Sedona in February

February is still winter in Sedona. But it doesn’t feel like the cold season to most visitors from the northern states, despite chilly mornings and possible snow during a few nights.

It’s golf weather all year round here and hiking conditions are ideal this month. We always spend many days here in during this month and are having an incredible experience every time.

All attractions, restaurants, state parks, and shops are open throughout the month. However, the days are still shorter, and it’s definitely cooler compared to spring, fall, or summer.

💡 In February, you must come prepared with appropriate clothing and layers. More about that later.

Read on, if you want first-hand experience and helpful tips for your visit! Here’s everything we learned about

  • Temperatures
  • Weather Conditions
  • Clothing
  • Things to do

Must-Do Activity in February | Jeep Tour

Once, we were asked the following: ‘If you only do one thing while in Sedona, regardless of the season, what would you recommend?’ Our definitive answer: A JEEP TOUR!

Tip: Book at least 3-4 days in advance to make sure to get the desired slot! It’s very comfortable as you will receive a mobile voucher on your phone (you can also print it if you like): Sedona Vortex Jeep Tours (our recommendation!)

Almost every Sedona visitor will tell you that a Jeep tour is a must! We highly recommend, doing at least one of these!

These excursions are an incredible experience, and everyone from the team is hands down the best tour guide we’ve ever had. !

Tip: Book an afternoon slot during this month, as it’s often too cold in the mornings at this time of the year. However, we often did this stunning tour at 9 AM and loved it every time, regardless of the colder temps!

Is February a Good Time To Visit Sedona?

Bell Rock in February

February is a very good time to visit Sedona in Arizona, as the prices are lower and it’s less busy than during peak seasons. Although it’s winter, the area is not too cold. In the afternoon, it warms up and the sky is typically clear. This is perfect for any outdoor activity.

Our recent experience: This year we went in mid-February and it was mostly sunny and pleasant. Average highs are in the 60s, perfect with the dry air and the sun shining. We only had one night of light rain and a light snow shower. The next day it was beautiful again around noon.

If you enjoy relaxed wintertime trips with pleasant weather and don’t mind some colder morning temperatures, this month is a great option. However, don’t expect winter activities or the typical snow-covered landscapes.

Weather

Average high temps in February.

Sedona is in the desert, however, due to its higher elevation, the winter months aren’t as hot as you might expect. So, what can you expect from the weather in Sedona during this month?

In February, the average high temperature in Sedona ranges from 57°F to 51°F (14-16°C). It gets colder at night, with temperatures just above freezing. The average precipitation is about 2 inches and it rains or snows on average for a total of about 5 days.

Sedona’s average high temps during this month:

  • Early February: 57°F (14°C)
  • Mid-February: 59°F (15°C)
  • Late February: 61°F (16°C)

Temperature progression: Sedona gets warmer throughout the month of February. Regardless, the chance of cloud cover is still fairly low. At the end of the month, it can feel already like real spring temperatures sometimes.

It’s a lot colder in the mornings and evenings. Fin below the temperature progression on a typical day in February:

  • Morning (8:30 AM): 44°F (7°C)
  • Afternoon (3 PM): 59°F (15°C)
  • Evening (9 PM): 48°F (9°C)

Mornings are colder, and temperatures peak in the afternoon at about 3 pm around 59°F. On many days temperatures are in the 60s during sunny afternoons and occasionally even in the 70s.

Unpredictable Weather: February weather in Sedona is sometimes difficult to predict. It’s still wintertime and a cold weather front can come through with snow. On the other hand, warm spells do happen as well.

Does it rain often? No! However, even when it rains it typically doesn’t last long and a little rainfall definitely won’t spoil your trip. If it rains, then just wait 15 minutes, and be careful on the trail. There might be ponds, puddles, and a rainbow.

We could get outdoors throughout the whole month, experiencing mostly pleasant temperatures, especially in the warmer afternoons.

Hiking Weather: When we visited once in late February, it was in the mid-60s during the afternoons and very sunny. We sweated on our hikes, and for our friend’s dog, it was almost too hot in the direct sun. However, on other hikes with mostly shaded sections, it was cold and muddy with patches of snow from last night. Wearing layers is key!

Is Sedona Sunny in February?
Cathedral Rock view in late February: The sun is shining heavenly on the red rocks.

During February most days in Sedona are sunny with a beautiful blue sky and crisp air. However, the days are shorter compared to the warmer months. Sunrise is around 7:20 AM in early February and around 7 AM at the end of the month.

The sun goes down between 6:00 and 6:20 AM. Plan your outdoor adventures during daylight hours for better visibility and pleasant temperatures.

Sometimes temperatures can even reach 70°F in February on a sunny afternoon. A friend of ours once golfed after some snow melted and lounged at the pool the next day. However, relaxing at an outdoor pool might be a tad chilly on most days and for most visitors.

Is It Too Cold in Sedona in February?

February is not too cold in Sedona for outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing. In fact, the temperatures are perfect, since you can hike all day without having to worry about a heat stroke.

It does get cold during the night with temps just above freezing. Despite the cooler weather, there is a chance of snow cover or rainfall.

Mornings are still chilly, and wearing layers is necessary during that time of day for any outdoor adventures. More about that later.

Snow

When it gets cold enough at night, snowfall might occur and the red rocks get dusted or covered with snow. In the morning the sun comes out which melts it away until noon. If you’re lucky enough to witness this, you’ll experience unforgettable views!

In February, snow falls for about 3 days in Sedona, with typically accumulated 2.56 inches (65mm) of snow. However, snowfall is only occasional and short-lived and it typically happens during colder nights.

With nighttime temperatures hovering a few degrees above freezing, it is more likely to experience rain or a combination of rain and snow.

Does It Snow a Lot in February in Sedona?

While it does snow in Sedona in February, it mainly does not create a significant ground layer but a slightly visible dusting on the top of Sedona’s highest areas.

During our last visit in February, it snowed once during nighttime and lasted till mid-morning. Additionally, the chance of snow is getting lower towards the end of the month when the temps are rising to almost spring-like conditions.

Snowstorms/Blizzards

Storms are rare but a possibility in February. Many years don’t see any storms, but when it happens, they can make outdoor activities unpleasant.

There have been a few times in the past when Sedona was snowed in for a few days, but this is rare. For example, once there was a huge snowstorm, and all main roads were closed for three days.

Local experience: The good news is that storms during the winter month in Sedona do not last for days as they do in other parts of our country. Besides, you don’t get those feet of snow or even very many inches here. Even if there is more snow on those rare occasions, it generally melts in a day or two, anyway.

What To Wear/Packing List

You are going to shed layers after hiking for a while in February. Sometimes, especially in late February, it can even be warm enough for shorts in the afternoon.

In February, in Sedona, you wear long pants, socks, sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a top layer like a fleece or jacket during the day. In the mornings and evenings, you may need an extra sweater between your shirt and jacket. Afternoons are sometimes warm enough for t-shirts.

While hiking during the day, wearing layers that you can shed as you warm up is best. Expect to warm up due to the movement, direct sunlight, and increased afternoon temperatures. You may prefer a short-sleeved shirt, breathable pants or shorts, socks, and hiking boots during the day.

💡 During February in Sedona, we start our days early and are dressed in layers with hats, gloves, and a packable down jacket. Later we shed layers and end up in our leggings and long-sleeved shirts by early afternoon. We are from a cooler region and don’t think the 40-degree morning temps felt as cold as 40°F at home.

Do you need a thick winter jacket? If you plan to go to Sedona in February, you don’t need a winter coat. Most visitors bring their warmer spring jackets. However, a few warm additional sweaters are useful for those cold mornings.

To give you a comprehensive idea of what to bring, we’ve created a packing list based on our experience in Sedona.

February clothing list for one week in Sedona:

  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirt
  • Warm spring jacket/fleece
  • Pants
  • Hiking shorts/pants
  • Enough socks
  • Walking/casual shoes
  • Hiking boots
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • 1 dressier outfit if planning on visiting fine-dining establishments
  • Hat, gloves/mittens, and scarf (if coming in early February and if you get cold easily)

How Busy/Crowds/Rates

Sedona is not very busy or crowded during February compared to spring, early summer, and fall months. There is less traffic and parking lots at trailheads and attractions are not congested during this month. Rates and prices are lower as well.

The busiest tourist seasons are in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the slowest seasons are summer and winter, with February being even less busy.

💡 Hotel Tips via booking.com: We recommend sorting the deals by ‘top picks’.  Check all deals here: Sedona Hotel Selection (via booking.com)  Bookmark the link and check rates regularly if you found one! We stayed at the Wilde Resort & Spa, and it was absolutely gorgeous in the winter!

Rates are lower during this month, and hotels and restaurants often offer incentives, which means you can save money during this time. Additionally, reservations are easier.

One other advantage of going at this time of the year is that hiking trails are not busy.  You should be able to find parking at all the trailheads and attractions much easier than during the peak seasons and enjoy an even quieter hike without as many people as usual on the trails.

Hiking | Trail Conditions

Sedona’s hiking trails are beautiful during February. Most days are sunny, reaching 60°F and creating ideal conditions for hiking without the extreme heat during many other months. However, after it has rained or snowed during the night, you will encounter some muddy trails.

💡 If it rains wait 15 minutes, and be cautious on the trail. There might be ponds and puddles.

Most visitors and locals agree that February offers lovely hiking weather in this part of Arizona.

Although snowfall is very low, you may have some snow dusting the trails in the early morning, but it generally melts before noon. You should be fine in hiking boots and might even enjoy the beautiful serene white coat.

Facilities/Closures

Sedona caters to tourists, and all tourist attractions, restaurants, and stores will be open throughout February. All trails and trailheads will be accessible for hiking.

 

The Best Activities / Things To Do

We did all three tours (see above) and loved all of them. However, the Nightime UFO & Stargazing Tour was really special! Bring warm clothes (see our ‘What to Wear’ section above).

There are many activities to participate in while visiting Sedona in February. Some attractions are inside, but the majority of things to do can be found outside, as there are many beautiful natural sites to visit. Especially places like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Sedona Heritage Museum, or hitting the easy hiking trails.

Red Rock Scenic Byway

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a 7.5-mile (12.07 km) stretch of road with beautiful sites and stops. It is accessible during February, but be careful of icy roads in the morning and after a recent snowfall.

The Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center is open year-round from 9 am- 4:30 pm. Here, you can find maps and information on activities in the area.

Sedona Jeep Tour

A Sedona Jeep tour is a great way to start off your trip. It’ll give you an overview of all the big sites in the area and where things are located.

Bring a jacket or an extra blanket if you book a morning tour. If you have back or joint problems, you may want to skip this, as the Jeep can be a bit bumpy.

Golfing

Golfing is available year-round in Sedona at several golfing resorts. Most days in February are dry and sunny with ideal temperatures. However, keep in mind the days are shorter, so you may want to start earlier than usual. Frost delays at the golf courses are minimal and more of a rarity.

Chapel of the Holy Cross / Cathedral Rock

  • When: Open year-round (except Christmas, Thanksgiving, Good Friday, and Easter)
  • Where: 780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336
  • Price: Free

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-see in Sedona. This unique chapel sits atop cathedral rock, one of the red rock formations in the area.

It is open every day in February.

Keep in mind food, drinks, and pets are not allowed inside. Head here in the morning to avoid the crowds present in the afternoon. After a tour, the gift shop on the lower level is worth visiting to find local artisan-made items.

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is a butte that sits at 4,919 feet (1,499 m) high and has stunning panoramic views of the region. It is a .8-mile (1.29 km) hike there and back and is open year-round. We highly recommend this hike in February. It’s easy, but it has gorgeous views!

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is a beautiful state park with many hiking trails and some swimming areas. While it is too cold to swim in February, the hiking trails are ideal during the daytime.

Slide Rock is open from 9 am to 5 pm (subject to change).

The last entry is one hour before the park closes. Parking lots are not crowded during February, which is good since you must enter with a vehicle.

Visit the Arizona State Park website for special seasonal events posted regularly.

Red Rock State Park

The Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre ( nature reserve with trails, canyons, and amazing Sedona views.

It is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. The last entry is at 4:30 pm. The Visitor Center is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

More Hiking

The Turkey Creek Trail is beautiful. It is also one of the lesser-known ones. Thus, it’s less busy at the trailhead (Google Maps Location). Read more here (trail description) 

Many people head to Sedona to explore the vast hiking options. Below are some of the top hiking locations (apart from the Grand Canyon).

Fay Canyon
  • When: Open year-round
  • Where: Boynton Pass Rd Sedona, AZ 86336
  • Price: Free parking available

This trail is at a low elevation, making it a perfect trek for people of all skill levels. The Fat Canyon trail features wildlife, local flora and fauna, and impressive canyon walls. This trail is situated in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area and offers the option of longer trails along with free parking.

Templeton Trail
  • When: Open year-round
  • Where: Back O’ Beyond Rd Sedona, AZ 86336
  • Price: Free parking available

Sedona is known for its vortexes, which provide positive energy to people who walk or drive through them. The Templeton Trail provides sights of the famous Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s vortex areas.

Boynton Canyon
  • When: Open year-round
  • Where: Dry Creek Rd Sedona, AZ 86340
  • Price: Free parking available

This trek features a vortex and views of Red Rock country and a forest.

This is another excellent trail that is not often crowded. Plus, it features a wide array of terrain. The Boynton Canyon trail is slightly longer than the two previous trails, at three miles roundtrip. However, it should only take an hour for most to cover the trail leaving plenty of time for other activities.

 

Save the 3 Best Activities