope Canyon from Sedona as it’s only a few hours away.
- Your local Navajo guide will teach you about the history and culture of the area while also helping you capture some awesome pictures at the best photo spots along the way.
- On this all-day tour from Sedona, you’ll stop by other popular destinations like Oak Creek Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (another one of our favorites & not to be missed)!
Our Top Pick: Sedona Wine & Vortex Tour
- This tour offers the best of both worlds with a visit to some of Sedona’s most popular wineries as well as a hike to a vortex site.
- There is so much included in this tour! You’ll get private transportation between sites, snacks, bottled water, wine tastings, and a yummy lunch.
Events in Sedona in October
- Sedona Arts Festival: This is one of the best Sedona events in October! The Arts Festival promotes over 100 artists who display their work which ranges from sculpture to ceramics to glass and so much more! The event is zero-waste and the price of admission supports arts education and scholarship opportunities in the community.
- Red Rocks Oktoberfest: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks, this event is one of the Sedona things to do in October if you’re looking for some seasonal drinks! The event features craft beer from around the area, seasonal food, and live music. Celebrating Oktoberfest at this event benefits youth-oriented projects and programs in and around Verde Valley.
- Fall Fest at Slide Rock: Located in the fall colors of Oak Creek Canyon, this Fall Festival features interesting and educational demonstrations relating to the wildlife of the area and plenty of fall-inspired activities for the kids!
- Sedona Rock, Gem, and Jewelry Show: This annual event features more than 40 vendors that present crystals, fossils, gemstones, and much more! You can buy gorgeous jewelry, participate in the hourly raffle, or even have fun with the Kids Adventure. This event benefits the Sedona Gem & Mineral Club which is a local nonprofit organization.
- Fall Arts and Crafts Show: If you are looking for things to do in Sedona AZ in October that are free, this event is a fun option! This show is held at the Sedona Heritage Museum every October and you will find all kinds of unique handmade pieces from local artists and craftsmen that make the perfect gifts for the upcoming holiday season!
- Dia De Los Muertos Celebration and Marigold Mural Project: These two events are the most interesting things to do in Sedona in October. Both of these events coincide at the same time and celebrate life and remembrance. Held at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, these Mexican cultural events last for 5 days where you will gain a deeper understanding of the Day of the Dead traditions.
Want to possibly visit Sedona in a different month? Check out our other guides!
What to Wear in Sedona in October
- Layers: Layers are so important when visiting Sedona this time of year! Bringing a lightweight jacket or warm sweater for chilly nights is definitely needed. Also, bring along some light layers for hiking that you can take off once it starts warming up throughout the day.
- Hiking shoes: You’re likely going to want to hit the trails when visiting Sedona. Make sure to bring supportive, comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes. (These are some of our favorites that we wear every time we hike!)
- Sun protection: Despite the lower temperature in October, you can still get sunburned on a sunny day. Be sure to wear some sort of sun protection like sunscreen, a hat, or sunglasses.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Sedona in October
We hope that this article has answered any and all of your questions about traveling to Sedona during October!
There are so many things to do there between all of the events and outdoor activities and tours that you can participate in.
The Sedona AZ October weather really gives you the most comfortable and enjoyable time outside, so be sure to take advantage of it if you choose to visit during the Fall!
