United States, North America

Sedona in April

Arguably the best weather of the year and the busiest trailheads. Wildflowers after wet winters.

BestWarm, highs near 73F (23C), dry

Sedona red rocks, United States — SedonaPhoto: Ernst Krenger, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. Arguably the best weather of the year and the busiest trailheads. Wildflowers after wet winters.

Weather: Warm, highs near 73F (23C), dry
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What April is like in Sedona

April may have the best weather of the year in Sedona. Highs are near 73F (23C), skies are dry and clear, and nights are cool. After a wet winter, wildflowers brighten the desert. It is also peak season, with the busiest trailheads, full hotels and top prices, so a little planning goes a long way.

April suits nearly everyone, from families to serious hikers, as long as you book ahead and start early. If crowds are your biggest worry, October and November offer similar weather with fewer people. Families hoping to swim at Slide Rock should wait for summer, since the creek is still chilly.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Sedona this month.

The year's best hiking weather

Warm, dry days make every trail pleasant, from easy loops to the Cathedral Rock scramble.

Desert wildflowers

After a wet winter, April can bring blooms along the trails and roadsides. In dry years the show is small.

Sunset at Airport Mesa

Warm evenings make the classic sunset spot a lovely end to the day. Walk the loop trail instead of fighting for the overlook.

What to pack for April

Breathable hiking clothes and a sun hat
Plenty of water and salty snacks
A light jacket for cool evenings
Sunglasses and sunscreen

Our timing tip

Hike at sunrise and head to galleries or lunch at midday, when trailheads are at their busiest.

Book Sedona for April.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sedona
Opens a hotel search for Sedona in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Sedona
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Sedona
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sedona for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Sedona

Full guide

Cathedral Rock

A short, steep scramble to a saddle with huge views. Go at sunrise and use the free Sedona Shuttle where it serves the trailhead.

Tickets and tours →

Devil's Bridge

Sedona's largest natural arch and most popular hike. Expect a line for the photo; weekday dawn is best.

Tickets and tours →

Slide Rock State Park

A natural water slide in Oak Creek, best in summer and extremely busy on warm weekends. Arrive early.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Red Rock State Park

Easy trails along Oak Creek with views of Cathedral Rock and ranger-led walks.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Chapel of the Holy Cross

A chapel built into the red rocks in 1956, with views across the valley. Parking is limited.

Tickets and tours →

Airport Mesa sunset

The classic sunset spot over West Sedona. Parking fills early; walk the loop trail instead of fighting for the overlook.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Start hikes at sunrise. Popular trailheads like Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, and Devil's Bridge fill early on busy days.
Use the free Sedona Shuttle to reach the busiest trailheads instead of circling for parking.
Visit midweek in October or November for the best weather with far fewer people than spring.
Head to quieter trails like Boynton Canyon's side trails, Fay Canyon, or the Brins Mesa area to escape the busiest routes.

Know before you go

Many trailheads on national forest land require a Red Rock Pass or a federal interagency pass to park.
Some trails and parking areas close temporarily after heavy rain, during fire restrictions, or when lots are full.
Slide Rock State Park is open year-round but gets extremely busy in summer; it can close when capacity is reached or when water quality issues arise.
Summer fire restrictions in the Coconino National Forest can limit campfires and some activities, typically in late spring before the monsoon.

Sedona in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Sedona?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. Arguably the best weather of the year and the busiest trailheads. Wildflowers after wet winters.

What is the weather like in Sedona in April?

Warm, highs near 73F (23C), dry.

Is Sedona crowded in April?

April is peak crowd season in Sedona; expect lines at the headline sights.