Get Ready for Pokémon Go's January 2026 Spotlight Hour!

Spotlight Hour is a weekly event in Pokémon Go where a specific Pokémon is featured, allowing players to enjoy bonuses like double Catch XP.

During Spotlight Hour, the selected Pokémon appears more frequently in the wild for just one hour, providing a great chance for players to catch as many as possible. The associated bonus, such as double Transfer Candy or double Catch Stardust, lasts for the hour and can significantly benefit your Pokémon Go experience.

Here’s the upcoming schedule for January's Spotlight Hours and helpful tips to prepare for the next event.

Upcoming Pokémon Spotlight Hour Schedule

The next Spotlight Hour will take place on Tuesday, January 6th, featuring Barboach along with a double Catch XP bonus.

Check out the full schedule below:

January 2026 Spotlight Hour Events:

Tuesday, January 6
6 PM - 7 PM local time
Highlight Pokémon: Barboach
Bonus: Double Catch XP

Tuesday, January 13
6 PM - 7 PM local time
Highlight Pokémon: Mareep
Bonus: Double Evolution XP

Tuesday, January 20
6 PM - 7 PM local time
Highlight Pokémon: Mienfoo
Bonus: Double Transfer Candy

Tuesday, January 27
6 PM - 7 PM local time
Highlight Pokémon: Foongus
Bonus: Double Catch Stardust

Preparing for a Spotlight Hour

To make the most of Spotlight Hour, consider the following tips:

• Ensure you have enough Poké Balls and berries, as the hour is limited for capturing the Pokémon. It's beneficial to have ample space in your Pokémon Storage to avoid wasting time on transfers during the event.

• Using Incense or Lure Modules can enhance the encounter rate of the featured Pokémon. Consider which option aligns better with your playstyle.

• Pairing the Spotlight Hour with features like Mystery Boxes or Mega Evolutions can provide additional bonuses that might aid in your catching spree.

• Lastly, plan to use a Lucky Egg or a Star Piece during the hour to maximize XP or Stardust gains, accelerating your progress in leveling up.

Even if the featured Pokémon doesn't meet your current objectives, the bonus can still significantly assist your gameplay. Be sure to evaluate both the Pokémon and bonus before participating!