Sedona in December
In December, Sedona averages 11°C (52°F) during the day and 1°C (33°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (59 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Sedona is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Sedona
December is one of the coolest months in Sedona (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (17°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Sedona
Times shown for Sedona local time (America/Phoenix), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Sedona — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Sedona's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Sedona in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Sedona's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Sedona
Sedona is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Sedona
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sedona in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C / 52°F | 0°C / 32°F | 57 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 13°C / 56°F | 1°C / 33°F | 58 mm | 7 | — |
| March | 17°C / 62°F | 4°C / 38°F | 47 mm | 9 | — |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 8°C / 46°F | 10 mm | 5 | — |
| May | 26°C / 78°F | 12°C / 53°F | 15 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 64°F | 5 mm | 4 | — |
| July | 33°C / 92°F | 21°C / 69°F | 33 mm | 14 | — |
| August | 32°C / 89°F | 19°C / 66°F | 32 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 16°C / 61°F | 24 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 23°C / 74°F | 10°C / 50°F | 26 mm | 7 | — |
| November | 17°C / 62°F | 4°C / 40°F | 35 mm | 5 | — |
| December | 11°C / 52°F | 1°C / 33°F | 59 mm | 8 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Sedona in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Sedona in December?
In December, Sedona averages a high of 11°C (52°F) and a low of 1°C (33°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Sedona in December?
December sees occasional rain in Sedona, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Sedona?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Sedona in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Sedona for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.