Planning a trip to Sedona in November? You picked a great time. The scorching summer is over, the air is crisp and dry, and the red rocks look their best in the soft autumn light. It is one of the most comfortable months for hiking, biking and sightseeing in Arizona’s red rock country.
This guide covers Sedona weather in November, what to pack, the biggest events of November 2026, the 12 best things to do, parking and shuttle tips, and how to avoid the crowds.
Table of Contents
- Is November a Good Time to Visit Sedona?
- Sedona Weather in November
- What to Pack for Sedona in November
- Sedona Events in November 2026
- 12 Best Things to Do in Sedona in November
- Parking, Red Rock Pass and the Free Shuttle
- Crowds and Prices in November
- Tips for Visiting Sedona in November
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Is November a Good Time to Visit Sedona?
Yes. For most travelers, November is one of the best months of the year in Sedona. The summer heat and monsoon storms are long gone, the winter cold has not fully arrived, and the red rocks glow under clear, dry skies. Daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking, biking and jeep tours.
The trade-offs are cold mornings, shorter days and busy weekends, especially around the mountain bike festival and Thanksgiving. If you plan for those three things, Sedona in November is hard to beat. For a full year view, see our guide to the best time to visit Sedona.
Sedona Weather in November
Sedona weather in November is mild during the day and chilly at night. Expect average highs in the low 60s Fahrenheit (about 16 to 18°C) and lows in the mid to upper 30s Fahrenheit (about 1 to 3°C). Early November can still bring days near 70°F, while late November feels closer to winter.
| Weather factor | November average |
|---|---|
| Average high | About 60 to 64°F (16 to 18°C) |
| Average low | About 34 to 38°F (1 to 3°C) |
| Rainfall | Around 1 to 1.5 inches for the month |
| Rainy days | Only a few |
| Daylight | About 10 to 10.5 hours |
| Sunset | Around 5:20 PM |
The big swing between day and night is the key thing to plan for. A morning hike may start near freezing, while the same afternoon can feel warm in the sun. Snow is uncommon in town in November, but a cold front can bring a dusting to higher areas like Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff.
What to Pack for Sedona in November
Layers are everything. Pack clothing you can add and remove as the temperature changes through the day.
- A warm jacket or fleece for mornings and evenings
- Light, breathable layers for afternoon hikes
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip on slickrock
- A beanie and light gloves for sunrise hikes or stargazing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, because the high desert sun is strong even in fall
- A refillable water bottle (aim for at least 2 liters on longer hikes)
- A headlamp, since it gets dark before 5:30 PM
Sedona Events in November 2026
November is packed with local events. Here are the main ones to plan around, based on the official Visit Sedona events calendar and the City of Sedona events page. Always confirm times before you go, as details can change.
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 | Día de los Muertos celebration | Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village |
| November 6 | 1st Friday in the Galleries | Sedona art galleries |
| November 6 to 8 | Sedona Mountain Bike Festival | Posse Grounds Park |
| November 11 | Veterans Day Tribute (11 AM) | Sedona Heritage Museum |
| November 26 (Thanksgiving) | Sedona Turkey Trot 5K | Sedona |
Día de los Muertos at Tlaquepaque
Sedona opens the month with a colorful Day of the Dead celebration at Tlaquepaque, with altars, art installations and live music. The village’s sycamore trees are often showing fall colors at the same time, which makes it a lovely stop for photos.
Sedona Mountain Bike Festival
The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival runs from November 6 to 8, 2026 at Posse Grounds Park. Expect demo bikes, group rides, food trucks and live music. It is a great event for riders, but it also means busier trails and fuller hotels that weekend.
Veterans Day Tribute and Turkey Trot
On November 11, the Sedona Heritage Museum and the City of Sedona hold a community tribute for veterans. Later in the month, the Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning lets runners burn off a holiday meal with red rock views.
12 Best Things to Do in Sedona in November
Here are the best things to do in Sedona in November, chosen for the cool weather and short days.
1. Hike Cathedral Rock
This short but steep climb is one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes. November temperatures make the scramble far more comfortable than in summer. Go early, as the trailhead uses the shuttle on peak days.
2. See sunrise at Devil’s Bridge
Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch is a classic photo spot. Start in the dark with a headlamp and warm layers, then enjoy the view as the sun hits the rocks.
3. Walk the West Fork of Oak Creek
This shaded canyon trail is one of the best places in Arizona for fall colors, which usually peak from late October into early November. Note that the trailhead has its own fee and is not covered by the regular Red Rock Pass.
4. Ride the Bell Rock Pathway
An easy, mostly flat trail that works for beginners on foot or on a mountain bike, with big views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
5. Take a jeep tour
Backcountry jeep tours on routes like Broken Arrow are a fun way to see rugged terrain without a long hike. Midday tours are ideal in November when the sun is warm.
6. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
This chapel built into the red rocks is free to visit and offers wide views across the valley. Arrive early to avoid the busiest hours.
7. Go stargazing
Sedona is a certified dark sky community, and early sunsets give you more time under the stars. Bring a warm jacket, as nights get cold quickly.
8. Explore Tlaquepaque and Uptown
Galleries, shops and cafes make a good plan for cold mornings or evenings, especially around the Día de los Muertos celebration and 1st Friday gallery night.
9. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
State Route 179 is a short, beautiful drive past Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, with several pullouts for photos.
10. Take a hot air balloon ride
Calm, cool mornings are great for ballooning. Flights launch around sunrise, so book ahead and dress warmly.
11. Visit Red Rock State Park
A quieter option with easy trails along Oak Creek. State parks charge their own entry fee and do not accept the Red Rock Pass.
12. Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon
Mild November weather makes the drive north worth it. Read our Sedona to Grand Canyon day trip guide for the best route and stops.
Looking for more trails? See our list of the best red rock trails in Sedona for every type of hiker.
Parking, Red Rock Pass and the Free Shuttle
Parking is the biggest challenge in Sedona during busy months, and November is no exception. Here is what you need to know:
- Red Rock Pass: Most Forest Service trailheads around Sedona require a Red Rock Pass for parking. Prices are $5 per day, $15 per week or $20 per year. An America the Beautiful pass is also accepted.
- Not valid everywhere: The pass does not cover state parks such as Slide Rock and Red Rock State Park, or special day-use sites like West Fork, which charge separate fees.
- Free Sedona Shuttle: The free shuttle runs Thursday to Sunday from Park and Ride lots at Posse Grounds and North SR-179 to popular trailheads. No Red Rock Pass is needed when you ride it.
- Shuttle-only trailheads: During peak season, which lasts into early November, popular trailheads such as Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass are reached by shuttle during operating hours.
Tip: Check the official shuttle schedule before your trip, since operating hours can change by season.
Crowds and Prices in November
November sits at the tail end of Sedona’s busy fall season. Weekdays in mid-November are usually the calmest, while the mountain bike festival weekend and Thanksgiving week are among the busiest times of the month.
- Book early: Hotels fill up fast for Thanksgiving and festival weekends, so reserve as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Visit midweek: Monday to Wednesday trips often have lower hotel rates and quieter trails.
- Start early: Popular trailheads fill up soon after sunrise, even in cooler months.
- Stay nearby: Cottonwood and the Village of Oak Creek can offer cheaper rooms than Uptown Sedona.
Tips for Visiting Sedona in November
- Plan hikes to finish before sunset, around 5:20 PM, since trails get dark and cold quickly
- Carry more water than you think; the dry air dehydrates you even when it feels cool
- Check the forecast the night before, as cold fronts can drop temperatures sharply
- Download offline maps, because cell signal can be weak on some trails
- Reserve popular tours and restaurants ahead of Thanksgiving week
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cold in Sedona in November?
Days are usually mild, with highs around 60°F, but nights are cold and can drop to the mid 30s°F. Bring a warm jacket for mornings and evenings.
Does it snow in Sedona in November?
Snow in town is rare in November. Light snow is more likely at higher elevations nearby, especially later in the month.
Can you see fall colors in Sedona in November?
Yes, especially in early November. West Fork of Oak Creek and the sycamores at Tlaquepaque are popular spots, though peak timing changes each year.
Is Sedona crowded in November?
It can be, especially on weekends, during the mountain bike festival and over Thanksgiving. Midweek visits in mid-November are usually quieter.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass in November?
You need one to park at most Forest Service trailheads. You do not need one if you ride the free Sedona Shuttle.
Final Thoughts
Sedona in November offers some of the most comfortable hiking weather of the year, fun local events and beautiful fall light on the red rocks. Pack warm layers, plan around short days, use the free shuttle and book early for busy weekends. Do that, and your November trip to Sedona will be easy, relaxed and unforgettable. Still choosing a destination? Browse our best travel destinations for 2026.