United States, North America

Sedona in March

Excellent weather and peak crowds with spring breaks. Book lodging early and start hikes at dawn.

BestPleasant, highs near 65F (18C)

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

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. Excellent weather and peak crowds with spring breaks. Book lodging early and start hikes at dawn.

Weather: Pleasant, highs near 65F (18C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What March is like in Sedona

March brings some of Sedona's best weather, with highs near 65F (18C), cool mornings and sunny afternoons. It is also one of the busiest months, as spring breaks bring families and college students to town. Trailhead lots fill by mid morning, traffic backs up on the main roads, and hotel prices are at their peak.

March suits families on spring break and anyone who wants ideal hiking weather and is willing to plan ahead. Book lodging early, start at dawn and use the free Sedona Shuttle where it serves your trailhead. If you would trade a few degrees for smaller crowds, look at late October or November.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Sedona this month.

Prime hiking weather

Cool mornings and mild afternoons make longer hikes like Boynton Canyon or Soldier Pass comfortable all day.

Film festival wrap-up

The Sedona International Film Festival often runs into early March, adding evening screenings to your trip.

Montezuma Castle day trip

The cliff dwellings about 30 minutes south make a great half-day outing when Sedona trailheads are jammed.

What to pack for March

Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
A sun hat and sunscreen
Two liters of water per person for longer hikes
A Red Rock Pass for trailhead parking

Our timing tip

Be at your trailhead by sunrise on spring break weeks, since lots at Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge fill very early.

Book Sedona for March.

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

What's on in March

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.

Sedona in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Sedona?

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. Excellent weather and peak crowds with spring breaks. Book lodging early and start hikes at dawn.

What is the weather like in Sedona in March?

Pleasant, highs near 65F (18C).

Is Sedona crowded in March?

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

What is happening in Sedona in March?

Sedona International Film Festival (late february into early march).