Sedona, Arizona, is home to stunning red rock mountain formations and energy vortexes known for their healing properties. Travel to Sedona looks vastly different based on your itinerary and the time of the year you visit. Sedona generally has a mild climate for the desert, but the temperatures vary significantly by season. While some people come to Sedona to participate in healing therapies and admire art, others have an active vacation and hike multiple miles daily in the rugged red rock cliffs. This Sedona packing list breaks down what you need to pack based on your activity level and the time of year you visit.
More on Sedona:
What is the Weather Like in Sedona?
Sedona is 4,350 feet above sea level, making its desert climate cooler than nearby Phoenix, 1,086 feet above sea level, and warmer than Flagstaff, which sits 6,800 feet above sea level. In fact, driving from Flagstaff to Sedona felt surreal since Flagstaff had snow then, and Sedona was snow-free.
Winter in Sedona: From December to March, the high temperatures in Sedona range from the high 50s to the low 60s. The lows drop to freezing and hover in the 30s.
Spring in Sedona: April to June is typically considered one of the best weather times to visit Sedona. Highs in April reach the mid-70s, with lows in the mid-40s; in May, they get to the mid-80s, with lows in the 50s; and in June, they reach the mid-90s, with lows in the 60s.
Summer in Sedona: July and August are often considered too hot for many people to visit Sedona, with high temperatures in the upper 90s and lows in the mid-60s. If you like the heat, this is the time to visit.
Fall in Sedona: September, October, and November are also great months to visit Sedona, with milder temperatures. The high temperatures in September reach the high 80s, with lows in the 60s. October sees highs in the high 70s and lows in the low 50s. November sees temperatures in the high 60s to high 30s.
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What to Pack if You Visit Sedona from November to March:
Remember, the deserts get cold in the wintertime. It’s not all sunshine all year round in Sedona. If you’re coming in the colder months, make sure you are packing for colder weather. Some things to include in your packing:
- Insulated Jacket
- Gloves
- Hat
- Pants
- Long sleeve shirts
- Layers to adjust as the weather changes
Sedona Packing List: All Activities and All Seasons
Here are the things you should have on your Sedona packing list regardless of the season you are visiting or your travel plans.
If you visit in the colder months, add your long sleeves and colder weather items to the list.
Sun Protection
No matter what time of the year you visit Sedona or what your itinerary looks like, ensure that you protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat. The Columbia Bora Bora hat is a flexible, wide-brimmed hat to pack in your bag and travel.
- Sunglasses
Toiletries & Basics
If you forget any basics, don’t fret. There are many stores in town where you can buy them.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, makeup, razor, body soap, and shampoo/conditioner
- Any medications you are prescribed
- Basic first aid including bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic ointment
- Phone and/or a camera
- Charging cables for your electronics
- Portable chargers to ensure your devices don’t die during activities
- ID and credit cards
- A day bag to carry while you’re out and about
- Reusable water bottle
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes, like a sneaker.
- Sandals (for warmer months)
- Any specific shoes for going to dinner
- Hiking boots if hiking
Clothes
Pack layers and clothes that fare well in the sun. The temperature varies depending on the sun’s placement so it will be significantly colder close to sunrise and sunset.
For example, here’s a picture of me bundled up in a jacket and multiple layers around sunrise on the left. Then, only an hour later, I dropped the layers and was in a tank on the second picture.
- Light, breathable shirts of multiple layers: tanks, short-sleeves, long sleeves for the mornings or colder months
- A sweater and/or light jacket are needed for lower temperatures in the morning and night. I wore my NorthFace rain jacket a lot in the mornings.
- Shorts, pants, and dresses that match your planned activities
- More elevated outfits for going to dinners
- Bathing suits if planning to go in pools or swimming holes
- Bonus: If you have Western or Southwestern wear, this is the place to flaunt it!
Sedona Hiking Essentials
If you plan to hike in Sedona, you should bring the following essential items in addition to those already mentioned on this list. The sun is intense in Sedona, and the trails are unstable due to loose gravel and rocks; you will want proper gear.
- A day pack. I highly recommend one with a water bladder to carry your water on the trail. I used an Osprey pack with a 2.5 L bladder.
- Hiking boots or trail running shoes with good tread. The trails have loose gravel and some scrambles to climb, and you want good grips on your shoes.
- Water bottle or water bladder
- Light-colored shirts and breathable clothes. The sun is intense in Sedona, and it’s not a place to hike in heavy fabrics or all-black clothes that attract the sun. Sun shirts with UV protection are ideal for Sedona hiking. Wear breathable fabrics and lighter colors.
- As mentioned above, sun protection, including hats, sunscreen, UV shirts,and sunglasses
- Bug repellent
- You should also carry a first aid kit for your bag and a hiking essentials kit. I keep this hiking survival kit in my pack in case of emergency.
Sedona Packing List: Final Thoughts
Sedona’s location at high elevation in Arizona makes the weather variable throughout the year. Packing for your Sedona trip will vary depending on the time of year and what activities you plan to do in Sedona.
Bring plenty of layers to change things up during the day. Hikers should bring hiking essentials, including a day pack, shoes with good tread, water bladder or bottle, and first aid essentials.
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