Pokémon Go will feature four Spotlight Hours in July 2026, each occurring on a Thursday from 6-7 p.m. local time. These events significantly increase the spawn rate for a specific Pokémon and include a special bonus.
While shiny rates are not directly boosted during these hours, the increased number of Pokémon spawns does offer a greater opportunity to encounter a shiny variant. Prior to June 2026, Spotlight Hours were held on Tuesdays, but they have since moved to Thursdays.
July 2026 Spotlight Hour Schedule
The schedule for July 2026 is as follows:
- July 2: Pidgey with a bonus of 2x XP for evolving.
- July 16: Zubat with a bonus of 2x XP for catching.
- July 23: Eevee with a bonus of 2x candy for catching.
- July 30: Bidoof with a bonus of 2x candy for transferring.
A Pidgey is featured on July 2, Zubat on July 16, Eevee on July 23, and Bidoof on July 30. All featured Pokémon have the potential to be shiny.
There will be no Spotlight Hour on July 9, likely to avoid overlap with the "Road to Legends" event preceding Pokémon Go Fest: Global.
Strategic Play During Spotlight Hours
Players can strategize to maximize their gains during these events. For instance, players aiming to evolve many Pokémon for experience points might save this task for the 2x XP for evolving bonus, potentially using a Lucky Egg to further increase XP gains. Similarly, those looking to accumulate candy can benefit from the 2x candy bonuses for catching or transferring Pokémon, especially if they have a surplus of certain species they no longer need.