Things to Do in Sedona in February

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Stay in Sedona in February

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February in Sedona sits in a quiet window between the holiday visitors and the spring-break surge that fills every trailhead from mid-March onward. Daytime highs reach the low teens Celsius (mid-fifties Fahrenheit), warm enough for hiking in a fleece by late morning, though overnights dip near freezing. You'll hear frozen grass crunch underfoot at dawn trailheads, and the sharp morning air carries juniper and pinyon pine. By 10 a.m., the sun clears the Mogollon Rim and the red sandstone starts radiating warmth you can feel through your jacket.

This is not peak Sedona. That title likely belongs to October and April, when temperatures hover in the low twenties Celsius and Oak Creek Canyon either burns with autumn color or fills with spring wildflowers. But February has earned its following. The Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge trailheads, where parking lots overflow by 8 a.m. in peak months, still have open spots past 9 on February weekdays. Winter's low sun angle deepens the oxide red of the Schnebly Hill formation in ways that summer's overhead light cannot match. On the rare mornings after overnight snow, the white-on-red contrast across Bell Rock draws photographers from across Arizona before the dusting melts by noon.

The month also falls in a pricing lull worth noting. Holiday rates from December have faded, and the spring-break premium has not arrived. The Sedona International Film Festival brings indie-cinema audiences to Uptown Sedona in late February, the one week when restaurant reservations in town become slightly harder to get.

Why visit in February

Trail parking at Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge stays available past 9 a.m. on weekdays, when spring and fall visitors need a pre-dawn start to claim the same spots
Winter's low-angle sunlight deepens the red in the sandstone formations and creates longer golden-hour windows, making February one of the strongest months for landscape photography across the red rock country
Accommodation rates sit well below both the March through April spring-break surge and the October through November fall peak
The Sedona International Film Festival in late February screens 160 or more independent and documentary films over about 9 days, adding a rare cultural dimension to a town that otherwise goes quiet after sunset

Worth knowing

Overnight lows near freezing mean early-morning hikes require serious layering, and north-facing trail sections at higher elevations can hold ice patches well into midmorning
Slide Rock State Park's swimming holes and natural rock slides, normally one of Sedona's biggest draws, are far too cold for use in February with creek water sitting below 10°C (50°F)
Shorter winter daylight of roughly 10.5 hours in early February, rising to about 11 hours by month's end, narrows the afternoon hiking window compared to the 14-hour summer days

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 13° / 0°C 43mm rain · 5 rainy days · 49% humidity rains perceptibly ~1h/day · 94% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Layers for a daily temperature swing exceeding 12°C. A warm fleece or light down jacket for near-freezing mornings, a breathable long-sleeve shirt for midday hiking, and a compact rain shell for the month's few wet days.

Afternoons average 12.8°C (55°F) while overnight lows sit at 0.1°C (32°F), right at the freezing point. Rainfall totals about 43 mm across roughly 5 days, usually as brief afternoon showers rather than all-day soaks. Humidity holds steady at 49%, noticeably dry compared to most of the country in winter. Sedona's 1,370 m (4,500 ft) elevation and dry desert air amplify UV exposure, and the midday sun can feel substantially warmer than the thermometer reads. Clear skies dominate the month, with morning frost common on north-facing slopes and in shaded creek corridors.

Seasonal caution

Overnight temperatures near freezing regularly produce ice on north-facing trail sections, especially the switchbacks on Wilson Mountain and the shaded stretches of West Fork Oak Creek Trail. Microspikes or similar traction devices are worth carrying for canyon and shaded routes.
The high-desert elevation and dry air amplify UV exposure, particularly on snow-covered terrain after overnight dustings. Sunburn and dehydration happen faster than most winter visitors expect, even when the air temperature feels cool.

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

Holidays and festivals in February

Public holidays

Lincoln's Birthday(Lincoln's Birthday)12 February 2027
Presidents Day(Washington's Birthday)15 February 2027

Best things to do in February

Hiking Bell Rock Pathway

hiking

The 5.6 km (3.5 mi) loop circles one of Sedona's most recognizable formations, with options to scramble partway up the rock face. The east side catches strong morning light, and the relatively flat terrain suits families and casual walkers alongside more ambitious scramblers.

February's cool highs make midday hiking on this exposed, shadeless trail comfortable. In summer, this same stretch becomes risky from heat by late morning, forcing a dawn-or-nothing schedule.

Booking tipNo booking required, but a Red Rock Pass is needed for trailhead parking. The annual pass is more economical if you plan to hike on more than 3 separate days.

Sunrise photography at Airport Mesa

photography

The Airport Mesa overlook faces east toward Cathedral Rock and the Schnebly Hill formations, with unobstructed sightlines in every direction. Photographers set up tripods along the guardrail before dawn, and the changing light over 20 minutes of sunrise is worth the cold fingers.

February's low sun angle produces longer golden-hour windows and casts deeper shadows on the red formations than summer's near-vertical light, creating stronger contrast and richer color in photographs.

Booking tipArrive 30 minutes before sunrise for a tripod spot along the narrow overlook railing. Weekday mornings draw far fewer competing photographers than weekends.

Birdwatching at Red Rock State Park

nature

The park's 8 km (5 mi) of trails follow Oak Creek through a riparian corridor of bare cottonwoods and Arizona sycamores. February's leafless canopy makes spotting bald eagles, great blue herons, Cooper's hawks, and other wintering raptors far simpler than in the foliage-heavy green months.

February sits in the heart of winter birding season along Oak Creek. Migratory raptors are still present, and the deciduous trees offer clear sightlines through the canopy that vanish once leaves return in April.

Booking tipThe park typically offers guided bird walks on Saturday mornings. Check the posted schedule a week ahead, as times shift through the winter.

Wine tasting in the Verde Valley

food and drink

The tasting rooms along Page Springs Road and in Cornville, about 30 minutes south of Sedona by car, produce Syrah, Grenache, and other warm-climate varietals from grapes grown along the Verde River corridor. The pace in February is unhurried.

February is the quietest month at most Verde Valley wineries. You'll often find the winemaker pouring your tasting personally, and weekend crowds are a fraction of what they become by October.

Booking tipSome tasting rooms close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in winter. Call ahead for weekday visits.

Stargazing under Dark Sky Community designation

nature

Sedona holds International Dark Sky Community status. On clear February nights, winter constellations sit in prime position overhead. Orion, the Pleiades cluster, and the Andromeda Galaxy are all well-placed for naked-eye and telescope viewing from any dark pullout along the highway.

February's dry air, predominantly clear skies, and early sunsets around 6 p.m. provide over 13 hours of astronomical darkness. Winter seeing conditions in the high desert tend to be sharper than in the humid months.

Red rock mountain biking

outdoor sports

The trail network around the Village of Oak Creek, including the Bell Rock Pathway system and the Llama Trail, offers firm red-dirt singletrack in February. The soil holds well when dry, and the cool air keeps the pedaling comfortable across exposed terrain.

Summer monsoon runoff and spring snowmelt turn these same trails muddy and rutted. February's dry conditions and low temperatures produce the best riding surface and the most comfortable pedaling conditions of the year.

Booking tipBike rental shops in West Sedona can deliver to trailheads. Reserve a day ahead for weekend rentals.

Attending the Sedona International Film Festival

culture

About 9 days of independent, documentary, and animated film screenings across multiple venues, with filmmaker Q&A sessions and industry panels running alongside the main program. The festival pulls film enthusiasts into a town that rarely feels like a cultural capital.

The festival is typically scheduled for late February, making it the month's defining cultural event and the largest organized gathering in Sedona's otherwise quiet winter calendar.

Booking tipPopular screening blocks sell out after the schedule drops, typically 3 to 4 weeks before opening night. Buy early for weekend evening slots.

What to eat in February

In season: fruit

Arizona citrus
The lower-desert growing belt around Mesa and Yuma reaches peak harvest from January through March. Verde Valley farmers markets stock navel oranges, Ruby Red grapefruit, and Meyer lemons from groves roughly 160 km (100 mi) south of Sedona, picked within the week.

On menus now

Green chile stew
A northern Arizona winter staple built on roasted Hatch green chiles, slow-cooked pork, and potatoes. February's cold post-hike evenings make it the natural order, and most restaurants across West Sedona keep a version on the winter menu through March.
Posole rojo
This hominy-and-pork soup with dried red chiles is traditional winter comfort food across the Southwest. The garnish plate of shredded cabbage, sliced radish, dried oregano, and lime is half the experience, and the broth warms you from the inside on a cold Sedona night.

What to drink

Prickly pear hot chocolate
Several cafes in Uptown Sedona serve hot chocolate tinted with prickly pear syrup through the cooler months. The syrup adds a faintly tart berry note and turns the drink a distinctive pink. The prickly pear fruit itself is harvested in late summer, but the preserved syrup carries through winter.

Regular events in February

Sedona International Film Festival

Independent and documentary film screenings across Uptown Sedona venues over about 9 days, with filmmaker panels, industry talks, and an awards ceremony closing out the run.

Late February, typically extending into early March

Sedona Marathon and Half Marathon

A road race through red rock country along State Route 179 with both full marathon and half marathon distances. The course passes between the Village of Oak Creek and West Sedona with red rock formations serving as the backdrop.

First or second Saturday of February

Presidents' Day WeekendFree

The federal holiday weekend brings a brief uptick in visitors from Phoenix and Tucson, making it the busiest weekend of the month. Uptown Sedona restaurants and popular trailheads approach near-spring crowd levels for 3 to 4 days.

Third Monday of February and surrounding weekend

Best places this February

Cathedral Rock Trail
hiking
The 1.8 km (1.1 mi) scramble to the saddle between the twin spires is best attempted in cool conditions. The exposed rock face absorbs heat aggressively, making this a dawn-only climb from May through September. In February, you can start mid-morning without overheating, and the lower sun lights the red sandstone on the approach trail with long, warm tones.
Village of Oak Creek
Chapel of the Holy Cross
landmark
The Roman Catholic church built into the red rock in 1955 draws smaller groups in February than in peak season. The south-facing parking area rarely fills on weekdays, and the interior is quiet enough to sit and take in the floor-to-ceiling window view over the valley without competing for space.
Chapel Area
Red Rock State Park
nature
Established in 1986, the park's trails along Oak Creek offer February's finest birdwatching in the region. The riparian corridor supports overwintering raptors, and the visitor center runs nature programs through the cooler months. The creek itself runs clear and steady by February after the heavier January rains.
West Sedona
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
arts and culture
This open-air arts complex along State Route 179 between Uptown and the Village of Oak Creek features galleries, studios, and courtyards styled after a traditional Mexican village. February's thin crowds mean you can browse without the shoulder-to-shoulder traffic of October weekends, and gallery owners often have time to talk about the work.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
nature
Founded in 1972 and located in nearby Cottonwood, about 30 minutes west of Sedona, the park offers winter lagoon fishing and cottonwood-lined trails along the Verde River. The campground rarely fills in February, and the lower elevation makes mornings slightly warmer than Sedona proper.
Cottonwood
Airport Mesa Overlook
viewpoint
The 360-degree viewpoint sits slightly above the main valley floor and delivers reliable sunsets year-round. February's frequent clear skies and low humidity produce particularly sharp visibility across to the Mogollon Rim and the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff.
West Sedona

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Insulated mid-layer, fleece or light down jacketFebruary mornings start near freezing, and you will want real warmth for the first 2 to 3 hours of any hike before the sun reaches the canyon floor. A fleece that packs small is more versatile than a heavy coat. Shop
Moisture-wicking base layerThe temperature swing from dawn to midday exceeds 12°C on most February days. You will be peeling layers by late morning, and a damp cotton shirt underneath gets cold fast when you stop for a water break in the shade. Shop
Packable rain shellFebruary averages about 5 rain days, typically brief afternoon showers that clear within an hour. A lightweight shell stows easily in a daypack and doubles as a wind layer on exposed ridgelines. Shop
Hiking boots with good treadFrost on sandstone creates unexpectedly slippery surfaces in the first 2 hours after sunrise, especially on the scramble sections at Cathedral Rock. Boots with a Vibram-style sole grip noticeably better than trail runners on cold, damp rock. Shop
Microspikes or traction devicesNorth-facing trail sections, particularly on Wilson Mountain and West Fork Oak Creek Trail, can hold ice through February mornings. Microspikes weigh almost nothing and prevent the turned ankles that send a handful of hikers to the Sedona clinic each winter. Shop
SPF 30 or higher sunscreenThe high-desert elevation and dry air amplify UV intensity year-round. February visitors, especially those arriving from overcast northern cities, routinely underestimate how quickly exposed skin burns during a full day on the trails. Shop
Refillable water bottle, 1 liter minimum per person per hikeDehydration is a year-round concern in the dry desert air. February's comfortable temperatures mask how much moisture you lose through breathing and sweat on a 3-hour hike at altitude. Shop
Warm hat and lightweight glovesFor pre-dawn trailhead arrivals or sunset viewpoint sessions, exposed skin at freezing with any breeze is genuinely uncomfortable. Thin merino gloves work well because you can still operate a camera or phone without removing them. Shop
BinocularsSedona's Dark Sky Community status makes binoculars useful after dark for resolving the Pleiades and Andromeda, and during the day for identifying raptors circling the red rock cliffs from trail overlooks. Shop

Insider tips

The parking lot at the Cathedral Rock trailhead on Back O'Beyond Road fills by 8 a.m. on weekends even in February. Arrive by 7:30, or park at the overflow area along Verde Valley School Road and walk the connecting trail, which adds about 10 minutes but avoids the stress entirely.
If an overnight snowfall dusts the red rocks, head to Crescent Moon Picnic Site, also known as Red Rock Crossing, at first light. The reflection of snow-topped Cathedral Rock in Oak Creek is a shot that brings photographers from across the state, but by midmorning the snow melts off the south-facing rock and the contrast disappears.
West Sedona's restaurants along 89A are where locals eat. Uptown caters primarily to day-trippers and tour groups. The food quality is often comparable, but wait times in West Sedona tend to run half of what you will face in Uptown on a Saturday evening.
The Page Springs Cellars tasting room in Cornville pours a winter-only mulled wine on weekends through February. The drive from Sedona takes about 25 minutes and the tasting room is far quieter than anything along the main 89A corridor.

Avoid these mistakes

Planning a swimming day at Slide Rock State Park in February. The park, established in 1985, is open year-round, but Oak Creek water temperatures sit well below 10°C through winter. The natural rock slides and swimming holes that draw summer crowds are realistically a late-spring-through-early-fall activity.
Underestimating the morning cold on exposed trails. A February afternoon feels mild and pleasant, but starting a 7 a.m. hike on a shaded north-facing slope without a warm jacket and gloves is the most common reason visitors cut hikes short and miss the best light.
Driving up Oak Creek Canyon along 89A toward Flagstaff without checking road conditions. The canyon's higher elevation means it occasionally receives winter ice or compact snow that does not affect the Sedona valley floor at all. ADOT posts real-time conditions for the route online.

Practical tips for February

Book accommodation for Presidents' Day weekend well in advance, as it is the one February window when rates and occupancy approach spring levels. Most Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass for parking, and the annual pass is more economical if you plan to hike more than 3 separate days. Check trail conditions through the Coconino National Forest office or stop by the Red Rock Ranger District visitor center on State Route 179 for current reports on ice, closures, and reroutes. If the Sedona International Film Festival overlaps your visit, secure screening tickets as soon as the schedule drops. Restaurants in West Sedona keep shorter winter hours, with some closing by 8 p.m. on weeknights. Layer your clothing around the wide temperature swing between dawn and midday rather than packing separate cold-weather and warm-weather wardrobes.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Sedona?

February is a genuinely good month for Sedona, particularly if you are coming for hiking, photography, or a quiet shoulder-season getaway. You will avoid the spring and fall crowds that make popular trailheads feel overrun, and accommodation rates sit noticeably below the peaks. The main trade-off is cold mornings, which limit early starts unless you pack proper layers. The Sedona International Film Festival in late February adds a cultural draw the rest of winter lacks.

What is the weather like in Sedona in February?

Expect cool, dry conditions with a wide daily temperature range. Mornings start near freezing with visible frost on shaded ground, but by midday the desert sun warms exposed trails and rock surfaces considerably. Rain falls on about 5 days across the month, typically light and brief. Occasional overnight snow is possible at Sedona's elevation but rarely accumulates on the valley floor and tends to melt by midday.

Is Sedona crowded in February?

Not by Sedona's standards. February falls between the December through January holiday visitors and the mid-March spring-break wave. Weekday trails are noticeably quiet, and even popular formations stay manageable through late morning. Presidents' Day weekend is the one exception, when a long-weekend bump from Phoenix and Tucson brings Uptown Sedona closer to its spring crowd levels for a few days.

Can you swim at Slide Rock State Park in February?

The park is open year-round, but the creek water is far too cold for swimming in February. The natural rock slides and wading pools that make the park famous are a warm-weather activity, typically enjoyable from late May through early October. You can still walk the park trails and enjoy the canyon scenery without getting in the water.

Does it snow in Sedona in February?

Occasionally. Sedona's elevation places it in a zone where winter storms can drop a light dusting, though significant accumulation on the valley floor is rare. When it happens, the snow typically melts by midday and creates brief, striking red-and-white contrasts across the formations. The higher reaches of Oak Creek Canyon and the Mogollon Rim above town receive more consistent snowfall throughout winter.