United States, North America

Sedona in July

Peak heat plus monsoon lightning and flash flood risk. The least comfortable month to hike.

Think twiceHot, highs near 96F (36C), monsoon storms

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

The straight answer

July is a month to think twice about visiting Sedona. Peak heat plus monsoon lightning and flash flood risk. The least comfortable month to hike.

Weather: Hot, highs near 96F (36C), monsoon storms
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What July is like in Sedona

July is Sedona's hardest month. Highs are near 96F (36C), and the monsoon usually arrives, bringing afternoon lightning, sudden downpours and flash flood risk in washes and canyons. Hiking is uncomfortable after early morning, and exposed ridges are dangerous when storms build. Crowds and prices are moderate, which is about the only upside.

Most people should avoid July, especially families planning to hike. If summer is your only option, keep outings to dawn and plan indoor or water time for the afternoon. For good hiking weather, pick March, April, October or November. September's second half is also a solid choice as the heat breaks.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Sedona this month.

Monsoon skies

Towering afternoon clouds over the red rocks are dramatic to watch from a safe spot indoors or under cover.

Dawn-only hikes

Short, early hikes on trails like those in Red Rock State Park are still pleasant before the heat builds.

Montezuma Castle

A short walk to the cliff dwellings south of town is a manageable outing on a hot day.

What to pack for July

A hydration pack with three or more liters
A light rain jacket for sudden storms
A sun hat, sun shirt and sunscreen
A weather app with lightning alerts

Our timing tip

Finish any hike by late morning and stay out of washes and slot canyons when storms are anywhere nearby.

Book Sedona for July.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

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

What's on in July

Monsoon season

Roughly July to mid September

Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, and flash floods in washes. Hike early and get off ridges by noon.

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.