Arizona's retreat season runs from October through April — the inverse of most European destinations. The winter months bring warm, clear days with brilliant light and comfortable temperatures for hiking, outdoor yoga and exploring the landscape. Sedona in particular is at its most magical in November and February, when the red rocks contrast with cool skies and the tourist crowds are thinner than in the holiday peak weeks.
Summer in Arizona — particularly June and July — brings extreme heat, with temperatures in Phoenix, Scottsdale and the lower desert regularly exceeding 42°C (108°F). Sedona sits at higher elevation (1,330m) and is somewhat cooler, but outdoor activities are still limited to early morning in summer. If you are visiting in the summer months, choose a resort with exceptional indoor facilities and plan any outdoor experiences for before 8am or after 6pm.
March is the most popular retreat month — warm enough for outdoor activities, the desert wildflowers are in bloom, and the light has a quality that photographers return for year after year. Spring break can make late March busier and more expensive; early March is often the sweet spot. For the most reflective, unhurried experience, January and February offer the best combination of good weather, available bookings and the particular stillness that comes from being in the desert in deep winter.
