Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour Schedule (March 2026) Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to maximize your Pokemon GO experience every Tuesday? Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour is one of the most exciting weekly events that dedicated trainers look forward to, offering incredible opportunities to catch rare Pokemon, farm valuable resources, and even hunt for those elusive shiny variants. As a passionate Pokemon GO player myself, I’ve spent countless hours participating in these events and learning the best strategies to make the most of every single minute.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Pokemon GO Spotlight Hours for December 2025, including the complete schedule, bonus details, shiny hunting strategies, and pro tips that will transform you from a casual participant into a Spotlight Hour expert. Whether you’re a new player just discovering these events or a seasoned trainer looking to optimize your routine, this guide has something valuable for everyone.
Let me break down exactly what you’ll learn in this article:
| What You’ll Discover | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Complete December 2025 Schedule | Never miss an event with all dates and Pokemon |
| Bonus Breakdown | Maximize your resource gains during each hour |
| Shiny Hunting Strategies | Increase your chances of finding rare shiny Pokemon |
| Pro Preparation Tips | Be ready to make the most of every minute |
| Advanced Techniques | Take your Spotlight Hour game to the next level |
Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour Schedule
What is Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour?
Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour is a weekly event that occurs every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. During this special hour, a specific Pokemon is featured with dramatically increased spawn rates, making it the perfect opportunity to catch as many of that Pokemon as possible. But that’s not all – each Spotlight Hour also comes with a special bonus that can help you farm valuable resources like XP, Stardust, or Candy.
As someone who’s participated in hundreds of these events, I can tell you that Spotlight Hours are one of the most efficient ways to progress in Pokemon GO. Whether you’re trying to complete your Pokedex, power up your battle-ready Pokemon, or just stockpile resources for future events, these weekly hours are absolutely essential to your Pokemon GO journey.
December 2025 Spotlight Hour Complete Schedule
December 2025 brings us five exciting Spotlight Hours, each featuring unique Pokemon and valuable bonuses. Here’s the complete schedule that you’ll want to bookmark:
| Date | Featured Pokemon | Spotlight Bonus | Shiny Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2 | Cranidos | 2× Transfer Candy | ✅ Yes |
| December 9 | Shieldon | 2× Catch XP | ✅ Yes |
| December 16 | Mienfoo | 2× Catch Candy | ✅ Yes |
| December 23 | Spheal | 2× Evolution XP | ✅ Yes |
| December 30 | Delibird | 2× Catch Stardust | ✅ Yes |
Next Spotlight Hour: Cranidos (December 2, 2025)
The next Spotlight Hour features Cranidos, the Rock-type Pokemon from the Sinnoh region. During this event, you’ll see Cranidos spawning everywhere – near PokeStops, Gyms, Routes, and throughout the wild. The special bonus for this hour is 2× Transfer Candy, making it the perfect time to clear out your Pokemon storage and stock up on candy for future evolutions and power-ups.
Cranidos Spotlight Hour Details:
- Date: December 2, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time
- Featured Pokemon: Cranidos
- Bonus: 2× Transfer Candy
- Shiny Available: Yes
Understanding Spotlight Hour Mechanics
How Spotlight Hours Work?
Spotlight Hours are designed to be simple yet effective weekly events that give players a reason to log in and play every Tuesday. Here’s exactly how they work:
- Increased Spawn Rates: The featured Pokemon will spawn significantly more frequently than usual. I’ve seen times when the featured Pokemon makes up 80-90% of all spawns during the hour!
- Special Bonus: Each event comes with a unique bonus that can dramatically increase your resource gains. These bonuses range from double XP to extra Stardust and everything in between.
- Local Time Based: The event runs from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM based on your local time zone, making it accessible to players worldwide.
- Stackable Effects: Spotlight Hour bonuses stack with other active bonuses in the game, such as those from events or items.
Shiny Mechanics During Spotlight Hours
One of the most common questions I get from fellow trainers is about shiny rates during Spotlight Hours. Let me clear this up once and for all:
The shiny rate does NOT increase during Spotlight Hours. The base shiny rate remains the standard 1 in 512 (or approximately 0.2%) for most Pokemon. However, because you’re encountering so many more of the featured Pokemon during the hour, your overall chances of finding a shiny increase significantly.
Think of it this way: if you normally encounter 10 of a specific Pokemon in a day, you have 10 chances at a shiny. During a Spotlight Hour, you might encounter 100+ of that Pokemon, giving you 10x more opportunities to find that elusive shiny variant.
Pro Strategies for Maximizing Spotlight Hours
Preparation is Key
Having participated in countless Spotlight Hours, I’ve learned that preparation is absolutely crucial for making the most of these events. Here’s my comprehensive preparation checklist:
1. Item Management
- Poke Balls: Make sure you have at least 100-150 Poke Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls combined. I recommend keeping a mix because you never know when you’ll encounter a high-CP Pokemon that’s difficult to catch.
- Berries: Stock up on Razz Berries, Nanab Berries, and Golden Razz Berries. These are essential for increasing your catch rate, especially for those Pokemon with high flee rates.
- Pinap Berries: Don’t forget Pinap and Silver Pinap Berries! These are perfect for doubling the candy you receive from catches, which is invaluable during Candy-focused Spotlight Hours.
2. Storage Management
- Pokemon Storage: Clear out at least 50-100 spaces in your Pokemon storage before the event. You’ll be catching a lot of Pokemon, and nothing is more frustrating than running out of space mid-event.
- Item Storage: Ensure you have room for any items you might receive from PokeStops during the event.
3. Strategic Item Usage
- Lucky Eggs: Save your Lucky Eggs for XP-focused Spotlight Hours. Using one during a 2× Catch XP event can net you massive amounts of experience.
- Star Pieces: These are perfect for Stardust-focused events. A Star Piece combined with 2× Catch Stardust can result in enormous Stardust gains.
- Incense and Lures: Don’t forget to use an Incense at the start of the event, and consider placing Lure Modules at PokeStops you plan to visit during the hour.
Advanced Spotlight Hour Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up your Spotlight Hour game with these advanced strategies:
1. The “Transfer Strategy” for 2× Transfer Candy Events
During events with 2× Transfer Candy bonuses, I use a specific strategy that maximizes my candy gains:
- Pre-transfer Preparation: Before the event starts, identify Pokemon you don’t need anymore (common spawns, low IV Pokemon, duplicates of already-powered-up Pokemon).
- Timing is Everything: Wait until exactly 6:00 PM when the bonus activates, then transfer all your pre-selected Pokemon at once.
- Mass Transfer: Use the mass transfer feature to quickly clear out 50-100 Pokemon, maximizing your candy gains during the bonus period.
2. The “Evolution Strategy” for 2× Evolution XP Events
For events featuring 2× Evolution XP, here’s my go-to strategy:
- Pre-evolution Preparation: Before the event, gather Pokemon that require lots of candy to evolve but don’t need to be powered up for battle.
- Lucky Egg Timing: Activate a Lucky Egg right at 6:00 PM to combine with the 2× Evolution XP bonus.
- Evolution Spree: Evolve as many Pokemon as possible during the hour. I’ve managed to evolve 50+ Pokemon in a single hour using this strategy, resulting in massive XP gains.
3. The “Shiny Hunting Strategy”
If you’re specifically hunting for shiny Pokemon during Spotlight Hours, try this approach:
- Quick Encounter Method: When you encounter the featured Pokemon, quickly check if it’s shiny. If it’s not, flee immediately and move to the next spawn.
- Incense Activation: Use an Incense at the start of the hour to increase spawn rates around you.
- High-Traffic Areas: Visit areas with multiple PokeStops and Gyms to maximize spawn density.
- Pokedex Organization: Use the Pokedex’s shiny tracking feature to keep track of which shinies you still need.
December 2025 Spotlight Hour Breakdown
Cranidos Spotlight Hour (December 2)
Featured Pokemon: Cranidos
Bonus: 2× Transfer Candy
Shiny Available: Yes
Cranidos is a Rock-type Pokemon from the Sinnoh region that evolves into Rampardos, one of the most powerful Rock-type attackers in the game. During this Spotlight Hour, you’ll have the opportunity to catch plenty of Cranidos and stock up on candy through the 2× Transfer Candy bonus.
Why Cranidos Matters:
- Rampardos has one of the highest attack stats in the game, making it excellent for Rock-type raids
- Cranidos candy is valuable for powering up Rampardos for battle
- The shiny version features a distinctive brown coloration instead of the usual gray
Pro Tips for Cranidos Hour:
- Transfer any unwanted Pokemon right at 6:00 PM to maximize the 2× Transfer Candy bonus
- Use Pinap Berries on every Cranidos you catch to double your candy gains
- Save any Rare Candy you have for Cranidos if you’re planning to power up Rampardos
Shieldon Spotlight Hour (December 9)
Featured Pokemon: Shieldon
Bonus: 2× Catch XP
Shiny Available: Yes
Shieldon is another Sinnoh region Pokemon, this time a Rock/Steel type that evolves into Bastiodon. While not as powerful as Rampardos in terms of attack, Bastiodon has incredible defensive stats, making it useful in certain battle scenarios.
Why Shieldon Matters:
- Bastiodon is one of the best defensive Pokemon in the game
- Steel typing gives it valuable resistances in battle
- The 2× Catch XP bonus makes this hour perfect for leveling up
Pro Tips for Shieldon Hour:
- Activate a Lucky Egg right at 6:00 PM to combine with the 2× Catch XP bonus
- Focus on catching as many Pokemon as possible, not just Shieldon
- Consider using a Star Piece as well if you’re also interested in Stardust gains
Mienfoo Spotlight Hour (December 16)
Featured Pokemon: Mienfoo
Bonus: 2× Catch Candy
Shiny Available: Yes
Mienfoo is a Fighting-type Pokemon from the Unova region that evolves into Mienshao, a fast and powerful Fighting-type attacker. This Spotlight Hour is particularly valuable for players looking to build up their Fighting-type roster.
Why Mienfoo Matters:
- Mienshao is an excellent Fighting-type attacker for raids and gyms
- Fighting types are consistently useful in raid battles
- The 2× Catch Candy bonus makes it easy to gather evolution candy
Pro Tips for Mienfoo Hour:
- Use Silver Pinap Berries on every Mienfoo you catch for maximum candy gains
- Focus on catching high-IV Mienfoo for future evolution and powering up
- This is a great hour to work on your Fighting-type medal
Spheal Spotlight Hour (December 23)
Featured Pokemon: Spheal
Bonus: 2× Evolution XP
Shiny Available: Yes
Spheal is an Ice/Water-type Pokemon from the Hoenn region that evolves into Sealeo and then Walrein. This Spotlight Hour is perfect for players looking to stock up on evolution XP and build up their Ice-type collection.
Why Spheal Matters:
- Walrein is a solid Ice-type attacker with good bulk
- Ice types are valuable for Dragon-type raids
- The 2× Evolution XP bonus makes this ideal for mass evolutions
Pro Tips for Spheal Hour:
- Prepare a list of Pokemon you want to evolve before the event starts
- Activate a Lucky Egg at 6:00 PM to maximize XP gains
- Consider saving Pokemon that require lots of candy to evolve for this specific hour
Delibird Spotlight Hour (December 30)
Featured Pokemon: Delibird
Bonus: 2× Catch Stardust
Shiny Available: Yes
Delibird is an Ice/Flying-type Pokemon known for its festive appearance, making it perfect for the holiday season. While not particularly powerful in battle, Delibird is a collector’s favorite and the 2× Catch Stardust bonus makes this hour incredibly valuable.
Why Delibird Matters:
- Delibird is a holiday-themed Pokemon with limited availability
- The 2× Catch Stardust bonus is one of the most valuable bonuses in the game
- Stardust is essential for powering up Pokemon and trading
Pro Tips for Delibird Hour:
- Activate a Star Piece right at 6:00 PM to maximize Stardust gains
- Use Pinap Berries on Delibird to gather candy for potential future evolutions
- This is the perfect hour to catch as many Pokemon as possible for Stardust farming
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After participating in hundreds of Spotlight Hours and helping countless other trainers optimize their strategies, I’ve identified several common mistakes that players make. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure you’re getting the most out of every event:
1. Poor Preparation
One of the biggest mistakes I see is players not preparing adequately for Spotlight Hours. Running out of Poke Balls or Pokemon storage mid-event is incredibly frustrating and can significantly reduce your gains.
How to Avoid:
- Check your item and storage levels the day before each Spotlight Hour
- Stock up on essential items from PokeStops throughout the week
- Plan your transfers and evolutions in advance
2. Missing Bonus Opportunities
Many players focus only on catching the featured Pokemon and forget to take advantage of the special bonuses. This is like leaving free resources on the table!
How to Avoid:
- Understand what each bonus offers and plan accordingly
- Use items like Lucky Eggs and Star Pieces strategically
- Time your transfers and evolutions to coincide with relevant bonuses
3. Inefficient Shiny Hunting
I’ve seen so many players waste time catching every single Pokemon they encounter during shiny hunts, even when they’re not shiny. This is incredibly inefficient!
How to Avoid:
- Use the “quick encounter method” – check for shinies and flee if not found
- Focus on high-density spawn areas
- Use Incense to increase spawn rates around you
4. Ignoring Community Aspects
Spotlight Hours are more fun and productive when you participate with other players, yet many trainers treat them as solo events.
How to Avoid:
- Join local Pokemon GO communities on Discord or Facebook
- Coordinate with friends to visit high-spawn areas together
- Share tips and strategies with your community
Platform-Specific Tips
Mobile Device Optimization
Since Pokemon GO is a mobile game, your device performance can significantly impact your Spotlight Hour experience. Here are some device-specific tips:
For iOS Users:
- Enable “Low Power Mode” to extend battery life during the event
- Close background apps to free up memory and improve performance
- Consider using “Battery Saver” mode within Pokemon GO settings
For Android Users:
- Enable “Battery Optimization” for Pokemon GO in your device settings
- Use “Game Mode” or “Performance Mode” if your device supports it
- Clear cache regularly to maintain optimal performance
For All Users:
- Keep your device updated to the latest OS version
- Ensure you have adequate storage space available
- Consider carrying a portable battery pack for longer gaming sessions
Network Considerations
A stable internet connection is crucial for Spotlight Hours, especially when you’re trying to catch as many Pokemon as possible:
- WiFi vs. Mobile Data: Test both options to see which provides better performance in your area
- Signal Strength: Move to areas with strong signal reception
- Backup Connection: Consider having a mobile hotspot as backup if your primary connection fails
Community Resources and Tools
Official Pokemon GO Resources
- Pokemon GO Official Twitter: Follow @PokemonGoApp for official announcements
- Pokemon GO Blog: Check the official blog for detailed event information
- Pokemon GO Support: For technical issues and troubleshooting
Community Websites and Apps
- Leek Duck: Excellent resource for event schedules and news
- Pokemon GO Hub: Comprehensive guides and community discussions
- The Silph Road: Research-focused community with valuable data
- Campfire: Niantic’s social app for coordinating with other players
Local Communities
- Discord Servers: Join local Pokemon GO Discord servers for real-time coordination
- Facebook Groups: Many cities have active Pokemon GO communities
- Reddit Subreddits: r/pokemongo and local city subreddits often have active communities
Future Spotlight Hour Predictions
Based on historical patterns and Niantic’s scheduling tendencies, I can make some educated predictions about future Spotlight Hours:
Pattern Analysis
Looking at the historical data from the Pokemon GO Wiki, I’ve identified several patterns:
- Type Rotation: Niantic often rotates through different Pokemon types to provide variety
- Regional Representation: Pokemon from different regions are typically featured
- Event Coordination: Spotlight Hours often complement larger events happening in the game
Likely Future Trends
Based on these patterns, here’s what I expect to see in future Spotlight Hours:
- More Regional Variants: We’ll likely see more Alolan, Galarian, and Hisuian forms featured
- Mega Evolution Integration: Spotlight Hours may start featuring Pokemon that can Mega Evolve
- Cross-Generation Representation: A mix of classic and newer Pokemon to appeal to all players
FAQ
What time does Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour start?
Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour starts every Tuesday at 6:00 PM local time and runs until 7:00 PM local time. The event is based on your local time zone, so it happens at the same time for players worldwide.
Do Spotlight Hours increase shiny rates?
No, Spotlight Hours do not increase the shiny rate of the featured Pokemon. The shiny rate remains the standard base rate (usually 1 in 512). However, because you encounter so many more of the featured Pokemon during the hour, your overall chances of finding a shiny increase significantly.
Can I use Lucky Eggs during Spotlight Hour?
Absolutely! Using Lucky Eggs during Spotlight Hours is highly recommended, especially during events with 2× Catch XP or 2× Evolution XP bonuses. The effects stack, allowing you to earn massive amounts of experience points.
What happens if I miss a Spotlight Hour?
If you miss a Spotlight Hour, you’ll have to wait until the Pokemon is featured again in a future event. Some Pokemon may appear in other events, but the specific combination of featured Pokemon and bonus won’t return until it’s scheduled again.
Do I need to be at a specific location for Spotlight Hour?
No, you can participate in Spotlight Hour from anywhere. However, you’ll have better results in areas with more PokeStops and Gyms, as these locations tend to have higher spawn rates. Using Incense can also help increase spawns around you regardless of your location.
Can I still catch other Pokemon during Spotlight Hour?
Yes, other Pokemon will still spawn during Spotlight Hour, but the featured Pokemon will appear much more frequently than usual. You might see the featured Pokemon make up 80-90% of all spawns during the event.
How do I know which Pokemon will be featured next?
Niantic typically announces the upcoming month’s Spotlight Hour schedule at the end of each month. You can find this information on the official Pokemon GO blog, social media channels, and reliable fan sites like Leek Duck and Pokemon GO Hub.
Are Spotlight Hours worth it for high-level players?
Absolutely! Even high-level players can benefit significantly from Spotlight Hours. The resource bonuses (XP, Stardust, Candy) are always valuable, and the events provide excellent opportunities for shiny hunting and completing Pokedex entries.
Can I participate in Spotlight Hour remotely?
Spotlight Hours require you to be actively playing the game in real-world locations. While you can play from home if spawns are available in your area, the events are designed to encourage exploration and cannot be completed entirely remotely.
What should I do if I run out of Poke Balls during Spotlight Hour?
If you run out of Poke Balls during Spotlight Hour, quickly visit nearby PokeStops to restock. You can also purchase Poke Balls from the in-game shop if necessary. To prevent this, always check your ball supply before the event starts.
Conclusion
Pokemon GO Spotlight Hours are one of the most valuable weekly events in the game, offering incredible opportunities for resource farming, shiny hunting, and Pokedex completion. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to maximize your gains during every Spotlight Hour and take your Pokemon GO game to the next level.
Remember to bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates, as I’ll be keeping it current with the latest Spotlight Hour schedules and strategies. Whether you’re a casual player looking to make the most of your limited playtime or a dedicated trainer aiming for 100% Pokedex completion, Spotlight Hours are essential to your Pokemon GO journey.
Pro Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for every Tuesday at 5:45 PM to give yourself 15 minutes to prepare for each Spotlight Hour. This simple habit has helped me never miss an event and always be ready to make the most of these valuable weekly opportunities!
Happy hunting, trainers, and I’ll see you out there during the next Spotlight Hour!