Curious about where and when to see rainbows? This guide covers the best spots and times to witness nature’s colorful arcs. Plus, delve into the science and legends that add magic to every sighting!

Will there be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Rainbows are one of nature’s most magical sights, but have you ever wondered where you’re most likely to see one? And is there a ‘best’ time of day to catch one of these colorful arcs? Let’s find out! 

Rainbows are most commonly seen in places with frequent rain and sunshine—like tropical islands, coastal areas, and mountainous regions where afternoon showers are common. Some of the best places on Earth to see rainbows include Hawaii, Iceland, Scotland, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Hawaii, in particular, is so famous for its rainbows that it’s even nicknamed the ‘Rainbow State’! 

Now, when is the best time to see a rainbow? The golden rule is to look for them after a rain shower when the sun is low in the sky—typically in the early morning or late afternoon. Why? Because the lower the sun is, the better the angle for sunlight to refract and reflect through raindrops, creating that iconic rainbow arc. 

But what about the back of a rainbow? Can you walk around to the other side and see the same thing? The answer is no! A rainbow doesn’t have a backside. It’s not a physical object—it’s an optical effect! Rainbows are only visible when you’re standing at the right angle with the sun behind you. If you were to walk around to the other side of the mist cloud causing the rainbow, you wouldn’t see the rainbow at all. Instead, you might catch a much rarer phenomenon called a solar corona, which looks similar but has a different color sequence and structure.

One last fun fact—if you ever see a double rainbow, the second one is always fainter and has its colors in reverse order! That’s because the light inside the water droplets has reflected twice before exiting.

And now for the most important rainbow-related question of all… If you follow a rainbow to the end, will you find a leprechaun and a pot of gold? Well, I wouldn’t count on it—because a rainbow moves when you move! But hey, if you do find a leprechaun, ask him if he’s hiring—because I’d love to have a side gig in treasure hunting!

So remember, if you’re looking for rainbows, head to rainy, sunny places, check the sky after a storm, and always keep the sun behind you. Happy rainbow hunting!