Things to Do in Sedona in March

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Stay in Sedona in March

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March is Sedona's wettest month, and simultaneously one of its most crowded. Spring break brings a wave of visitors from the Phoenix metro, about 2 hours south on Interstate 17. Accommodation in Uptown Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek books up weeks in advance during mid-March. Worth noting, Sedona's March rain is part of the draw. Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock set against grey, fast-moving clouds photograph better than they do under a flat blue sky, and the Coconino National Forest scrub surrounding town starts greening from winter moisture.

Daytime temperatures sit in the mid-teens Celsius (upper 50s Fahrenheit), comfortable for sustained trail time on routes like the Bell Rock Pathway or Soldier Pass. March nights are a different situation. The mercury drops close to freezing, and early March nights occasionally dip below 0°C at Sedona's 1,370m (4,500 ft) elevation. You'll want a proper fleece or down layer for sunset viewing at Airport Mesa.

If you can time your trip for the first or last week of March instead of the peak spring break window, you'll likely find a noticeably quieter town with the same weather. The Sedona International Film Festival sometimes extends its late-February screenings into the first week of March, with independent films and documentaries showing at venues around town.

Why visit in March

Hiking temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius prevent the heat exhaustion risk that closes popular trails like Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock to safe use from June through September.
March rain produces the year's best landscape photography conditions, with storm clouds creating dramatic contrast against the roughly 280-million-year-old Permian sandstone formations.
The Verde Valley wine corridor between Cornville and Cottonwood, about 30 minutes southwest, enters its spring tasting season in March with notably smaller crowds than the April-May rush.
Desert wildflowers begin their annual bloom cycle in late March, with early poppies, lupines, and brittlebush appearing along lower-elevation trails around Bell Rock.

Worth knowing

March is Sedona's rainiest month by a clear margin. About 9 days will see precipitation, and trails with red clay sections like Broken Arrow and Soldier Pass become slippery and sometimes close temporarily.
Spring break crowds during mid-March drive heavy foot traffic on the most popular trails and fill Uptown Sedona's parking by 10am on weekends.
Accommodation rates reach their yearly peak during spring break weeks, comparable to the October fall-color premium.
The gap between afternoon warmth and after-dark cold catches visitors off guard. Without proper layers, sunset viewing and stargazing become genuinely uncomfortable within 30 minutes of the sun dropping behind the Mingus Mountains.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 15° / 2°C 72mm rain · 9 rainy days · 50% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.4h/day · 89% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Layer for a roughly 13°C daily temperature swing, from near-freezing mornings to mild afternoons. A warm insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell, and boots with aggressive tread for wet red clay are the three non-negotiables.

March brings Sedona's highest rainfall of the year at 72mm across roughly 9 rainy days, though individual storms typically pass within an hour. Daytime highs average 14.6°C (58°F), comfortable for sustained hiking in the canyon country. Nights drop to an average low of 1.8°C (35°F), with occasional sub-zero dips in early March. Humidity holds at a dry 50%. You might hike under blue skies in the morning and watch a storm build over the Mogollon Rim by mid-afternoon.

Seasonal caution

Overnight temperatures occasionally drop below 0°C (32°F) in early March, particularly at exposed viewpoints. Hypothermia risk exists if you're caught at a summit without layers after sunset.
UV intensity at Sedona's elevation runs 12-15% stronger than at sea level. Cloud breaks between rain showers deliver concentrated sun exposure even when the air feels cool, making sunburn on trail days a common surprise.

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 March

Public holidays

Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027

Best things to do in March

Hiking Soldier Pass Trail

hiking

The 6.4 km (4 mi) round-trip trail passes the Seven Sacred Pools and the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole. March water levels in the pools are typically the highest of the year from accumulated winter and spring rain.

Cool temperatures prevent the heat risk that makes this exposed trail dangerous from June through September. The Sacred Pools likely hold water from the month's rainfall.

Booking tipThe Soldier Pass trailhead has a 12-vehicle parking limit with no overflow. Arrive before 7:30am on weekends during spring break.

Sunrise photography at Cathedral Rock

photography

The scramble trail to Cathedral Rock's saddle delivers one of the Southwest's most photographed compositions. March's periodic rain clouds add depth to the sky, and the formation catches warm eastern light at sunrise.

March sunrise at roughly 6:45am is a manageable wake-up compared to summer's 5:15am, and spring moisture creates atmospheric morning light that clear summer skies rarely match.

Jeep tour of Broken Arrow Trail

tour

The Broken Arrow route crosses slickrock terrain and washes south of SR 179 near the Chapel area. Licensed Jeep tour operators run 90-minute to 2-hour guided trips along the trail, which is also open to private 4WD vehicles.

The trail surface is firmer after winter moisture, and operators add March departure slots to handle spring break demand.

Booking tipBook at least 1 week ahead for spring break weekends. Early morning departures tend to have shorter queues.

Mountain biking Sedona's red rock trails

cycling

Sedona's trail network includes singletrack, slickrock, and mesa terrain across the national forest. Routes near Bell Rock and the Village of Oak Creek suit beginner-to-intermediate riders.

March soil conditions tend to be slightly tacky from moisture, which provides ideal traction. June through August surfaces are loose and dusty, while heavy rain makes the clay dangerously slick.

Booking tipLocal bike shops in West Sedona rent full-suspension mountain bikes. Reserve a week ahead during spring break.

Day trip to Dead Horse Ranch State Park

nature

The park sits along the Verde River in Cottonwood, with cottonwood-lined lagoons and 10 km (6 mi) of trails. The state acquired this former working ranch in 1972.

Cottonwood trees begin leafing out along the Verde River in March, and the lagoons attract migratory birds passing through central Arizona's riparian corridor.

Guided nature walk at Red Rock State Park

nature

Red Rock State Park, founded in 1986, offers ranger-led nature walks along Oak Creek through juniper and cypress woodland. The guided walks cover about 3 km (2 mi) and identify local flora and geological formations.

March is when early spring wildflowers first appear along the park's lower creek trails, and the ranger-led walks focus specifically on the spring bloom cycle.

Booking tipThe park's guided walk schedule runs Wednesday through Sunday. Arizona state parks adjust from winter to spring operating hours in March, so confirm times before your visit.

Verde Valley wine tasting day trip

food and drink

The wine corridor between Cornville and Cottonwood hosts over a dozen tasting rooms within a 15-mile (24 km) stretch. The region's warm days and cool nights at roughly 1,100m (3,600 ft) suit Mediterranean-climate grape varieties.

Tasting rooms are open and staffed for the spring season but haven't reached the April-May peak that makes visits feel rushed. Cooler March temperatures suit the slower pace of a tasting loop.

Booking tipMost tasting rooms don't require reservations in March except on spring break Saturdays.

What to eat in March

In season: fruit

Arizona navel oranges
The Sonoran Desert citrus harvest runs November through March, and the final weeks deliver peak-sweetness navel oranges and grapefruit at Verde Valley farmers' markets and roadside stands between Sedona and Camp Verde.

On menus now

Green chile posole
This hominy and green chile stew lingers on menus through March as comfort food for cool canyon evenings. Several West Sedona restaurants make it with Hatch green chiles from New Mexico, giving the broth a roasted, smoky warmth.

What to drink

Verde Valley wine
Local Verde Valley wineries release spring vintages in March, particularly Syrah and Grenache from the high-desert terroir. These early releases tend to pour first at the region's dozen-plus tasting rooms before reaching wider distribution.

In markets

Nopales
Prickly pear cactus pads begin their spring growth cycle in late March at Sedona's elevation. The tender new pads are small and mild enough to grill or scramble into egg dishes during the brief 3-4 week window before they toughen.

Regular events in March

Sedona International Film Festival

This independent film festival typically runs about 9 days in late February and sometimes extends screenings into early March. Features documentaries, narrative films, and filmmaker Q&A sessions at venues around Uptown Sedona.

Late February, sometimes extending through first week of March

First Friday in the GalleriesFree

Monthly open-gallery evening at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and Uptown Sedona where artists open studios and galleries extend hours. March's edition tends to draw larger turnout than winter months.

First Friday of March

St. Patrick's DayFree

Sedona restaurants and bars along SR 89A mark March 17 with Irish-themed menus and drink specials. The celebration is relaxed compared to larger cities, but several venues run themed events through the closest weekend.

March 17

Best places this March

Cathedral Rock
viewpoint
The 1.2 km (0.75 mi) scramble to the saddle is Sedona's most photographed formation. March's lower sun angle creates deeper shadows on the red sandstone faces, and the green desert scrub at the base contrasts sharply with the orange and rust tones above.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
landmark
Built in 1955 into a red rock butte, the chapel's floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surrounding formations. Weekday mornings in March see shorter visitor lines than the weekend spring break crowds.
Chapel Area
Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive
scenic drive
The 21 km (13 mi) drive north of Uptown on SR 89A follows Oak Creek through a forested canyon. March shows early spring canopy development on the deciduous sycamores, with bare branches beginning to leaf against an evergreen pine and cypress backdrop.
Oak Creek Canyon
Slide Rock State Park
state park
Founded in 1985 around a natural sandstone waterslide on Oak Creek, the park draws summer crowds for swimming. March water temperatures around 5°C (41°F) keep the swimming area quiet enough for scenic photography along the 0.8 km (0.5 mi) creek corridor.
Oak Creek Canyon
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
arts district
This Spanish colonial-style complex along Oak Creek hosts galleries and artist studios in vine-covered courtyards. March brings the first spring plantings to the courtyards, and foot traffic is lighter before mid-month spring break arrivals.
Airport Mesa
viewpoint
The 360-degree viewpoint is one of Sedona's four reported energy vortex sites. The panorama covers Courthouse Butte, the Mogollon Rim escarpment, and the red rock skyline in a single sweep, with March's green desert floor adding contrast to the formations.
West Sedona

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Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)Sedona's viewpoints lose heat fast after sunset, dropping to near-freezing within 30 minutes. Real insulation, not a fleece alone, keeps you comfortable for the full golden-hour window. Shop
Merino or synthetic base layer shirtMarch's daily temperature range means your base layer does the real thermal work. Quick-drying merino or synthetic handles the shift from cold Oak Creek shade to warm ridgeline sun. Shop
Waterproof hiking bootsThe frequent March rain turns red clay trail sections slippery within minutes. Ankle support matters on the uneven slickrock terrain, and waterproof membranes keep your feet dry through creek crossings along Oak Creek. Shop
Packable rain jacketMarch storms come in fast but rarely last more than 45 minutes. A shell that fits in your day pack means you won't cut a Soldier Pass or Bell Rock hike short when clouds roll in. Shop
SPF 50+ sunscreenThe hour after a March rain clears is when visitors burn most. Cloud breaks at Sedona's elevation deliver concentrated UV, and reflected light off red sandstone catches exposed skin from unexpected angles. Shop
Wide-brim sun hatCovers the back of your neck on exposed ridgeline trails like Brins Mesa, where sandstone reflection adds to direct sun. More effective than reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes on a full-day hike. Shop
1-liter reusable water bottleCool March air masks dehydration at Sedona's elevation. Hikers tend to drink less than they need because they're not sweating visibly, but the dry desert atmosphere pulls moisture steadily. Shop
Traction devices (microspikes or Yaktrax)North-facing trail sections above 1,500m can hold ice through early March, particularly on Brins Mesa and Wilson Mountain trails. The devices weigh under 300g and pack flat. Shop

Insider tips

The Red Rock Pass is required for parking at most Coconino National Forest trailheads around Sedona. Buy the 7-day version at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce visitor center on SR 89A rather than the daily one from trailhead kiosks, since 3 days of hiking already covers the cost difference.
Airport Mesa at sunrise draws maybe 5-10 people compared to the large sunset crowd. The morning light on Thunder Mountain and the Cockscomb formation to the north is warmer in tone, and you'll have room to set up a tripod.
West Sedona along SR 89A between the Y intersection and Dry Creek Road has the grocery stores, hardware shops, and casual restaurants that locals frequent daily. Uptown caters to day-trip visitors and prices reflect it.
If rain forces you off the trails, the Sedona Heritage Museum on Jordan Road in Uptown has permanent exhibits on the area's ranching and film history. Over 60 Hollywood westerns were filmed in and around Sedona between the 1930s and 1970s.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking a sunset Jeep tour during mid-March spring break week without reserving 2 weeks ahead. Operators tend to run at full capacity, and walk-up availability becomes scarce after the morning.
Wearing cotton layers for a full-day hike. The 12-13°C temperature swing from morning to afternoon means cotton soaked from early morning dew or light rain stays cold against the skin for hours.
Driving into Uptown Sedona after 10am on a spring break weekend expecting to find parking. The strip along SR 89A fills early. Starting your day from a West Sedona base or arriving before 8am avoids the worst of it.

Practical tips for March

Book accommodation at least 6 weeks ahead if your dates fall during mid-March, which typically aligns with Arizona's school district spring break schedules. Public transit between Sedona and the Verde Valley towns runs on a limited schedule, so confirm departure times a week ahead if planning day trips to Cottonwood or Camp Verde without a car. Trail conditions after rain are posted on the Coconino National Forest's social media channels by early morning, which helps you choose between red clay trails (likely muddy) and slickrock routes (usually fine). Most galleries in Tlaquepaque and Uptown open by 10am and close by 6pm, though First Friday events extend hours to 8pm. One logistical detail trips up visitors every March. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time. When DST starts on the second Sunday of March across most of the United States, Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time. That's UTC-7 year-round. Your phone may auto-adjust to the wrong time zone, so verify against a local clock when you arrive.

FAQ

Is March a good time to visit Sedona?

March ranks 5th out of 12 months for visiting Sedona. Hiking the trails in the mid-teens Celsius is comfortable, and the landscape benefits from weeks of winter rain. March spring break brings mid-month crowds, though, and accommodation rates follow. October and April typically deliver comparable trail conditions with either fewer people or drier skies.

What is the weather like in Sedona in March?

Sedona in March feels like early spring in the high desert. Afternoons are comfortable for hiking in a single layer, but mornings and evenings get genuinely cold, sometimes below freezing in the first half of the month. Rain falls on roughly a third of March days, but showers tend to be brief. The wide gap between sunrise cold at the trailhead and afternoon warmth on Sedona's exposed rock means layering isn't optional. Mornings at Coconino National Forest trailheads call for warm jackets that come off by midday.

Is Sedona crowded in March?

Yes, particularly during the 2 middle weeks when Arizona schools are on spring break. Trailhead parking at the 4 or 5 most popular hikes tends to fill by early morning on spring break weekends. The first and last weeks of March see noticeably lighter traffic, and weekdays are consistently better than weekends throughout the month.

What should I pack for Sedona in March?

Layers are the first priority for a March trip to Sedona. You'll peel and add clothes throughout the day as temperatures shift between cold mornings and mild afternoons. A warm jacket, breathable hiking shirt, and waterproof shell are the 3 non-negotiables. Waterproof hiking boots with good tread handle the wet red clay on trails like Broken Arrow after March storms. Sun protection is easy to forget when the air feels cool, but UV at Sedona's elevation burns through March cloud cover.

Are the trails open in Sedona in March?

Most Sedona trails stay open throughout March. Sections with red clay surfaces may close temporarily after heavy rain to prevent erosion, though closures rarely last more than 24 hours. Rock scramble routes like Cathedral Rock's summit pitch can be slippery when wet. Slickrock trails, which make up a large portion of Sedona's network, drain quickly and tend to stay rideable and hikeable even on rainy days.