Things to Do in Sedona in January

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Stay in Sedona in January

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January in Sedona is cold, and that catches visitors off guard. People picture Arizona as perpetual desert heat, but Sedona sits at 1,370 meters (4,500 feet) of elevation, where overnight lows average -1.3°C (30°F) and daytime highs reach only about 9.9°C (50°F). The dry, cold air carries the scent of pinyon pine, frost lines the juniper branches before dawn, and the red rock formations glow with a warmth that the temperature does not match.

The reward for braving the chill is real. Snow settles on the sandstone a few times each January, dusting the formations in a way the summer crowds never see. Trails like West Fork Oak Creek and Soldier Pass that draw long parking queues in October sit nearly empty on weekday mornings. Elote Cafe, where peak-season diners face waits exceeding an hour, seats walk-ins on most January evenings. Properties from Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon to the vacation-rental market carry their lowest nightly rates outside the December holiday weeks.

That said, you need to come prepared for genuine winter. Creek crossings on the West Fork trail ice over, the Broken Arrow Jeep road develops slick patches on north-facing rock shelves, and Schnebly Hill Road is typically gated closed through March. Sunset arrives around 5:40 PM, and temperatures fall 8-10°C within an hour once the sun drops behind the rock walls. Layer with merino against the skin and an insulated shell for the evening, and January delivers the quietest Sedona of the year, with snowfall events that typically melt off the sandstone within a day.

Why visit in January

Snow settles on the red sandstone 2-4 times in January, each event lasting roughly a day before the sun melts the accumulation. Photographers drive up from Phoenix, about 2 hours south, specifically for these narrow windows.
Trail traffic drops sharply from the October and April peaks. The Devil's Bridge trailhead, which fills its parking area by 7 AM in peak season, typically has space past 9 AM on January weekdays.
Accommodation and tour rates hit their annual low outside the December holiday weeks. Outfitters like Pink Jeep Tours often discount bookings or reduce group sizes, and resort properties offer winter packages unavailable in March through May.
The low winter sun angle casts deeper shadows across the canyon walls than any other season, giving the iron-oxide sandstone a richer, more saturated appearance in photographs.
Dry air and low humidity around 53% make the cold feel manageable compared to wet-winter destinations at similar temperatures.

Worth knowing

Overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with frost on trail surfaces and icy patches on north-facing rock sections that can persist until mid-morning.
Sunset arrives near 5:40 PM, cutting outdoor activity time short and compressing the window for golden-hour photography at viewpoints like Airport Mesa.
Slide Rock State Park's swimming holes, a primary summer draw, are not practical in January. Oak Creek water temperatures sit close to freezing.
Some restaurants and galleries in Uptown Sedona shorten their hours or close on weekday evenings during January, reducing the already limited nightlife options.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 10° / -1°C 59mm rain · 6 rainy days · 53% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.3h/day · 91% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Dress in layers for 10-12°C swings within a single outing. A merino or synthetic base layer wicks moisture during uphill effort, a midweight fleece or lightweight down piece handles shade and rest stops, and a windproof shell blocks the gusts that funnel through the canyons. Waterproof hiking boots with lugged soles handle icy trail patches and the creek crossings on West Fork Oak Creek Trail. Microspikes weighing under 300 grams earn their weight on any north-facing route.

January brings Sedona's coldest conditions. Daytime temperatures hover near 10°C (50°F) under typically clear skies, but nights drop below freezing more often than not. Humidity stays around 53%, which feels dry by national standards. The 59mm of rainfall spread across roughly 6 days tends to arrive in brief, sometimes intense bursts. Snow falls several times in a typical January, though accumulations tend to be light and melt by the following afternoon. On clear days, the low winter sun sits at an angle that casts long shadows into the canyon walls of Oak Creek and paints the red rock with a deeper saturation than the high summer light produces.

Seasonal caution

Overnight lows regularly fall below 0°C (32°F), producing frost on trails and ice on vehicle windshields by dawn. Exposed water bottles and hydration bladders can freeze overnight.
Black ice forms on SR 89A through Oak Creek Canyon after freezing nights, particularly on the switchback section north of Midgley Bridge toward the canyon rim. ADOT closes this stretch after significant snowfall or ice events, sometimes for 12-24 hours. Check az511.gov or call 511 before driving the canyon route.
Flash flooding remains possible during January rain events, particularly in slot canyons and dry wash crossings near Dry Creek Road. Check weather forecasts before entering narrow canyon trails.

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 January

Public holidays

New Year's Day(New Year's Day)1 January 2027
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)18 January 2027

Best things to do in January

Snow-on-red-rock photography at Cathedral Rock

photography

When snow accumulates on the red sandstone, the formations take on a look unlike anything else in the Southwest. Cathedral Rock's spires from the Red Rock Crossing viewpoint at Crescent Moon Ranch are the most sought-after composition, with the creek reflecting the snow-capped rock. The 1.2 km (0.7 mi) trail to Cathedral Rock's saddle provides elevated angles, and the creek-level view from Crescent Moon Ranch, accessible via Verde Valley School Road, adds foreground reflections.

Snow on the formations typically occurs 2-4 times in January. Accumulation rarely lasts more than a day before the sun melts it, so timing is everything.

Booking tipFollow local weather forecasts closely. When overnight snow is predicted, plan to reach trailheads by first light. The snow melts fast once direct sun hits the east-facing rock, often by 10 AM.

Winter hiking on West Fork Oak Creek Trail

hiking

This 11 km (6.8 mi) out-and-back trail follows Oak Creek through a narrow, sheer-walled canyon north of Sedona on SR 89A. The path crosses the creek 13 times in the first 5 km, and in January several crossings develop ice shelves that require careful footwork or microspikes. The bare-branch Arizona sycamores open up views of the canyon walls that the thick summer canopy hides entirely.

The deciduous canopy drops by late November, revealing the full canyon architecture through February. Foot traffic drops to a fraction of the 300-plus daily hikers the trail draws during peak October foliage season.

Booking tipParking at the Call of the Canyon day-use area off SR 89A requires a Red Rock Pass. The lot fills by late morning on sunny January weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or plan a weekday visit.

Hiking Bell Rock Pathway

hiking

This 5.6 km (3.5 mi) out-and-back trail in the Village of Oak Creek area stays accessible through winter. The packed-earth path is mostly level, with optional scrambles up Bell Rock's lower slopes. January's cool temperatures make the exposed, sun-drenched sections comfortable rather than punishing.

Daytime highs near 10°C make this exposed, shade-free trail comfortable. In June, the same route in 33°C heat can be dangerous by mid-morning.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Parking at the Bell Rock Vista trailhead fills by 10 AM even in January on weekends. Arrive by 8:30 AM or park at the Courthouse Butte trailhead 800 meters south.

Jeep tour on the Broken Arrow Trail

off-road tour

The Broken Arrow route off SR 179 crosses slickrock shelves and drops into the Submarine Rock amphitheater below the red buttes. Pink Jeep Tours, Sedona's best-known off-road outfitter, runs roughly 2-hour guided trips along this trail year-round. The open-top vehicles expose you to the full scale of the surrounding formations, and in January the south-facing sandstone radiates stored warmth while shaded pockets still hold morning frost.

Summer Jeep tours in 33°C heat can feel punishing in the open vehicles. January's 10°C highs make the exposed ride comfortable, and lower booking volume means smaller group sizes and more flexibility on departure times.

Booking tipBook 3-5 days ahead for weekend departures through Pink Jeep Tours or a similar outfitter. Weekday slots often have same-day availability in January.

Winter birding at Red Rock State Park

nature

The park's riparian corridor along Oak Creek attracts wintering raptors and migratory species between November and March. Bald eagles, various hawks, and wintering songbirds congregate near the water. The park offers ranger-led bird walks on selected mornings through the winter season.

January falls in the core wintering window for migratory raptors along Oak Creek. Species like bald eagles and sharp-shinned hawks are present now but absent by April.

Booking tipCheck the Red Rock State Park events calendar for scheduled bird walks. They fill quickly and typically require advance registration.

Sunrise at Airport Mesa

viewpoint

The Airport Mesa overlook provides a 360-degree panorama of Sedona's major formations, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. In January, the sun rises around 7:30 AM, casting the first warm light across the valley while the canyon floors remain in blue shadow.

The 7:30 AM winter sunrise is far more accessible than the 5:15 AM summer equivalent. You can sleep at a reasonable hour and still catch the full show.

Driving Oak Creek Canyon on SR 89A

scenic drive

The 22 km (14 mi) stretch of State Route 89A from Uptown Sedona north to the canyon rim climbs through one of Arizona's most scenic canyons. In January, the canyon walls may hold snow, the creek runs audibly below, and traffic thins to a fraction of the summer volume. Indian Gardens Cafe & Market, about 6 km north of Uptown, makes a good mid-drive stop for coffee on their creekside patio.

Possible snow on the canyon walls and bare-branched sycamores create a winter mood that contrasts sharply with the green summer canopy. Fewer cars mean you can stop at pullouts without competition.

Booking tipCheck road conditions on az511.gov before heading out. SR 89A through the canyon can close temporarily after heavy snowfall or ice. ADOT posts closures and estimated reopen times online.

Stargazing in Sedona's Dark Sky Community

astronomy

Sedona holds certification from the International Dark-Sky Association, and the winter sky offers some of the year's best conditions. Orion dominates the southern sky, and the Milky Way core, while not visible, gives way to deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Pleiades cluster.

January's early darkness, arriving by 5:40 PM, gives 13-plus hours of nighttime. The dry winter air with 53% humidity produces clearer seeing conditions than the humid monsoon months of July and August.

Booking tipSeveral outfitters in West Sedona run guided stargazing sessions with telescopes. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend dates in January.

Exploring Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village

arts and culture

This arts village along SR 179, built to resemble a traditional Mexican village, houses galleries, studios, and artisan shops under sycamore trees. In January, the galleries rotate their winter exhibitions, and the foot traffic drops enough that you can have extended conversations with resident artists.

Winter exhibition rotations bring fresh work to the galleries, and the reduced crowds let you browse at a pace that the shoulder-to-shoulder October experience does not allow.

What to eat in January

In season: fruit

Arizona navel oranges
January sits at the peak of Arizona's citrus harvest. Navel oranges and grapefruits from the Salt River Valley, about 180 km (112 miles) south, arrive at West Sedona farmers markets with a sweetness that peaks in the cool-weather months.
Medjool dates
Arizona's Yuma County is one of the country's primary date-growing regions. The September-through-December harvest means January stock is at its freshest, and you'll find them in baked goods and desserts at bakeries around town.

On menus now

Posole
A slow-cooked hominy and pork stew built with dried red chiles, this traditional winter dish appears on Sedona restaurant menus from November through February. The broth warms you from the inside after a cold morning on the trails.
Green chile stew
Northern Arizona restaurants lean into this hearty Southwestern soup during the coldest months. Built around roasted Hatch green chiles from the prior summer's harvest, it pairs well with fresh flour tortillas.

What to drink

Prickly pear margarita
Sedona's signature cocktail, made from Opuntia cactus fruit syrup, takes on a winter character at several Uptown bars. Worth noting that a few places serve a warm, mulled variation during the coldest weeks of January and February.

Regular events in January

Arizona State Parks First Day HikesFree

Free ranger-led hikes on New Year's Day at participating state parks, including Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park. Part of the national First Day Hikes program coordinated across all 50 states. Hikes typically run 1.5-3 km and welcome all fitness levels.

January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. DayFree

Federal holiday on the third Monday of January. Some Sedona businesses and galleries adjust hours. A few organizations in nearby Flagstaff and the Verde Valley host community service events.

Third Monday of January

Sedona Gallery Association First Friday ArtWalkFree

Monthly gallery walk through Uptown Sedona and the Gallery Row area along SR 179. Galleries open their doors for evening receptions with wine, artist talks, and new exhibition openings. January's edition tends to be more intimate than the packed autumn walks.

First Friday of January, typically 5-8 PM

Best places this January

Cathedral Rock
trail and viewpoint
The 1.2 km (0.7 mi) trail to the saddle is Sedona's most popular scramble, and January's low traffic means you can photograph the formation without crowds in frame. The north-facing approach holds ice longer than other trails in the area, so traction devices are recommended before 10 AM on cold mornings. The creek-level view from Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon Ranch, south on Verde Valley School Road, is the classic reflection shot.
Chapel Area
Chapel of the Holy Cross
historic landmark
Built into the red rock in 1955, this Roman Catholic chapel draws visitors year-round, but January's reduced traffic lets you stand in the viewing area without being pushed along by the crowd. The winter light through the rear window creates a different interior mood than the overhead summer sun.
Chapel Area
Red Rock State Park
state park
The park protects a stretch of Oak Creek riparian habitat that serves as a wintering corridor for raptors and migratory birds. About 8 km (5 mi) of interconnected trails stay accessible in January, and ranger programs run on a reduced but still active winter schedule. The visitor center provides maps and current trail-condition updates.
West Sedona
Airport Mesa Overlook
viewpoint
A short drive up Airport Road from the SR 89A junction leads to the most accessible 360-degree panorama of the red rock formations. Winter sunsets hit the western faces of Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte with a low, warm light that produces dramatic color shifts in the final 20 minutes before dark.
West Sedona
Slide Rock State Park
state park
The natural water slides and swimming holes that define the summer experience are not viable in January, with creek temperatures near freezing. The park remains open on a winter schedule, typically 9 AM to 5 PM, and the 0.5 km (0.3 mi) slide rock formation and the historic Pendley apple orchard make for a quiet winter walk. The orchard's bare branches frame the canyon walls above Oak Creek.
Oak Creek Canyon
Bell Rock
trail and formation
Rising from the high desert floor in the Village of Oak Creek, Bell Rock's distinctive silhouette is visible from SR 179. The lower slopes allow scrambling without technical gear, and the January sun warms the south-facing rock face enough to make sitting on the sandstone comfortable by late morning.
Village of Oak Creek
Boynton Canyon Trail
trail
This 10 km (6.1 mi) out-and-back trail winds into a box canyon flanked by red rock walls on three sides. Enchantment Resort sits at the trailhead area, and the transition from the resort's manicured grounds to the wild canyon floor is abrupt. North-facing sections hold morning frost in January, but south-facing sandstone ledges radiate enough stored warmth to sit comfortably by early afternoon.
West Sedona
V-Bar-V Heritage Site
cultural heritage site
This Coconino National Forest site preserves one of the largest Sinagua petroglyph collections in the Verde Valley. The rock panels date roughly from 1150 to 1400 CE, and Forest Service volunteers lead guided tours on Fridays through Sundays. January's low visitation means longer, more detailed walks through the panels. The access road is paved and does not require high clearance.
Verde Valley
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
state park
About 30 minutes west in Cottonwood, this park lines the Verde River. January brings excellent conditions for the 11 km (7 mi) of trails along the cottonwood-lined riverbanks, and the park's fishing lagoons remain stocked through winter.
Cottonwood (nearby)

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Merino or synthetic base layerMorning trailhead temperatures near -1°C mean cotton base layers trap sweat and leave you clammy within 30 minutes of hiking. Merino regulates temperature and resists odor across multi-day wear. Shop
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic fill)Shade temperatures run 5-8°C below the sunny readings, and the post-sunset drop is steep. A 650-fill down or equivalent synthetic jacket weighing under 400 grams packs into a daypack pocket and handles the swing from a sunny noon on Bell Rock Pathway to a 5:30 PM sunset watch at Airport Mesa. Shop
Waterproof hiking bootsJanuary's 59mm of rainfall and possible ice on north-facing trail sections make waterproof soles and aggressive tread essential. Creek crossings along West Fork Oak Creek Trail and the lower stretches of Boynton Canyon can be slippery with ice or mud. Shop
Beanie and thermal glovesWind chill at exposed viewpoints like the Cathedral Rock saddle or Airport Mesa can feel 5-8°C colder than the valley floor. Ears and fingers go numb fast above the tree line. Shop
Sunscreen SPF 30 or higherSedona's 1,370-meter elevation increases UV exposure by roughly 10-12% compared to sea level. Clear January skies and reflective snow compound the effect. Sunburn at 10°C surprises people. Shop
Polarized sunglassesSnow on red rock creates intense glare, especially mid-morning on east-facing formations. Polarized lenses also cut the haze that occasionally settles in the Verde Valley on cold mornings. Shop
Packable rain shellJanuary averages 6 rainy days, and the showers tend to arrive without much advance warning in the canyon terrain. A shell that packs into a daypack pocket keeps you covered without overheating on the trail. Shop
Microspikes or light traction devicesNorth-facing trail sections and shaded creek crossings can hold ice until mid-morning or all day during cold snaps. A set of strap-on traction spikes weighs under 300 grams and prevents the kind of falls that send hikers to the Verde Valley Medical Center. Shop

Insider tips

The red rocks look most saturated in the hour after a rain shower clears. January's 6 rainy days might seem like a drawback, but photographers wait for those post-rain windows. Keep your camera gear dry and ready to move the moment the sky opens.
Two dining zones serve locals below Uptown prices. West Sedona along SR 89A past the Y intersection has the everyday coffee shops and taco counters. Indian Gardens Cafe & Market, about 6 km north of Uptown on 89A in Oak Creek Canyon, serves breakfast and lunch on a creekside patio and closes by 3 PM. Both areas carry lower markups than the tourist-facing stretch around Uptown.
If snow falls on Oak Creek Canyon, drive SR 89A north from Uptown in the first 2 hours of daylight. The low winter sun enters the canyon at a steep angle that only works in December and January, and you might have the pullouts entirely to yourself on a weekday morning.
The Sedona Gallery Association First Friday ArtWalk in January is one of the smallest editions of the year. Gallery owners have more time to talk about the work, and you can negotiate on pieces that would sell at listed price during the packed autumn events.
Trail conditions change hour by hour in January. A path that was icy at 8 AM can be dry by noon once the sun hits. Check trailhead condition reports posted at the ranger stations before committing to a north-facing route.
Sedona's unpaved Forest Service roads, including Soldier Pass Road and the lower portion of Dry Creek Road, develop ice and mud in January. The Forest Service does not plow or treat these surfaces. If you rent a Jeep for self-guided off-roading, check conditions at the Red Rock Ranger District visitor center on SR 179 before heading out. Guided outfitters like Pink Jeep Tours handle route assessment for you.

Avoid these mistakes

Underestimating how fast temperatures drop at sunset. The 10°C afternoon reading can fall to near freezing within 60-90 minutes once the sun dips behind the formations. Visitors comfortable in a t-shirt at 3 PM are shivering and cutting viewpoint visits short by 5 PM. Carry your insulated layer even on sunny afternoons.
Planning a Slide Rock State Park swim. The park's creek water sits near 0°C in January, and the natural water slides that define the summer experience are not viable. Visit for the canyon scenery and the historic Pendley apple orchard walk instead.
Skipping layers for a midday hike because it feels warm in direct sun. Shaded canyon sections on trails through Oak Creek Canyon and Boynton Canyon can run 5-8°C cooler than exposed ridgelines, and the temperature difference is immediate when you round a corner into shadow.
Driving into Oak Creek Canyon on SR 89A without checking road conditions on az511.gov first. The switchback section north of Midgley Bridge ices over after sub-zero nights, and ADOT closes the road for plowing after winter storms, sometimes for 12-24 hours. A closure above you reroutes the return through Cottonwood, adding 45-60 minutes to the drive.
Attempting to drive Schnebly Hill Road. This unpaved 19 km route runs from SR 179 up to the Mogollon Rim and is typically gated closed from late November through March. Even when the lower gate appears open, ice on the upper switchbacks makes the road hazardous, and cell service drops out along the middle 10 km.

Practical tips for January

Book accommodation for January weekends at least 2 weeks ahead. While January is off-peak, Sedona's limited hotel inventory means popular properties like Enchantment Resort and L'Auberge de Sedona still fill, especially when a snow forecast generates a surge of Phoenix-area day-trippers and overnight visitors. Weekday availability tends to stay open closer to travel dates. Rental cars are advisable since Sedona has no public transit system, and ride-hailing coverage is inconsistent. Fill your gas tank in West Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek, as options thin out along SR 89A north through the canyon. Most Uptown restaurants maintain their full weekend hours but shift to reduced schedules Tuesday through Thursday. If a specific gallery or restaurant matters to your trip, call ahead for January weekday hours. Trail parking at popular trailheads like Bell Rock Vista, Cathedral Rock, and the West Fork's Call of the Canyon day-use area requires a Red Rock Pass, available at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce visitor center or self-service kiosks at major trailheads.

FAQ

Is January a good time to visit Sedona?

January is a good, though not ideal, time to visit. You'll trade the perfect October and April temperatures for significantly fewer crowds, lower accommodation rates, and the chance to see snow on the red rocks. Daytime highs around 10°C (50°F) are comfortable for hiking if you layer properly, but sub-zero overnight lows and a 5:40 PM sunset limit the outdoor window. If you prefer solitude and come prepared for winter conditions, January offers a Sedona experience that peak-season visitors never encounter.

Does it snow in Sedona in January?

Snow is possible but not guaranteed. Sedona typically sees snowfall 2-4 times during January, though accumulations tend to be light and melt within a day once the sun hits the rock. The higher elevations of Oak Creek Canyon and the north-facing slopes hold snow longer. When it does snow, the fresh white against the red sandstone creates a landscape that draws photographers from across Arizona. Check weather forecasts from about 3 days out, and be ready to adjust plans quickly when a snow event arrives.

Is Sedona crowded in January?

Crowd levels in January are low compared to the peak spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. Weekday trail traffic drops noticeably, and restaurants in Uptown Sedona that require reservations in October will seat walk-ins on most January evenings. The exception comes during holiday weekends and after snow forecasts, when Phoenix-area visitors drive the 2-hour route north for day trips. Even during those surges, the volume does not approach peak-season levels.

What should I wear hiking in Sedona in January?

Layer for a 10-12°C temperature range within a single hike. Start cold-weather mornings with a merino or synthetic base layer against the skin, a midweight fleece or lightweight insulated piece as the adjustable middle, and a windproof shell to block canyon gusts. By mid-morning on sun-exposed trails like Bell Rock Pathway, you may strip to the base layer alone. Waterproof hiking boots with aggressive tread handle the mix of icy patches, loose gravel, and possible mud from January rain. A beanie and lightweight gloves are essential for exposed ridgelines like the Cathedral Rock saddle and viewpoints like Airport Mesa, where wind chill drops the felt temperature 5-8°C below the valley floor.

What is the best month to visit Sedona?

October tends to rank as the top month overall. Daytime highs around 23°C (73°F), minimal rainfall, and autumn color in the sycamores and cottonwoods along Oak Creek create near-ideal conditions. April and March follow closely, with wildflower blooms and warming temperatures. January ranks around 8th of 12, held back by the cold and short days but lifted by the low crowds and snow potential. The least favorable months are July and August, when temperatures reach 34°C (93°F) and monsoon storms bring heavy afternoon rainfall.