Things to Do in Sedona in July

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Stay in Sedona in July

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July in Sedona means monsoon season. The North American Monsoon typically arrives in late June, and by July the pattern is well established. Afternoon thunderstorms build over the Mogollon Rim to the northeast and push southwest across the red rock formations, dropping intense rain for 30 to 90 minutes before the sky clears. Mornings start warm and cloudless, with temperatures climbing toward the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit). Humidity sits around 34%, noticeably higher than the single-digit readings of May and June but still manageable.

The monsoon reshapes Sedona's landscape in ways the popular autumn season never shows you. Temporary waterfalls spill down the sandstone walls of Oak Creek Canyon. Trails through West Sedona darken several shades when wet. Evenings drop to a comfortable range for walking through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village without the daytime heat pressing down on you. Worth noting, July falls in Sedona's off-peak window, and accommodation rates in the Village of Oak Creek run well below their October and March levels.

That said, the monsoon brings real complications. Flash flood warnings close canyon hikes without notice. Lightning makes exposed ridgeline trails dangerous in the afternoon. Wildfire smoke from elsewhere in Arizona or New Mexico occasionally drifts in and dims the panorama for 2 to 3 days. If you plan your days around those constraints by hiking early and staying flexible with afternoon plans, you see a version of Sedona most visitors miss. Wet sandstone turns a saturated rust under clearing storm light, visible from nearly every overlook in town.

Why visit in July

Monsoon storms produce dramatic lightning, post-storm rainbows, and cloud formations that photographers from Phoenix and Tucson drive north specifically to capture during the July and August window.
Off-peak pricing brings accommodation rates well below the October and March highs across most Sedona properties.
Trailhead parking at popular routes like Devil's Bridge and the Cathedral Rock scramble is far easier to find than during the March through May rush.
Evening temperatures drop enough for comfortable outdoor dining on the restaurant patios along SR 89A in Uptown Sedona that feel oppressive at midday.

Worth knowing

Flash flood risk in slot canyons and creek crossings can close trails with little warning. Oak Creek has risen several feet in under an hour during concentrated monsoon cells.
Afternoon lightning forces hikers off any exposed formation or mesa top by noon, effectively cutting the usable trail window to about 5 hours per day.
Wildfire smoke from fires burning in other parts of Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah can drift into the Verde Valley and reduce visibility to under 3 km for days at a time.
The heat on exposed, sun-facing trails below the canyon rim causes heat exhaustion quickly if you start after 9 a.m. and carry insufficient water.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 34° / 21°C 28mm rain · 5 rainy days · 34% humidity rains perceptibly ~0.5h/day · 92% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and convertible hiking pants in synthetic fabric. A packable rain shell for afternoon storms. Closed-toe hiking shoes with aggressive tread for wet trail conditions. Bring a light long-sleeve layer for air-conditioned restaurants and gallery stops when you come in from the heat.

July sits in the heart of Arizona's monsoon season. The average high reaches 34.4°C (94°F) while nights settle to 20.6°C (69°F). Total rainfall averages 28mm spread across roughly 5 rain days, though individual monsoon cells can drop half that total in under an hour. Humidity averages 34%, a noticeable jump from the arid spring but still well below eastern U.S. levels. Mornings are clear and warm. Storms typically build between 1 and 4 p.m., then skies clear again by sunset.

Seasonal caution

Flash flood risk in all canyons, washes, and creek crossings during and after monsoon storms. Water can rise from ankle-deep to chest-deep in minutes during a concentrated cell.
Afternoon lightning on exposed ridgeline trails and mesa tops. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa are particularly exposed. Descend immediately if you hear thunder or see storm cells building to the northeast.
Wildfire smoke from regional fires occasionally blankets the Verde Valley. Check AirNow.gov or the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality before planning outdoor activities on hazy mornings.
Heat exhaustion risk on exposed, south-facing trails during peak afternoon temperatures. Carry at least 2 liters (0.5 gallons) of water per person per hour of hiking and start well before 7 a.m.

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 July

Public holidays

Independence Day(Independence Day)5 July 2027

Best things to do in July

Sunrise hike at Cathedral Rock

hiking

The Back O' Beyond trailhead approach starts steep and stays steep for about 1.6 km (1 mile) to the saddle. The red sandstone at sunrise glows in bands of orange and copper without the harsh midday shadows. You'll need both hands for some scramble sections near the top.

July's monsoon pattern makes early morning the only safe hiking window. The pre-dawn start rewards you with cooler air and an empty trail that would have a 30-person queue by 8 a.m. in March.

Booking tipNo booking needed, but arrive at the trailhead by 5:45 a.m. to claim parking. The Back O' Beyond lot fills early even in July.

Swimming at Slide Rock State Park

swimming

Slide Rock State Park, established in 1985, sits in Oak Creek Canyon along SR 89A. The natural waterslide runs about 24 meters (80 feet) through a smooth red sandstone chute fed by Oak Creek. The water temperature stays cold enough to shock you even in midsummer.

July's heat makes the cold creek water genuinely welcome rather than merely tolerable. Monsoon runoff keeps water levels higher than the dry spring weeks of May and early June.

Booking tipThe park reaches vehicle capacity by 10 a.m. on weekends and closes the gate until cars leave. Arrive before 9 a.m., or visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Monsoon storm watching from Airport Mesa

sightseeing

The Airport Mesa viewpoint sits at the top of Airport Road, roughly 150 meters (500 feet) above the town of Sedona. The 360-degree panorama takes in the full sweep of the red rock formations. Storm cells move in from the northeast and the light shifts every few minutes as rain curtains cross the valley.

Monsoon thunderstorms from July through August create the most dramatic skyscapes of the year over Sedona. The golden hour after a storm clears produces light that the dry-season months cannot match.

Booking tipFree access, no booking required. The small parking area fills fast at sunset, so park along the road and walk the last 100 meters.

West Fork Trail hike

hiking

West Fork Trail follows Oak Creek through a narrow canyon shaded by old-growth ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and bigtooth maple. The 11 km (7-mile) out-and-back route crosses the creek 13 times. The trailhead sits about 16 km (10 miles) north of Uptown Sedona along SR 89A.

The canyon's heavy tree cover keeps temperatures roughly 8 to 10°C cooler than exposed red rock trails. July's monsoon moisture feeds the creek and turns the forest canopy dense and green.

Booking tipA Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for the parking lot. The lot fills by 9 a.m. on weekends, so arrive early or go midweek.

Post-storm stargazing

stargazing

Sedona holds an International Dark Sky Community designation, earned for its commitment to reducing light pollution. The Milky Way core is overhead during July evenings. After a monsoon storm passes, the washed air produces unusually clear viewing conditions.

The Milky Way's galactic center reaches its highest point in the night sky during July. Post-monsoon air is cleaner than the dusty pre-monsoon weeks of May and early June, and the warm temperatures make sitting outside at 10 p.m. comfortable.

Booking tipNo booking needed for self-guided viewing. Schnebly Hill Road or the Red Rock Loop area offer darker skies away from Uptown's lights.

Red Rock State Park nature walk

nature walk

Red Rock State Park, opened in 1986, covers 286 acres of riparian habitat along lower Oak Creek. The Kisva Trail and Eagle's Nest loop combine for roughly 5 km (3 miles) of relatively flat walking through cottonwood and Arizona sycamore groves. The birding along the creek corridor is strong.

Monsoon moisture brings the riparian zone to its greenest. Summer tanagers, black hawks, and zone-tailed hawks are more active along the creek in July than during the quieter, drier spring.

Booking tipPer-vehicle entry fee applies. The park opens at 8 a.m. daily. Mornings before 10 a.m. offer the best birding and the coolest temperatures.

Jeep tour of Broken Arrow Trail

adventure tour

The Broken Arrow area south of SR 179 features slickrock terrain that commercial jeep tours navigate over tilted sandstone shelves, narrow ledges, and rocky washes. The route passes Submarine Rock and the Chicken Point overlook, with views south toward the Village of Oak Creek.

Wet red rock after monsoon rain turns 3 or 4 shades darker, a color shift that passengers on morning departures get to see before the afternoon sun dries things out.

Booking tipBook a morning departure, ideally before 10 a.m. Afternoon tours risk cancellation if storm cells arrive early.

What to eat in July

In season: fruit

Prickly pear fruit (tunas)
The Opuntia cactus fruit ripens to deep magenta across the high desert starting in July. You'll spot the fruits on trail-side cactus pads near Bell Rock and throughout the scrublands west of town. The flavor sits somewhere between watermelon and bubblegum, with small edible seeds.
Verde Valley peaches
Local orchards near Page Springs and Camp Verde harvest Arizona peaches through mid-July. They tend to be smaller and more intensely flavored than commercial supermarket varieties, and they appear at area farm stands and on restaurant menus.

Street food peaks

Elote (Mexican-style grilled corn)
Arizona sweet corn reaches its midsummer peak in July. The ears are charred over open flame and dressed with mayo, cotija cheese, chile powder, and lime. It appears at area food events and on several Sedona restaurant menus as a seasonal side.

What to drink

Prickly pear margarita
Sedona's signature warm-weather cocktail blends the cactus fruit's magenta juice with tequila and lime. Nearly every restaurant along the Uptown Sedona strip serves a version from July through September when the fruit is freshly in season.

In markets

Summer squash blossoms
Verde Valley farms harvest zucchini, yellow squash, and their delicate blossoms at peak volume in July. The blossoms turn up as quesadilla and taco fillings on seasonal menus around Sedona's restaurant scene.

Regular events in July

Independence Day celebrations in SedonaFree

Sedona's Fourth of July typically includes a community parade along SR 89A and gatherings at Posse Grounds Park. The town restricts aerial fireworks due to fire risk in the surrounding Coconino National Forest, so the celebrations lean toward daytime parades, live music, and community picnics rather than pyrotechnics.

July 4

First Friday at TlaquepaqueFree

The monthly evening art walk at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village on SR 179 brings gallery openings, live music, and artist demonstrations across the Spanish Colonial-style courtyard complex. Roughly 40 shops and galleries participate each month.

First Friday of July

Sedona Arts Center summer exhibitions

A fixture in Sedona's arts community since the late 1950s, the Sedona Arts Center in Uptown runs rotating gallery exhibitions and plein air workshops through the summer. July programming tends to include open studio sessions and visiting artist shows.

Throughout July

Best places this July

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
scenic drive
The 26 km (16-mile) drive north on SR 89A from Uptown Sedona toward Flagstaff follows the canyon floor through a corridor of ponderosa pine and red sandstone walls. Several pulloffs along the switchback descent offer creek access and cooler temperatures, a noticeable relief from the heat on the exposed mesa trails.
Oak Creek Canyon
Crescent Moon / Red Rock Crossing
viewpoint
The classic postcard view of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek. Monsoon season fills the creek enough for mirror-like reflections that the drier spring and early summer months cannot produce. Cottonwood trees along the bank provide welcome afternoon shade.
Red Rock Loop Road
Chapel of the Holy Cross
landmark
Built in 1955 between two red rock pinnacles south of Uptown, this Roman Catholic chapel offers a sweeping view toward the Village of Oak Creek. In July, afternoon storm clouds massing behind the chapel's silhouette make for dramatic photography. Morning visits avoid both the heat and the tour bus crowds.
Chapel area
Devil's Bridge trailhead
natural landmark
The largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area spans roughly 16 meters (54 feet). The 6 km (3.7-mile) round trip from the main Dry Creek Road trailhead crosses relatively flat terrain before a final steep climb. July mornings before 8 a.m. mean shorter waits for the photo spot on the arch than you would face in any spring month.
West Sedona
Uptown Sedona galleries and restaurants
neighborhood
The main commercial strip along SR 89A north of the Y intersection. The afternoon monsoon pattern pushes visitors indoors, making mid-afternoon a productive time to browse galleries along Gallery Row or sit down for a late lunch. Evening dining on the patios becomes pleasant once the sun drops behind the western rim.
Uptown Sedona
Bell Rock pathway
trail
A 5.6 km (3.5-mile) loop around the base of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, starting from the Bell Rock Vista parking area along SR 179. The path is relatively flat and well maintained. After monsoon rain the red rock formation stands in deep color contrast against a clearing sky, one of the most photogenic conditions the trail offers all year.
Village of Oak Creek
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
state park
In nearby Cottonwood, about a 25-minute drive from West Sedona. Established in 1972 along the Verde River, the park's lagoons and river access points are popular for cooling off in July. The cottonwood-lined riverbanks run noticeably cooler than Sedona's exposed red rock trails.
Cottonwood (day trip)

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SPF 50+ sunscreen, water-resistant formulaSedona sits at 1,372 meters (4,500 feet) elevation where UV index regularly hits 10 or 11 in July. Reapply every 90 minutes on trail, more often if you're sweating. Shop
Wide-brim sun hatTree cover is sparse on most red rock trails. The Broken Arrow, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock routes offer almost no natural shade before mid-morning. Shop
Packable rain jacket or shellMonsoon storms arrive fast and drop heavy rain for 30 to 90 minutes. A lightweight shell stows in your day pack and keeps you dry on exposed trails when shelter is far away. Shop
Closed-toe hiking shoes with aggressive treadWet red sandstone becomes slippery clay within minutes of rain. Smooth-soled shoes are dangerous on trails like Soldier Pass and the Cathedral Rock scramble after a storm. Shop
Refillable water bottle, 2-liter minimum capacityMost Sedona trailheads have no water source. The combination of low humidity and high heat at elevation dehydrates you faster than sea-level hiking, often without the sweat you would expect. Shop
Electrolyte packetsThe dry desert heat means you lose salts rapidly without visible sweating. Mix one per liter of water while on trail to avoid the headache and nausea of electrolyte depletion. Shop
Quick-dry hiking clothing, no cottonCotton holds moisture after a monsoon soaking and chafes on long hikes. Synthetic or merino layers dry within 20 minutes in Sedona's low humidity. Shop
HeadlampSunrise hikes mean pre-dawn trailhead starts at 5:30 or 5:45 a.m. The Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge trails have uneven footing that demands a light before first light. Shop
Insect repellent for creek areasMonsoon moisture brings mosquitoes to Oak Creek Canyon and the Verde River corridor. You likely will not need it on dry mesa trails, but creek-side stops and picnic areas require it in July. Shop

Insider tips

Start every hike before 7 a.m. in July. By 9 a.m. the exposed red rock trails along the Broken Arrow and Bell Rock pathways radiate stored heat from the rock surface, and the lightning risk rises through the late morning. The 5 to 7 a.m. window is when trail regulars and locals do their serious miles.
Check the National Weather Service Flagstaff office for flash flood watches before entering any canyon or wash. The narrows sections of West Fork Trail and the creek crossings throughout Oak Creek Canyon can become impassable within the span of a single storm cell.
Schnebly Hill Road, the unpaved route east from SR 179, becomes a muddy mess during monsoon season. Four-wheel-drive vehicles can sometimes manage it in the morning before storms hit, but the road often closes after heavy rain. Stick to paved access in the afternoon.
The Village of Oak Creek along SR 179 has grocery stores and casual restaurants that serve a more local crowd than Uptown. Meal portions tend to be larger and you'll wait less, especially on weekend evenings when the Uptown strip fills up.
If smoke from a distant wildfire moves into the Verde Valley, drive to Flagstaff. The 45-minute drive north on SR 89A through Oak Creek Canyon gains about 900 meters (3,000 feet) in elevation, and Flagstaff at 2,135 meters often sits above the smoke layer that settles into Sedona's lower valley.

Avoid these mistakes

Planning a full-day hike that puts you on Cathedral Rock's saddle or Bell Rock's summit in the early afternoon. Hikers have been struck on both formations during monsoon season. Start your descent when you see the first clouds building to the northeast.
Wearing sandals or smooth-soled shoes on red rock trails after rain. The Soldier Pass trail and the Devil's Bridge climb both have sections that become treacherous on wet surfaces, and a slip at elevation sends you onto rough sandstone.
Driving through flooded washes on unpaved forest roads after a storm. Arizona's Stupid Motorist Law means you can be billed for your own rescue if you bypass a flood barricade. Schnebly Hill Road and several other forest access roads become impassable during monsoon storms.
Booking a late-afternoon outdoor activity. Jeep tours, horseback rides, and guided hikes scheduled after 1 p.m. risk cancellation when monsoon cells arrive. Morning bookings protect both the experience and the scheduling flexibility.

Practical tips for July

Book all outdoor activities, jeep tours, and guided hikes for morning slots before 11 a.m. to avoid monsoon cancellations. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking at most Coconino National Forest trailheads around Sedona. Buy one at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center on SR 179 or at the self-service dispensers at major trailhead lots before you start hiking. Restaurant reservations in Uptown Sedona are less critical in July than during the October through March peak, but Friday and Saturday evenings still fill up at popular spots. Carry a paper map or download offline maps before heading into any canyon, as cell service drops out completely in Oak Creek Canyon and on many forest roads. If wildfire smoke moves in, check AirNow.gov for real-time air quality readings and consider shifting to indoor activities like gallery browsing in Uptown or wine tasting along the Verde Valley wine trail near Cottonwood and Jerome. A rental car is effectively mandatory since Sedona has no meaningful public transit network.

FAQ

Is July a good time to visit Sedona?

July is a fair time to visit, not ideal but not without appeal. The heat is real, with averages that put it among Sedona's two hottest months alongside June. Afternoon monsoon storms limit outdoor activities to the morning hours. On the other hand, accommodation rates drop significantly from peak, trailhead crowds thin out, and the monsoon creates a landscape only visible from July through early September. If you're an early riser who starts hikes before dawn and shifts to indoor activities by afternoon, July works. If you want full-day outdoor flexibility, consider October or March.

What is the weather like in Sedona in July?

Hot and punctuated by monsoon storms. Mornings tend to be sunny and warm, with clouds building toward midday. Thunderstorms typically arrive in the early-to-mid afternoon, drop intense but brief rain, then clear by sunset. The morning-to-afternoon pattern is reliable enough to plan around. Nights settle to a comfortable range for sleeping. Humidity is low by eastern U.S. standards but higher than Sedona's bone-dry spring months.

Is it safe to hike in Sedona during monsoon season?

Yes, with the firm constraint that you start early and finish early. Most experienced locals and guides treat noon as the hard cutoff for any exposed ridgeline trail. Flash floods in creek crossings and canyon narrows are the primary danger after that. Check the National Weather Service Flagstaff office for flash flood watches before entering any slot canyon or wash crossing. The morning window from dawn to about 11 a.m. is generally the safe hiking block.

Is Sedona crowded in July?

Less crowded than the peak months of March through May and October through November. July is firmly off-peak, and you'll notice shorter waits at restaurants, available trailhead parking at spots that fill by 7 a.m. in spring, and easier booking for jeep tours and accommodations. That said, the Independence Day week brings a brief swell of visitors, and weekends are still noticeably busier than weekdays with Phoenix residents driving up to escape the valley heat.

When does monsoon season end in Sedona?

The monsoon in northern Arizona runs through about mid-September, with August typically seeing the heaviest rainfall of the cycle. By early October, dry conditions return and temperatures cool into the low 20s Celsius. July marks the beginning of the pattern, and individual storms can be sporadic rather than daily as the season establishes itself.