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Sedona in November

Oak Creek Canyon color peaks in early November in most years. Busy around Thanksgiving, calm otherwise.

BestMild, highs near 65F (18C)
Sedona red rocks, United States
SedonaPhoto: Ernst Krenger, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon color peaks in early November in most years. Busy around Thanksgiving, calm otherwise.

Weather
Mild, highs near 65F (18C)
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What November is like in Sedona

November is mild and calm, with highs near 65F (18C), crisp mornings and clear skies. In most years, fall color along Oak Creek Canyon peaks in early November. Crowds are lighter than in October, except around Thanksgiving, and prices ease a little. It is one of the most comfortable months for hiking all day.

November suits couples, hikers, homeschool families and anyone who wants October-like weather with less competition for parking. Thanksgiving week is busy, so book early if you are coming then. If you want warmer days, go in October. If you want the lowest prices, try January.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Sedona this month.

01

Fall color at West Fork

Maples, sycamores and cottonwoods turn along Oak Creek, and the West Fork trail is the best place to see them.

02

All-day hiking weather

Mild afternoons mean you can hike any time, not just at dawn.

03

Montezuma Castle lessons

Quiet weekdays make it easy to visit the cliff dwellings, a good history outing for kids.

What to pack for November

  • A warm layer for cold mornings
  • Comfortable hiking shoes for creek crossings on West Fork
  • A camera for fall color
  • Water and snacks

Our timing tip

Visit West Fork on a weekday morning in early November, since the small parking lot fills fast when the color peaks.

Book Sedona for November.

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What's on in November

Oak Creek Canyon fall color

Late October to mid November

Maples, sycamores, and cottonwoods turn along the creek, best at West Fork trail.

Things to do in Sedona

Full guide
01

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 →

02

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 →

03

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 →

04

Red Rock State Park

Easy trails along Oak Creek with views of Cathedral Rock and ranger-led walks.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

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 →

06

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 November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Sedona?

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon color peaks in early November in most years. Busy around Thanksgiving, calm otherwise.

What is the weather like in Sedona in November?

Mild, highs near 65F (18C).

Is Sedona crowded in November?

Crowds in Sedona are moderate in November; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Sedona in November?

Oak Creek Canyon fall color (late october to mid november).

Keep planning Sedona.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Sedona in OctoberThe month before: Pleasant, highs near 77F (25C), cool nightsBest
  2. 02Sedona in DecemberThe month after: Cool, highs near 57F (14C), cold nightsGood
  3. 03Sedona in MarchThe next best month: Pleasant, highs near 65F (18C)Best

Also at their best in November

Everywhere in November

Where else is good in November?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

Sort these two things first.

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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.

Packing CubesEagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

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compression set

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ChargerAnker Nano II 65W

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packs flat

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Luggage ScaleEtekcity Luggage Scale

Etekcity Luggage Scale

handheld hook

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