Pokémon Go players looking to maximize their raid efficiency in July 2026 will want to consult the updated raid schedule. The game's raid targets, which include Legendary Pokémon, Ultra Beasts, Mega-evolved Pokémon, and Shadow Legendaries, rotate approximately every seven to ten days. Raids occur in gyms daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Raid difficulties are indicated by visual cues on gym eggs: five-star raids show five small monster icons, Mega raids display a Mega DNA-like swirl, and Shadow raids are found at gyms controlled by Team Go Rocket. Successfully completing a raid offers a chance to catch the featured Pokémon, with shiny versions of many high-value targets available.

Five-Star Legendary and Ultra Beast Raids

The schedule for five-star raids in July 2026 includes a significant number of powerful Pokémon. The early days of the month, from July 1 to 5, will feature Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. This period is followed by an extensive "Road to Legends" event from July 6 to 10, which sees a vast array of Legendaries and Ultra Beasts appear. Notably, July 11 and 12 will host Pokémon Go Fest: Global, bringing back many popular raid encounters.

Specific legendary and ultra beast encounters include:

  • July 1-5: Articuno*, Zapdos*, Moltres*
  • July 6: A wide selection including Raikou*, Entei*, Suicune*, Lugia*, Ho-Oh*, Regirock*, Regice*, Registeel*, Latias*, Latios*, Kyogre*, Groudon*, Rayquaza*, various Formes of Deoxys, Uxie*, Mesprit*, Azelf*, Origin Forme Dialga*, Origin Forme Palkia*, Dialga*, Palkia*, Heatran*, Regigigas*, Altered Forme Giratina*, Origin Forme Giratina*, Cresselia*, Darkrai*, Cobalion*, Terrakion*, Virizion*, various Tornadus and Thundurus Forms, Reshiram*, Zekrom*, Incarnate and Therian Forms of Landorus*, Kyurem*, Genesect* (including Drive variants), Xerneas*, Yveltal*, Tapu Koko*, Tapu Lele*, Tapu Bulu*, Tapu Fini*, Solgaleo, Lunala, Nihilego*, Buzzwole*, Pheromosa*, Xurkitree*, Celesteela*, Kartana*, Guzzlord*, Necrozma*, Stakataka*, Blacephalon*, Hero of Many Battles Zacian*, Hero of Many Battles Zamazenta*, Regieleki*, Regidrago*, and Incarnate and Therian Forms of Enamorus.
  • July 7: White Kyurem*, Zekrom*, Dawn Wings Necrozma*
  • July 8: Black Kyurem*, Reshiram*, Dusk Mane Necrozma*
  • July 9: Crowned Sword Zacian*, Crowned Shield Zamazenta*
  • July 10: Origin Forme Dialga*, Origin Forme Palkia*
  • July 11: A selection including Articuno*, Zapdos*, Moltres*, Raikou*, Entei*, Suicune*, Lugia*, Ho-Oh*, Kyogre*, Groudon*, Rayquaza*, Uxie*, Mesprit*, Azelf*, Dialga*, Palkia*, Altered Forme Giratina*, Origin Forme Giratina*, Reshiram*, Zekrom*, Kyurem*, Xerneas*, Yveltal*, Solgaleo, Lunala.
  • July 12: A selection including Regirock*, Regice*, Registeel*, Latias*, Latios*, various Formes of Deoxys, Heatran*, Regigigas*, Origin Forme Dialga*, Origin Forme Palkia*, Cresselia*, Darkrai*, Cobalion*, Terrakion*, Virizion*, various Tornadus and Thundurus Forms, Genesect* (including Drive variants), Tapu Koko*, Tapu Lele*, Tapu Bulu*, Tapu Fini*, Nihilego*, Buzzwole*, Pheromosa*, Xurkitree*, Celesteela*, Kartana*, Guzzlord*, Necrozma*, Stakataka*, Blacephalon*, Hero of Many Battles Zacian*, Hero of Many Battles Zamazenta*, Regieleki*, Regidrago*, and Incarnate and Therian Forms of Enamorus.
  • July 13-14: Articuno*, Zapdos*, Moltres*
  • July 15-21: Kyogre*
  • July 22-28: Solgaleo*
  • July 29 - August 4: Kyurem*

Shiny versions of these Pokémon are available, with shiny Solgaleo only appearing from July 22 onwards. When a shiny legendary Pokémon is encountered, any Poké Ball used is a guaranteed catch. Using a Pinap Berry during a shiny legendary raid will yield extra candy.

Mega Raids in July 2026

Mega-evolved Pokémon will also be featured throughout July. The schedule is as follows:

  • July 1-5: Mega Lucario*
  • July 6: Mega Salamence*
  • July 7: Mega Tyranitar*
  • July 8: Mega Gardevoir*
  • July 9: Mega Gengar*
  • July 10: Primal Kyogre* and Primal Groudon*
  • July 11: Mega Mewtwo X* (Super Mega Raid), Mega Ampharos*, Mega Blaziken*, Mega Abomasnow*, Mega Alakazam*, Mega Gengar*, Mega Swampert*, Mega Pidgeot*, Mega Aerodactyl*, Mega Salamence*
  • July 12: Mega Mewtwo Y* (Super Mega Raid), Mega Metagross*, Mega Garchomp*, Mega Audino*, Mega Beedrill*, Mega Pinsir*, Mega Sceptile*, Mega Tyranitar*, Mega Gardevoir*, Mega Lucario*
  • July 13-14: Mega Lucario*
  • July 15-21: Mega Sceptile*
  • July 22-28: Mega Salamence*
  • July 29 - August 4: Mega Aggron*

Following a Mega raid, players receive the standard version of the Pokémon and Mega Energy needed to perform the Mega Evolution, the amount of which depends on the speed of the raid clear. Shiny versions of these Mega-eligible Pokémon are also available.

Shadow Legendary Raids

This month's Shadow Legendary raid features Palkia, which can be encountered in its shiny form. Shadow raids typically occur on weekends, though exceptions can happen. These raids are considerably more challenging and require teamwork and Purified Gems for success. Post-raid, Shadow Pokémon are more aggressive and harder to catch, demanding patience from trainers.