United States, North America
Sedona in May
Still great in the mornings; afternoons get hot by late month. Crowds ease after spring break season.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Sedona. Still great in the mornings; afternoons get hot by late month. Crowds ease after spring break season.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 82F (28C), very dry
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What May is like in Sedona
May is warm and very dry, with highs near 82F (28C) and afternoons that turn hot by late in the month. Mornings are still great for hiking. Crowds ease once spring break season ends, and prices drop a step from March and April. Fire restrictions in the national forest can start in late spring, limiting campfires.
May suits couples, early risers and families after spring break who want good weather with fewer people. Plan hikes for the morning and slow down in the afternoon. If you need cool weather all day, go in March, April or October. If you want water play, June and summer are better for Slide Rock.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Sedona this month.
Crowds ease
After spring break, trailheads are a little easier and weekday mornings can be quite calm.
Verde Canyon Railroad
A scenic train ride through a canyon near Clarkdale is a relaxed way to spend a warm afternoon.
Long, golden evenings
Late sunsets give plenty of time for an evening walk once the heat fades.
What to pack for May
- A wide-brimmed hat and sun shirt
- At least two liters of water per person per hike
- Electrolyte tablets or salty snacks
- A light layer for cool mornings
Our timing tip
Start hikes by 7am in May and be done by late morning, when the sun and heat on the red rock ramp up fast.
Book Sedona for May.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SedonaOpens a hotel search for Sedona in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in SedonaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in SedonaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sedona for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Sedona
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.
Devil's Bridge
Sedona's largest natural arch and most popular hike. Expect a line for the photo; weekday dawn is best.
Slide Rock State Park
A natural water slide in Oak Creek, best in summer and extremely busy on warm weekends. Arrive early.
Red Rock State Park
Easy trails along Oak Creek with views of Cathedral Rock and ranger-led walks.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
A chapel built into the red rocks in 1956, with views across the valley. Parking is limited.
Airport Mesa sunset
The classic sunset spot over West Sedona. Parking fills early; walk the loop trail instead of fighting for the overlook.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Sedona?
May is a good month to visit Sedona. Still great in the mornings; afternoons get hot by late month. Crowds ease after spring break season.
What is the weather like in Sedona in May?
Warm, highs near 82F (28C), very dry.
Is Sedona crowded in May?
Sedona is busy in May, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
Keep planning Sedona.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.