Late spring · Weather & things to do
Sedona in May
Sedona warms up: highs climb to 81°F (27°C), from 71°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain.
At 99/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 81°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (15 mm)
- Humidity
- 36%
- Cloud cover
- 26%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 99/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 81°F (27°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 17°C (31°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 36%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 26%.
Plan around May
May is one of Sedona's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 72/100.
- Comfort holds steady from April (99 → 99/100).
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes81°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 50°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Sedona in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Pink Jeep Tours
Open-air off-road tours over the red rocks, running since 1960.
Why now May scores 99/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Cathedral Rock Trail
Short, steep scramble up slickrock to a saddle between red spires.
Why now Highs near 81°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel built into red-rock buttes in 1956, with wide valley views.
Slide Rock State Park
Natural sandstone water slide in Oak Creek Canyon on an old apple farm.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Page Springs Cellars
Creekside winery pouring Arizona Rhône-style wines 20 minutes from town.
Nearby in May
- Grand Canyon in May~88 mi · highs 85°F, 0.5 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Papago Park & Camelback in May~98 mi · highs 95°F, 0.2 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Phoenix in May~100 mi · highs 96°F, 0.2 in rain · 8°C (15°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in May~182 mi · highs 72°F, 0.7 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,836 m to Sedona's ~1,325 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Sedona in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Sedona?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 99/100. Expect highs of 81°F (27°C) and 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends.
How hot is Sedona in May?
Average highs are 81°F (27°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sedona in May?
Not much: about 0.6 in (15 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 18.0 in (456 mm).
What should I pack for Sedona in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (81°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 50°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in May
- Grand Canyon & Arizona Mar – May
Planning Sedona in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.