United States, North America

Sedona in February

Comfortable hiking and the Sedona International Film Festival late in the month. Crowds start building.

GoodMild, highs near 60F (16C)

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

The straight answer

February is a good month to visit Sedona. Comfortable hiking and the Sedona International Film Festival late in the month. Crowds start building.

Weather: Mild, highs near 60F (16C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Sedona

February is mild and sunny, with highs near 60F (16C) and cold nights. Hiking is comfortable at any hour, and the desert light is clear and soft. Crowds start building as the month goes on, and prices rise toward spring levels. Late in the month, the Sedona International Film Festival brings a week of films and filmmaker talks.

February suits hikers, couples and film fans who want good weather before the spring rush. Families on a winter break will find easy trails and cool, pleasant days. If you want the warmest hiking weather, April is better, but expect far more people then.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Sedona this month.

Sedona International Film Festival

Late February into early March, the town fills with independent films and filmmaker talks for about a week.

Comfortable midday hikes

Unlike summer, you can hike Cathedral Rock or Boynton Canyon at noon without worrying about heat.

Red Rock State Park walks

Easy trails along Oak Creek with views of Cathedral Rock are ideal for families, with ranger-led walks.

What to pack for February

A fleece or light puffy for cool mornings and evenings
Sunscreen and sunglasses, since the desert sun is strong even in winter
Refillable water bottles
Comfortable hiking shoes

Our timing tip

If you want the film festival, book lodging early, and plan hikes for weekday mornings as crowds pick up late in the month.

Book Sedona for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sedona
Opens a hotel search for Sedona in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Sedona International Film Festival

Late February into early March

A week of independent films and filmmaker talks.

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.