United States, North America

Sedona in January

Quiet trails and low rates. Snow on the red rocks is rare and spectacular; mornings are frosty.

GoodCool, highs near 57F (14C), cold nights, occasional snow

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

The straight answer

January is a good month to visit Sedona. Quiet trails and low rates. Snow on the red rocks is rare and spectacular; mornings are frosty.

Weather: Cool, highs near 57F (14C), cold nights, occasional snow
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What January is like in Sedona

January in Sedona is cool and quiet. Days reach about 57F (14C) under clear skies, nights are cold, and mornings are often frosty. Trails that are packed in spring feel calm, and hotel rates are among the lowest of the year. Once in a while a storm drops snow on the red rocks, a rare and beautiful sight that usually melts by afternoon.

January is a good month for hikers, couples and budget travelers who want easy parking and sunny afternoons. It is less ideal for families hoping to swim at Slide Rock, which is a summer thing. If you want warmer days, aim for April or October.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Sedona this month.

Snow on the red rocks

When a winter storm passes, red cliffs dusted in white make for rare photos. Go early, since the snow melts fast.

Easy trailhead parking

Popular hikes like Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock are far easier to start without the spring crowds.

Winter stargazing

Long, clear nights and Sedona's dark sky rules make January great for stars just outside town.

What to pack for January

A warm jacket and hat for frosty mornings
Layers you can shed as afternoons warm up
Hiking shoes with good grip for cold, slick rock
A Red Rock Pass or federal parks pass for trailhead parking

Our timing tip

Start hikes mid morning after the frost burns off, and save sunset at Airport Mesa for a clear evening.

Book Sedona for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sedona
Opens a hotel search for Sedona in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. 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.