United States, North America
Sedona in October
The best balance of weather and crowds. Sedona Plein Air Festival brings painters to the red rocks.
The straight answer
October is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. The best balance of weather and crowds. Sedona Plein Air Festival brings painters to the red rocks.
- Weather
- Pleasant, highs near 77F (25C), cool nights
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What October is like in Sedona
October has the best balance of weather and crowds in Sedona. Highs are near 77F (25C), nights are cool and the skies are clear and dry. Trails are busy but not as packed as spring, while hotel prices hit a fall peak. Mid to late in the month, painters set up around the red rocks for the Sedona Plein Air Festival, and fall color starts in Oak Creek Canyon near month end.
October suits almost everyone: families on fall break, couples and serious hikers. Book lodging early and hike midweek if you can. If you want the same weather with lower prices, early November is a great alternative.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Sedona this month.
Sedona Plein Air Festival
For about a week in mid to late October, painters work outdoors around the red rocks, with exhibitions hosted by Sedona Arts Center.
Perfect hiking days
Warm afternoons and cool mornings make every trail pleasant, including the Cathedral Rock scramble.
First color in Oak Creek Canyon
Late in the month, maples and sycamores start to turn along the creek.
What to pack for October
- A light jacket for cool evenings
- Breathable hiking clothes
- A sun hat and sunscreen
- A Red Rock Pass for trailhead parking
Our timing tip
Hike midweek and at sunrise, and book your hotel well ahead since October rates and demand run high.
Book Sedona for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SedonaOpens a hotel search for Sedona in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Sedona Plein Air Festival
About a week in mid to late October
Painters work outdoors around the red rocks, with exhibitions and events hosted by Sedona Arts Center.
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
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Sedona?
October is one of the best months of the year to visit Sedona. The best balance of weather and crowds. Sedona Plein Air Festival brings painters to the red rocks.
What is the weather like in Sedona in October?
Pleasant, highs near 77F (25C), cool nights.
Is Sedona crowded in October?
Sedona is busy in October, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Sedona in October?
Sedona Plein Air Festival (about a week in mid to late october); 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.
Also at their best in October
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.