Sedona in January offers a unique weather pattern that varies throughout the day. To enjoy your visit fully, it’s important to pack and dress appropriately.
We visited Sedona during this time quite often. Thus, we know a thing or two about the best outfits in January.
This guide will help you understand what to wear in Sedona during this month, focusing on the fluctuating temperatures from morning to evening.
Understanding Sedona’s January Weather
Sedona in January offers a mix of chilly mornings and evenings with warmer afternoons. The weather is generally mild compared to other winter destinations. Here are the typical temperatures:
During this month, the average high temperature is 55°F (13°C). It gets significantly colder at night.
The average high temps:
- Early January: 53°F (12°C)
- Mid-January: 55°F (13°C)
- Late January: 57°F (14°C)
Temperature progression on a typical day:
- Morning (8:30 AM): 38°F (3°C)
- Afternoon (3 PM): 54°F (12°C)
- Evening (9 PM): 45°F (7°C)
Days are shorter in January compared to the warmer months. Sunrise is around 7:30 AM, and the sun goes down between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. It’s best to hike during daylight hours for visibility and warmer temperatures.
Mornings are colder, and temperatures peak in the afternoon around 3 pm at 55°F. On many days, temps are in the 60s during sunny afternoons and sometimes even in the 70s.
When you visit Sedona in January, you might experience four seasons in one day. It will feel like winter when waking up, spring before noon, and summer in the afternoon. In the evening, it might feel like fall, and then again, like again when it’s dark.
Sedona gets slightly warmer throughout the month. However, the chance of cloud cover is still relatively low, even in the first week.
We could get outdoors throughout the entire month, experiencing mostly pleasant temperatures, especially in the warmer afternoons. We used an extra layer in early January.
Hiking Weather: When we visited once in late January, it was in the 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 essential in January! More about layering later.
Does It Snow in January in Sedona? While it does snow, it typically does not create a significant ground layer but a slightly visible dusting on the top of Sedona’s highest areas. Snow falls on average on two days, accumulates up to 1.5, and rarely exceeds 4 inches.
During our last visit in January, it snowed once during nighttime and lasted till mid-morning.
Outfit Guide | What To Wear
During January in Sedona, you wear long pants, socks, warm shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a top layer like a fleece or jacket during the day. In the morning, evening, and night, you need to wear an extra sweater between your shirt and jacket.
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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.
💡 If you plan to stay outdoors during the early morning or evening hours in January, we recommend bringing gloves, a scarf, and a wool hat. Most indoor accommodations have good heating, so you do not need to worry about being cold while sleeping.
Do you need a thick winter jacket? If you plan to go to Sedona in January, you should not need a winter coat. Most visitors bring their warmer fall jackets. However, a few warm additional sweaters are useful. Some bring a winter coat when visiting early in the month. We didn’t need one.
Local opinion: Bring a warm fall jacket but not your heavy winter coat. In January, we often sit outside for dinners in a sweater, and we often hike in leggings and a sweatshirt.
To give you a comprehensive idea of what to bring, we’ve created a packing list based on our experience in Sedona.
Layering | Essential Clothing Items
- Morning and Evening: Layering is vital for warmth. Begin with a base layer and add a sweater and jacket as needed.
- Afternoon: As it warms up, shed layers to stay comfortable. A light shirt may be enough during peak warmth.
Jacket
- SOFT FABRIC: This Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip fleece is crafted of soft 100% polyester MTR filament...
- Ultra-soft Fabric: Made of 100% polyester microfleece, this fleece jacket offers the perfect comfort you desire.
- SOFT FABRIC: This polar fleece jacket is crafted of ultra-soft 100% polyester microfleece for the perfect amount of...
- Type: A warm fall jacket or fleece is ideal for daytime.
- Why Fleece: Fleece jackets provide warmth without the bulk of a heavy winter coat. They’re also easy to carry or tie around your waist when not needed.
- Alternatives: Lightweight down jackets or windbreakers are good alternatives, offering warmth and wind protection.
Jackets are crucial for staying warm during cooler parts of the day in Sedona. A fleece jacket is ideal because it provides sufficient warmth without being too heavy. Lightweight options like a down jacket or a windbreaker are also suitable, especially for those who prefer a less bulky option.
Hiking Pants
- loose-match quick dry pants: Our outdoor hiking pants are designed to be comfortable and loose, and have a certain...
- Gets iconic by Stylish design, Cycorld hiking pants for women have 3 ways to wear,offering convenient and relaxed...
- 【6 POCKETS】The athletic pants with 4 functional zipper and 2 hip back pockets for convenient storing items like...
- Material: Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Versatility: Some hiking pants convert to shorts, which can be useful for the warmer afternoons.
Hiking pants are designed for both warmth and movement. Look for ones made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials. Convertible pants that change into shorts can be particularly useful in Sedona’s fluctuating temperatures.
Long-Sleeved Shirt
- Quick dry & lightweight fabric on the back combine with soft & stretch fabric on the front can wicks moisture away...
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+ fabric provides maximum sun protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Great for swimming...
- Lightweight and sun protection fabric wicks moisture away from your skin, breathes freely and dries quickly for...
- Base Layer: Acts as a base layer for colder mornings and evenings.
- Materials: Opt for materials that keep you warm yet breathe as you become more active.
A long-sleeved shirt serves as an essential base layer, especially in the cooler morning and evening hours. Opt for fabrics that offer warmth but also allow your skin to breathe as the day heats up.
Sweater
- Extra Layer: Provides additional warmth during the cooler parts of the day.
- Material: Wool or synthetic blends are good choices for insulation and comfort.
An extra sweater is a must for layering in Sedona. It provides additional insulation during the colder parts of the day. Materials like wool or synthetic fibers are preferred for their warmth and comfort.
Pants
Pants are a key item for any Sedona visit in January. They should be comfortable and warm, suitable for both walking around town and outdoor activities. Materials like denim or thick cotton are good for casual wear, while specialized outdoor pants are better for hiking.
Gloves, Scarf, and Wool Hat
For Early Morning/Evening: Essential for keeping extremities warm during the coldest parts of the day.
During the early morning and late evening, accessories like gloves, a scarf, and a wool hat are essential for staying warm. They are especially important if you plan to be outdoors during these cooler times.
Shoes
Shoes are an important consideration for any trip. In Sedona, comfortable walking shoes are suitable for exploring the town, while sturdy hiking boots are a must for outdoor adventures.
Complete Packing List
For a one-week stay in Sedona during January, consider packing the following items:
- 2 short-sleeved shirts
- 5 long-sleeved shirts
- 2 sweaters
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 warm fall jacket/fleece
- 3 pairs of pants
- 1 pair of hiking shorts/pants
- 7 pairs of socks
- Walking/casual shoes
- Hiking boots
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- 1 dressier outfit for fine dining
- Medium winter coat, wool hat, gloves/mittens, and scarf (especially if you’re sensitive to cold)
Summary: Tips for Dressing in Sedona
- Layering is Key: Begin with more layers in the morning and adjust as the day warms up.
- Sun Protection: Despite cooler temperatures, the sun can be strong. Sunglasses and a hat are essential.
- Comfortable Footwear: Shoes suitable for walking in town and sturdy boots for hiking.
- Evening Attire: Sedona evenings can get cool, so bring a sweater or light jacket.
By following this guide, you will be well-prepared for the diverse weather conditions you’ll encounter in Sedona in January. Adaptability is crucial, and with the right clothing, your visit will be both comfortable and enjoyable.