What to Pack for Sedona in December: All You Need for a Peaceful Desert Getaway

Planning a trip to Sedona in December? Expect breathtaking desert views, festive small-town vibes, and chilly, sometimes snowy weather—yes, even in Arizona! Packing smart for Sedona’s winter climate means being ready for crisp mornings, sunny hikes, and cozy fireside evenings.

While the red rocks still glow brilliantly in winter, the temperature drops sharply after sunset. You’ll need versatile clothing that layers well and keeps you warm on the trails and around town.

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This guide is your complete December packing list for Sedona—perfect for hiking, stargazing, relaxing at a spa, or exploring the local art scene.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Sedona Arizona in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

Sedona’s high desert climate is cool and often dry in December, but snowfall is possible!

• 🌡️ Average high: 12°C / 54°F
• 🌡️ Average low: -1°C / 30°F
• 🌞 Sunny days with crisp air
• ❄️ Occasional snow—especially on higher trails
• 🥾 Best for hiking, spa time, and scenic drives

What to Pack for Sedona Arizona in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Compact and perfect for layers.
• 🧳 Checked bag – If bringing boots or winter gear.
• 🎒 Duffle bag – Useful for weekend hikes or short getaways.
• 🎒 Daypack – Must-have for Sedona’s epic hiking trails.
• 🧺 Packing cubes – Organize base layers, outerwear, and outfits.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Keep trail dirt off clean clothes.
• 🧴 Toiletry bag – Include winter skincare essentials.
• 📂 Document organizer – Store maps, ID, and insurance.
• 👜 Tote bag – Handy for spa days or downtown shopping.
• 🧺 Laundry bag – For sweaty hike clothes or muddy gear.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Avoid overweight surprises.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Stay secure in transit.
• 🫙 Accessory pouch – For lip balm, gloves, or sunglasses.
• 🧼 Quick-dry towel – Useful for outdoor adventures or hot tub time.
• 💤 Neck pillow – Comfort for long drives or flights.
• 😎 Sleep mask – Block out light in rustic stays or cabins.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – Warm, breathable layers.
• 👚 Thermal base layers – Crucial for early hikes.
• 🧥 Fleece or puffer jacket – Cozy and insulated.
• 🧥 Waterproof outer shell – In case of rain or snow flurries.
• 👖 Hiking pants – Flexible and quick-dry.
• 👖 Jeans or casual pants – For dinners or shopping.
• 🧘 Leggings – Great under layers or for lounging.
• 👕 T-shirts (1–2) – For layering indoors or sunny days.
• 🩲 Undergarments – Include thermal underwear.
• 🧦 Wool socks (4–5 pairs) – Warm and moisture-wicking.
• 🩴 Pajamas – Choose warm flannel or thermal sets.
• 🧣 Scarf – Cozy and stylish for windy days.
• 🧤 Gloves – Thermal or tech-friendly for phone use.
• 🧢 Beanie – A must for chilly mornings and nights.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Hydrating cleanser – Combat dry winter air.
• 💧 Toner – Refresh wind-chapped skin.
• 🧴 Deep moisturizer – Essential for cold, dry climates.
• 🌞 SPF 30+ sunscreen – Still needed at elevation and on sunny trails.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Gentle for winter skin.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Remove dry patches (1–2x/week).
• 👁️ Eye cream – Reduce puffiness from chilly air.
• 💦 Facial mist – Mid-hike hydration boost.
• 😴 Overnight cream or mask – Wake up glowing.
• 💋 Lip balm with SPF – Sedona air is dry!
• 🩹 Spot treatment – For breakouts from gear or hats.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Tinted moisturizer – With SPF for trails and town.
• 🖌️ Concealer – Cover cold-weather redness.
• 💨 Translucent powder – Set without drying skin.
• 🌸 Cream blush – Looks natural and hydrating.
• 🌞 Highlighter – Adds glow in dry weather.
• 🟫 Bronzer – Bring warmth to your winter skin.
• 🎨 Natural eyeshadow palette – For evenings out.
• ✏️ Eyeliner – For a touch of polish.
• 👁️ Mascara – Optional for outdoor adventures.
• 🪞 Brow gel – Tame windblown brows.
• 💄 Lip tint or balm – Moisture and color in one.
• 💧 Setting spray – Prevents makeup from drying out.
• 🖌️ Makeup brushes – Just a few basics.

💇 Hair Care

• 🪮 Brush/comb – Detangle after hat hair.
• 🌀 Hair ties & clips – Keep it neat on the trail.
• 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo/conditioner – Fight dryness.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Perfect for hike-heavy days.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – If using styling tools in dry air.
• 🧴 Styling cream – Tame flyaways from dry winds.
• 💨 Mini dryer – Optional if not provided by accommodation.
• 🪞 Straightener/curling iron – Optional for nights out.
• 💧 Hair oil – Adds shine and moisture.
• 🎀 Headbands or beanies – Cute and functional.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 🥾 Hiking boots – Waterproof with ankle support.
• 👟 Sneakers – For casual days or walking around town.
• 🥿 Cozy slip-ons – For relaxing indoors.
• 👢 Warm boots – Stylish for dinner or town strolls.
• 🧢 Beanie or knit hat – Lock in warmth during outdoor time.
• 🧤 Insulated gloves – Critical for morning hikes.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – UV protection in bright winter sun.
• 💍 Simple jewelry – Skip anything too flashy for the trails.
• ⌚ Watch – Trail timing or casual wear.
• 🎒 Crossbody bag – For town trips and exploring galleries.
• 🌂 Compact umbrella – Rare, but rain happens.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 ID – Required for car rentals, hotels, and check-ins.
• 📃 Travel insurance – Especially for hiking or outdoor adventures.
• 🎟️ Tour confirmations – For jeep tours or guided hikes.
• 📄 Printed itinerary – Offline backup if service is spotty.
• 💳 Credit/debit cards – Cards accepted in most places.
• 💵 Small cash – Useful for tips or local vendors.
• 📍 Maps – Paper trail maps for off-grid hikes.
• 🧾 Receipt envelope – Organize travel expenses.
• 🖊️ Pen & notebook – Jot down travel thoughts or details.
• 👛 RFID wallet – Protect your cards.
• 💎 Valuables – Leave in hotel safe if not needed.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – For hiking blisters or minor scrapes.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean hands or wounds.
• 🩺 Gauze and tape – Small pack for emergencies.
• 🩸 Feminine hygiene pads – Bring your own brand.
• 🧲 Tweezers – Great for splinters or gear snags.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional but useful.
• ✂️ Nail scissors – Compact and TSA-friendly.
• 💠 Cotton swabs – For multi-purpose use.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescriptions – Enough for the full trip.
• 💊 Pain relievers – For altitude headaches or sore muscles.
• 🌸 Allergy meds – Dry desert air may irritate sinuses.
• 🤢 Motion sickness pills – For winding scenic drives.
• 💊 Vitamins – Boost immunity while traveling.
• 🩲 Feminine products – Pack your go-to items.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Always good on the trails.
• 🧻 Disinfecting wipes – For cabins or public areas.
• 🦟 Bug spray – Not essential, but optional for warmer days.
• 🧼 Contraceptives – Bring your own supplies.
• 👁️ Eye drops – Great for wind and dry air.
• 🪞 Travel mirror – For rustic stays or outdoor use.
• 🪥 Toothbrush & toothpaste – Travel-sized and reliable.
• 🧵 Floss – Never forget it!
• 🧴 Deodorant – Long-lasting recommended.
• 🪒 Razor – If needed.
• 💅 Nail file or clippers – Fix chips or breaks.
• 🌸 Light fragrance – Clean, subtle scent.
• 🧻 Pocket tissues – Cold air = runny noses.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone – For GPS, camera, and apps.
• 💻 Laptop or tablet – Optional for remote work or entertainment.
• 📷 Camera – The red rocks deserve high quality photos!
• 🔌 Chargers – Pack for phone, camera, and wearable tech.
• 🔋 Power bank – Critical for trail maps and GPS.
• 🧵 Cable organizer – Keep cords tidy.
• 🔌 Travel adapter – Needed only if visiting internationally.
• 💾 Memory card – Back up those Sedona sunsets.
• 🗺️ Offline hiking apps/maps – GPS is unreliable on trails.
• 📶 SIM or Wi-Fi hotspot – Optional if you need extra coverage.
• 📖 E-reader – For peaceful reading with mountain views.
• 🎧 Headphones – Great for travel or quiet downtime.
• 📱 Waterproof case – Just in case it snows or rains.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📚 Books – Something relaxing for cozy cabin nights.
• 📺 Downloaded shows/movies – For quiet evenings in.
• 🎧 Podcasts or playlists – Road trips + red rocks = magic.
• 📓 Travel journal – Capture your thoughts from the trails.
• 🎲 Travel games – Great for family or group trips.
• 📰 Magazines – Lightweight and simple entertainment.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Trail snacks – Energy bars, trail mix, or jerky.
• 💧 Refillable water bottle – Hydration is key at altitude.
• 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Handy for groceries or gifts.
• 🧼 Travel detergent – For hand-washing base layers.
• 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Fix gear or clothing on the go.
• 📢 Safety whistle – Smart for solo hikers.
• 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – After muddy or snowy hikes.
• 🦶 Footrest pillow – For travel comfort.
• 💤 Melatonin – Adjust to new time zones or travel sleep.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🧳 Pack in layers to prepare for fluctuating temps.
• 📲 Download hiking apps before hitting the trails.
• 👚 Wear trail shoes on your travel day to save space.
• 💍 Store valuables in your daypack, not your suitcase.
• 📸 Take pics of luggage in case of loss.
• 🏦 Alert your bank before traveling out of state.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📅 U.S. travelers don’t need additional ID beyond driver’s license.
• 🛂 International travelers: check visa/ESTA requirements.
• 🖨️ Print hotel & car rental confirmations.
• 📷 Bring extra passport photos for ID replacements.
• 🧳 Review customs rules before purchasing Arizona souvenirs.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 ID or passport
• 💳 Cards/cash
• 📱 Phone + charger
• 🥾 Hiking boots
• 🧥 Puffer jacket
• 🧣 Scarf/beanie/gloves
• 💧 Water bottle
• 🕶️ Sunglasses
• 👜 Daypack

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds
• 🧼 Laundry soap sheets
• 🧵 Mini steamer or wrinkle spray
• 🛍️ Tote for souvenirs or groceries
• 🌂 Compact umbrella
• 💤 Travel blanket
• 📱 Extra power bank
• 🧺 Compression bags for puffy jackets