Things to Do in Sedona in August

Q: Is Sedona a good destination for families in August?

Sedona rates 6.8 out of 10 for family friendliness (see /research/family-friendliness/). The waterslide at Slide Rock is a natural fit for kids who can swim, and the flat Bell Rock Pathway works for younger hikers. The main challenge is scheduling. Outdoor activities need to start early to beat both the heat and afternoon storms, which means pre-dawn wake-ups that may not suit every family's rhythm.

VerdictFair
Ranked#8 of 12
PricesModerate

Stay in Sedona in August

18 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Sedona, from US$94 a night.

Opens Trip.com on Fri 6 Aug to Sun 8 Aug 2027; change the dates there.

Check August rates

August in Sedona is monsoon season. The North American Monsoon pushes moisture north from the Gulf of California, and afternoon thunderstorms roll across the red rock formations with a regularity that locals plan their days around. Daytime highs average 32.3°C (90°F), cooling to 18.8°C (66°F) overnight. That is hot by Sedona standards, but the town sits at about 1,320 metres (4,350 feet), which keeps it far cooler than Phoenix in the valley 1,000 metres below.

The monsoon reshapes Sedona's landscape. Oak Creek's tributaries swell overnight. Temporary waterfalls streak down the sandstone walls of Oak Creek Canyon. The desert floor greens up, and the red rocks take on a deeper, richer color against charcoal storm clouds. To be fair, the monsoon also brings genuine hazards. Lightning strikes exposed mesas, and flash floods can turn a slot canyon into a death trap within minutes of an upstream cloudburst.

Crowds thin from the spring peak that runs March through May. Uptown Sedona still draws weekend day-trippers from Phoenix, but trails near Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock feel noticeably less congested. Accommodation rates sit well below the autumn and spring highs, and midweek availability remains strong even at properties that book out months ahead in October.

Why visit in August

Monsoon storms create temporary waterfalls across the red rock walls south of Midgley Bridge and throughout Oak Creek Canyon, a spectacle that only appears during the July-through-September monsoon window
Accommodation rates typically run 25-40% below the spring and autumn peaks, with stronger midweek availability at properties in the Village of Oak Creek and along Red Rock Loop Road that book out months ahead in October
Popular trails feel less crowded than March through May, when Sedona's roughly 3 million annual visitors concentrate into peak weeks and trailhead parking fills before 8am
Desert wildflowers and scrub greenery peak after monsoon rains, and the normally brown terrain around lower Oak Creek turns green in a way that drier months cannot match

Worth knowing

Afternoon thunderstorms build over the Mogollon Rim frequently enough that planning a full-day hike on Bear Mountain or Soldier Pass becomes unreliable after noon
Flash flood risk in slot canyons and narrow washes is genuine and potentially fatal in drainages where upstream storms send water rushing through with little warning
Morning temperatures climb past 30°C (86°F) by mid-morning, limiting comfortable hiking to the first 2-3 hours after sunrise on exposed south-facing trails
Wildfire smoke from fires across Arizona or the broader West can drift into the Verde Valley and reduce visibility of the red rock formations for days at a time

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 32° / 19°C 43mm rain · 8 rainy days · 44% humidity rains perceptibly ~0.7h/day · 94% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Lightweight, breathable layers for hot mornings, a packable waterproof shell for sudden afternoon storms, and a warmer mid-layer for cool evenings. Moisture-wicking fabrics over cotton. Sturdy trail shoes with aggressive tread for wet red rock sandstone.

Mornings start clear and warm, with the air noticeably more humid than Sedona's bone-dry spring months. Clouds begin building over the Mogollon Rim by early afternoon. Thunderstorms typically fire between 1pm and 4pm, dropping heavy rain in short, intense bursts. Some cells deliver 10-15mm in under 30 minutes, occasionally with hail and frequent lightning. Around 8 days see measurable precipitation, though some years push closer to 12. Evenings clear quickly, and the temperature drop after sunset tends to be steep enough that sleeping with windows open feels comfortable.

Seasonal caution

Flash floods are the primary hazard in August. The Coconino National Forest and Sedona Fire District issue flash flood watches frequently during active monsoon weeks. Never enter a dry wash, slot canyon, or low-water road crossing when storms are visible upstream, even if skies directly overhead appear clear.
Lightning accompanies most monsoon thunderstorms. Exposed ridgeline trails like the Airport Mesa loop and Bear Mountain become dangerous when storm cells build. If you hear thunder, descend immediately and seek shelter away from isolated trees and cliff edges.
Wildfire smoke from fires in the Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, or further across the West can push air quality to unhealthy levels without warning. Check AirNow.gov each morning before committing to a long hike.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Sedona
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	10	-1	59
Feb	13	0	43
Mar	15	2	72
Apr	22	7	14
May	27	12	6
Jun	33	18	10
Jul	34	21	28
Aug	32	19	43
Sep	30	16	30
Oct	23	9	40
Nov	16	4	29
Dec	13	1	37

Best things to do in August

Monsoon storm photography from Airport Mesa

photography

The 360-degree viewpoint at roughly 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) looks out over Sedona's red rock formations in every direction. Storm cells build visibly to the south and east, and the combination of dark clouds, red rock, and lightning produces conditions that landscape photographers plan trips around.

August is the peak month for monsoon thunderstorm cells visible from this overlook. Storm frequency and intensity reach their annual high.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive by 2pm for the best storm-development views. Weekend parking at the Airport Mesa trailhead fills fast.

Early-morning hiking on Cathedral Rock Trail

hiking

The 1.1km (0.7-mile) scramble up Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona's signature trails, with sandstone ledges and panoramic views from the saddle between the twin spires. A 6am August start means cooler air, soft light, and a fraction of the foot traffic that crowds the trail in April.

Summer heat thins the crowds dramatically, and post-monsoon greenery along the approach trail adds color absent in drier months.

Booking tipNo permit needed, but trailhead parking requires a Red Rock Pass. Arrive before 6:30am on weekends to find a spot.

Swimming at Slide Rock State Park

swimming

The natural sandstone waterslide on Oak Creek, where the creek flows over smooth, algae-slicked rock into shallow pools, is Sedona's most popular summer attraction. Monsoon-replenished creek levels make the slide faster and the pools deeper than in the dry weeks of May and June.

August heat makes creek swimming at its most appealing, and monsoon rains keep water levels higher than late spring.

Booking tipThe park reaches capacity and closes its gates by late morning on weekends. Arrive before 9am on Saturdays, or visit on a weekday.

Perseid Meteor Shower stargazing

stargazing

The Perseids peak around August 11-13 each year, producing up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Sedona holds International Dark Sky Community designation, and the high desert air clears rapidly after afternoon monsoon storms, leaving washed-clean skies by 10pm.

The Perseids only occur in August, and Sedona's dark-sky status combined with post-storm atmospheric clarity makes it one of the better viewing locations in the Southwest.

Booking tipDrive south along Red Rock Loop Road or toward the Village of Oak Creek for the darkest skies. Bring a blanket and a red-light headlamp.

Creek swimming at Grasshopper Point

swimming

A swimming area along Oak Creek north of Uptown Sedona with sandstone cliffs for jumping into deep, clear pools. The cliffs range from about 3 to 6 metres (10-20 feet), and the creek runs cold enough to shock on first entry even in August.

Monsoon-replenished water levels deepen the pools, and August heat makes the cold creek water feel like relief rather than punishment.

Booking tipA Red Rock Pass is required for parking. The lot is small and fills early on weekends.

Monsoon birding at Red Rock State Park

nature

The park's trails wind through cottonwood and sycamore habitat along lower Oak Creek. Ranger-led birding walks identify summer residents like vermilion flycatchers and zone-tailed hawks along the creek corridor.

Monsoon rains bring peak bird diversity to the riparian habitat, and summer migrants remain in residence through August before departing in September.

Booking tipRanger-led walks typically run on weekend mornings. Check the park's posted schedule on arrival.

Verde Valley wine tasting

food and drink

The Verde Valley wine region, centered around Cottonwood and Page Springs about 20 minutes south of Sedona, has over a dozen tasting rooms. The drive along Page Springs Road follows Oak Creek through cottonwood groves that feel meaningfully cooler than Sedona's exposed red rock trails.

August is harvest season in the Verde Valley vineyards. Several tasting rooms run harvest-related events, and the air-conditioned interiors provide afternoon refuge from monsoon storms.

Booking tipMost tasting rooms welcome walk-ins. Weekend afternoons get busy. A designated driver or rideshare plan is essential.

Day trip to Dead Horse Ranch State Park

nature

The park sits along the Verde River in Cottonwood, established in 1972, with fishing lagoons, cottonwood-shaded trails, and picnic areas. The riverside trails stay noticeably cooler than Sedona's exposed red rock hikes.

Monsoon rains fill the lagoons and attract great blue herons and other wading birds. The riverside shade makes this a viable all-day outing when Sedona's trails are too hot by 10am.

Booking tipNo advance booking needed. The park rarely reaches capacity, even on weekends.

What to eat in August

In season: fruit

Prickly pear fruit
The tunas of the Opuntia cactus ripen across the high desert around Sedona from late July through September. August is peak picking season. You will see the magenta fruits on trailside cacti and in fresh preparations at restaurants along SR 89A.

Street food peaks

Elote
Grilled sweet corn with cotija cheese, lime, and Tajín. Arizona sweet corn reaches peak ripeness in August, and the char-and-lime smell carries through weekend markets and food stands near Uptown Sedona.

What to drink

Prickly pear margarita
The signature Arizona cocktail made with prickly pear syrup. Available year-round from frozen fruit, but August means fresh-pressed versions using ripe tunas harvested that week. Most bars along the Uptown strip carry a version.

In markets

Hatch green chiles
The annual Hatch chile harvest from southern New Mexico peaks in August, and restaurants across West Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek run roasted-chile specials through September. The smell of chiles roasting in outdoor drum roasters drifts through grocery parking lots.
Mesquite flour baked goods
Mesquite pods are harvested across the Sonoran Desert in summer. Local bakeries and cafes use the milled flour for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor in pancakes, cookies, and quick breads. Worth seeking out at the area farmers market.

Regular events in August

Perseid Meteor ShowerFree

The annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the strongest of the year, peaks around August 11-13. Sedona's dark-sky designation makes it a particularly strong viewing location in the Southwest.

August 11-13 (peak nights)

First Friday in the GalleriesFree

The Sedona Gallery Association hosts open-gallery evenings on the first Friday of each month. Galleries in Uptown and along SR 179 near Tlaquepaque stay open late with new exhibitions and artist receptions.

First Friday of August

National Night OutFree

A nationwide community-safety event held in parks and neighborhoods across Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek, with local first responders hosting family-friendly activities and information booths.

First Tuesday of August

Best places this August

Airport Mesa
viewpoint
The strongest monsoon-storm observation point in Sedona. The panoramic view lets you watch storm cells approach from the south, drop curtains of rain on distant formations, and retreat. Post-storm sunsets from the mesa are among the most photographed scenes in Arizona.
West Sedona
Slide Rock State Park
state park
A natural sandstone waterslide on Oak Creek, established in 1985 on the historic Pendley homestead. The park sits in Oak Creek Canyon surrounded by high canyon walls, with the creek running over smooth sandstone into wading pools. One of the few Sedona attractions where afternoon monsoon rain adds to the fun rather than ending it.
Oak Creek Canyon
Chapel of the Holy Cross
landmark
Built in 1955, this Roman Catholic chapel sits wedged into a red rock butte south of Uptown Sedona. Monsoon clouds stacking behind the chapel's cross create a dramatic backdrop that clear-sky months lack. The chapel grounds are free to visit and rarely feel overcrowded in August.
Chapel Area
Red Rock State Park
state park
Established in 1986, this 120-hectare (286-acre) preserve along lower Oak Creek offers shaded riparian trails and a visitor center with daily condition updates. The cottonwood and sycamore canopy reaches full leaf in August, and the flat trail network stays cooler than most exposed red rock hikes.
Red Rock Loop
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
arts and shopping
A walkable arts village on SR 179, modeled after a traditional Mexican village, with galleries, studios, and restaurants shaded by mature sycamore trees along Oak Creek. The covered arcades and courtyards provide monsoon-afternoon shelter, and First Friday events draw working artists to the courtyard spaces.
Uptown Sedona
Grasshopper Point
swimming
A popular Oak Creek swimming area north of Uptown Sedona with sandstone cliffs and deep, clear pools. Monsoon-fed water levels in August keep the pools at their deepest and the current at its most refreshing. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking.
Oak Creek Canyon
Bell Rock and Bell Rock Pathway
trail and formation
The 1,488-metre (4,881-foot) butte south of the Village of Oak Creek is one of Sedona's most recognizable formations. The Bell Rock Pathway is flat and accessible, and August monsoon greenery carpets the approach in a way that the brown, dry spring landscape does not. Early morning is the comfortable window before heat builds.
Village of Oak Creek

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Packable waterproof rain shellMonsoon storms arrive fast and drop heavy rain. A lightweight shell that compresses into a daypack pocket is more practical than an umbrella on the trails, where wind gusts precede most storm cells. Shop
Wide-brim sun hat with chin strapMorning sun is intense at Sedona's elevation, and the wind gusts that signal approaching monsoon storms will take a loose hat off your head on an exposed trail. A chin strap is not optional. Shop
2-litre minimum water reservoir or bottlesAugust humidity is higher than Sedona's spring months but still arid by most travelers' standards. At altitude, you dehydrate faster than you expect. On any hike over an hour, 2 litres per person is the minimum. Shop
Trail shoes with aggressive treadRed rock sandstone turns slick when wet from monsoon rain. Smooth-soled hiking shoes that handle dry trails fine become dangerous on rain-slicked slickrock, especially on steeper scrambles like Cathedral Rock. Shop
Quick-dry synthetic or merino hiking clothesCotton stays wet and heavy after a monsoon soaking. Synthetic or merino layers dry in 30 minutes in the desert air and handle the wide temperature swing between dawn and midday. Shop
High-SPF mineral sunscreenUV intensity at Sedona's elevation is notably stronger than at sea level. The thin atmosphere means you burn faster, especially on south-facing trails where red rock reflects light upward. Shop
HeadlampThe best hiking window opens before sunrise, around 5:30am. Trails like West Fork and Devil's Bridge start in near-darkness at that hour, and a headlamp is essential for safe footing on uneven terrain. Shop
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouchIf a monsoon cell catches you on a trail or at a creek swimming hole, a dry bag keeps your phone and wallet safe. August storms arrive with little warning, and creek-side spots get wet from every direction. Shop

Insider tips

The best monsoon photography light appears in the 30-45 minutes after a storm passes, typically between 4pm and 6pm. The air is washed clean of haze, the wet red rocks look deeply saturated, and retreating storm clouds catch golden-hour light. Airport Mesa and the Schnebly Hill Road overlook are the two strongest positions for this window.
West Sedona along SR 89A west of the Y intersection has the restaurants locals frequent, with shorter waits and better value than the Uptown tourist strip. Uptown caters to Phoenix day-trippers, and pricing reflects that captive audience.
Slide Rock fills and closes its gates by mid-morning most weekends in August. If you show up after 9am on a Saturday, you will likely be turned away. Weekday mornings or the hour after an afternoon storm clears are the local alternatives.
The Verde Valley tasting rooms in Page Springs and Cottonwood are air-conditioned refuges during the 1pm-to-4pm storm window. The drive along Page Springs Road follows the creek through groves that feel meaningfully cooler than exposed red rock.
After any heavy monsoon downpour, check the USGS stream gauge for Oak Creek online before heading to a creek-side trail or swimming hole. Water levels can spike from calm to dangerous within an hour of an upstream cloudburst, and the creek can look deceptively normal at your position even when a surge is still working downstream.

Avoid these mistakes

Planning a full-day hike with no backup. The window for safe, comfortable hiking on exposed trails closes by 11am at the latest. An 8am start on Bear Mountain means you will be on an exposed ridgeline during peak heat and storm risk. Start before dawn and plan to be off exposed rock by mid-morning.
Entering a wash or narrow drainage when storms appear anywhere in the forecast. Visitors unfamiliar with desert flash floods underestimate how fast water rises. The storm that causes the flood can be 20km (12 miles) upstream and completely invisible from your position. Check National Weather Service alerts before entering any narrow canyon.
Driving through flooded road dips. Arizona's Stupid Motorist Law (ARS 28-910) allows authorities to charge drivers who bypass barricades at flooded crossings for the full cost of their rescue. Several low-water crossings on roads around Sedona flood after monsoon storms, and the water is always deeper and faster than it looks.
Skipping water on a short morning hike. The combination of altitude, August heat, and low humidity dehydrates faster than most visitors expect. Even a 90-minute trail warrants at least a litre per person.

Practical tips for August

Book any guided Jeep tour or outfitted excursion for the morning slot, ideally departing by 7am. Most operators offer dawn departures in August because of the monsoon pattern. Popular trailheads like Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock require arriving before 8am on weekends to find parking. A Red Rock Pass is required at most Coconino National Forest trailheads and can be purchased at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce visitor center in Uptown or at automated kiosks at major trailheads. The nearest full-service airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), roughly a 2-hour drive south on Interstate 17. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) sits 45 minutes north but has limited commercial service. Keep your phone charged and check the National Weather Service Flagstaff office forecasts each morning for flash flood watches. Cell service is spotty in Oak Creek Canyon and on trail systems north of Sedona, so download offline maps before heading out.

FAQ

Is August a good time to visit Sedona?

August is a fair-to-good time depending on what you want. Monsoon storms are a genuine spectacle, crowds thin from the spring peak, and accommodation rates drop. But afternoon heat and daily storm risk limit your outdoor window, and flash floods pose a real safety concern in narrow canyons. If you enjoy dramatic weather and are willing to start activities at dawn, August has a character that milder months lack. If you want uninterrupted sunshine for long hikes, October or April is a stronger fit.

What is the weather like in Sedona in August?

Mornings start cool enough for comfortable hiking, but temperatures build into the low 30s Celsius (around 90°F) by mid-morning. Afternoon thunderstorms are the defining pattern. They build fast, drop heavy rain, and typically clear within an hour. Evenings cool rapidly and feel pleasant for outdoor dining. The monsoon makes August one of the wetter months, though total rainfall stays moderate since each storm dumps its load quickly.

Is Sedona crowded in August?

Less crowded than March through May and quieter than October, which is widely considered the peak month. Weekend day-trippers from Phoenix still fill Uptown and the most popular trailheads by late morning, but midweek visits feel relaxed. You can find trail parking at spots that would be fully blocked out in April.

Are hiking trails safe during Sedona's monsoon season?

Most trails stay open, but the Coconino National Forest may close specific areas during active flash flood warnings. The real limitation is practical. Exposed ridgeline trails become dangerous when lightning storms build, and any route crossing a wash carries risk during or after heavy rain. The safe window is early morning through about 11am. Check with the ranger station for daily conditions.

Is Sedona a good destination for families in August?

Sedona rates 6.8 out of 10 for family friendliness (see the TTDI Family-Friendliness Index). The waterslide at Slide Rock is a natural fit for kids who can swim, and the flat Bell Rock Pathway works for younger hikers. The main challenge is scheduling. Outdoor activities need to start early to beat both the heat and afternoon storms, which means pre-dawn wake-ups that may not suit every family's rhythm.