Where To See Rainbows: 7 Best Places In The World [2026 GUIDE]

Chasing rainbows sounds romantic until you try to plan one.

You can’t book a rainbow. All you can do is stack the odds, and I learnt that on New Zealand’s West Coast, where I lived in Fox Glacier for 4 months and rain was just part of the week.

There’s something wonderfully uplifting about a rainbow appearing just as you’ve accepted the weather has ruined your plans. One minute you’re pulling on a waterproof, the next you’re staring at a bright arc stretching over a coastline, valley or waterfall.

Here’s the science, kept simple. A rainbow appears when sunlight passes through water droplets, with the sun behind you and rain or mist ahead. Low sun matters, because once it climbs above about 42 degrees, you won’t see a rainbow at all. That makes early mornings and late afternoons your best bet.

This guide breaks down 7 destinations where changeable weather works in your favour, from the waterfalls you’ll pass when driving Iceland’s Ring Road to volcanic coastlines on the islands of Hawaiʻi and the wild fiords of New Zealand’s South Island. You’ll also find the best timing, what to pack and how to photograph the result.

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7 Best Places To See Rainbows

1. Sun Showers In Hawaiʻi, USA

Hawaiʻi has a long-standing association with rainbows, and it’s easy to see why. The islands’ mountains catch moisture-bearing trade winds, while sunshine can break through very quickly along the coast. That contrast creates the classic recipe: showers in one direction, clear sky in the other.

After living on Kauaʻi and exploring Oʻahu’s North Shore, I can tell you the weather there changes faster than I can find my sunglasses. On Oʻahu, look towards the Koʻolau Range after a passing shower. On Kauaʻi, the lush valleys and cliffs around Hanalei and the north shore make a particularly striking setting.

The Big Island offers another sort of drama, with rainbows sometimes appearing above black lava landscapes or near the slopes of Mauna Kea. The wetter windward sides of the islands often offer the strongest conditions.

Check the National Weather Service’s Honolulu forecast office before you set out, because weather can vary hugely over short distances. One valley can stay soaked while the next one is dry. It’s good to know about this when you’re packing for Hawaii.

Good places to pause:

• Lookouts facing mountain ridges after a brief shower
• Coastal roads with a wide view east or west, depending on the time of day
• Waterfall walks, where fine spray can create a smaller, closer rainbow

2. Waterfall Rainbows In Iceland

Iceland rewards travellers who don’t panic when the forecast shows rain. Weather changes quickly, and a break in the clouds can bring strong light across wide open land. Add a waterfall, and you’ve got excellent rainbow territory.

Seljalandsfoss is a favourite for good reason. On a sunny, damp day, mist from the falls can create colourful arcs near the base. Skógafoss is another strong contender, especially when the afternoon sun catches its spray.

The scale of the cliffs and water makes even a modest rainbow feel enormous. Plan around daylight rather than expecting fixed weather. Summer brings long days and more time to wait for a clearing, while spring and autumn offer lower sun angles and quieter roads.

I learned to layer up quickly when I drove the full Ring Road in late summer, because the wind bites even then. A decent Iceland packing list of waterproofs, gloves and good boots keeps you outside long enough for the clouds to clear.

Before you drive, check SafeTravel Iceland, run by the country’s volunteer search and rescue association, for current weather and road alerts. Wind, ice and heavy rain can close roads, so a rainbow stop should never override sensible travel decisions.

3. Atlantic Showers Over County Kerry, Ireland

Ireland’s south-west is made for atmospheric weather. In County Kerry, Atlantic showers roll over hills, lakes and stone-walled fields, often followed by bursts of bright sunshine. A wet morning can easily turn into a memorable afternoon.

The Ring of Kerry offers countless viewpoints, but don’t try to race around it in search of one perfect scene. Give yourself time around Killarney National Park, the Lakes of Killarney and the coast near Waterville or Sneem. Tourism Ireland’s Ring of Kerry guide highlights the lakes, viewpoints and coastline worth building your day around.

A rainbow framed by dark clouds and intensely green slopes can be more impressive than a cloudless view. The trick is to keep looking behind you when the weather clears. If the sun is low at your back, the rainbow will appear in the opposite part of the sky.

It sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget when you’re admiring the landscape in front of you. Keep live forecasts and maps running with an eSIM for Europe, which covers Ireland among 49 countries, so you can spot a clearing without hunting for Wi-Fi.

4. The Light On The Isle Of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is known for weather that can deliver sun, rain and wind in a single walk. That means you’ll need sturdy layers, but it also means the light can be extraordinary.

The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr and the shores around Elgol all offer big skies and distinctive landforms. A rainbow over the Cuillin mountains is a fine sight. Keep a healthy distance from exposed ridges in poor weather, though.

Skye works best if you stay flexible. Rather than locking every hour into a schedule, build in spare time. If low cloud hides the mountains, visit a café, museum or nearby village, then check conditions again later.

A late break in the rain can transform a familiar view. Pair Skye with a 7-day Scotland road trip through Glencoe, Oban and Loch Lomond, and you’ll have plenty of backup stops when the rain settles in.

The Mountain Weather Information Service publishes mountain forecasts for the north-west Highlands, including Skye. Look beyond the weather symbol to wind speed, visibility and rainfall timing, because all three decide whether a ridge is safe.

5. Rain-Fed Waterfalls In Fiordland, New Zealand

Fiordland is among New Zealand’s wettest and most dramatic regions, so rain is very much part of the landscape. Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, says Milford Sound averages more than 6,000 mm of rain a year. Waterfalls pour down steep rock faces after a downpour, clouds cling to the mountains and sudden shafts of sunlight can light up the whole scene.

Milford Sound and the road leading to it are the obvious places to start. A wet day isn’t a disappointing one here. The waterfalls are often more impressive after rain, and a bright interval can produce rainbows against the dark, steep cliffs.

I lived in New Zealand for 6 months, including 4 in Fox Glacier on the South Island’s West Coast, so I’ve learned to treat the forecast as a suggestion rather than a promise. Don’t treat Fiordland as a place for rushed driving. Allow extra time for changing conditions, follow local road warnings and keep fuel, food and warm layers in the car.

The spectacle is better when you’re not worrying about making the next stop. Download offline maps before you go, and keep an eSIM for New Zealand ready for forecasts and road updates whenever you get signal.

6. The Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands combine jagged mountains, sea, fishing villages and weather that changes with little warning. That’s a useful combination for rainbow watchers, particularly in late summer and early autumn when showers and lower-angle sunlight often coincide.

Look for open views near Reine, Hamnøy and the beaches around Ramberg or Haukland. After rain, the wet rocks, sea and dark mountain slopes can make colours appear even more vivid.

Because the region sits so far north, daylight hours vary sharply through the year. Summer offers long evenings, while autumn brings a more compact window of useful light.

Check Yr’s Lofoten sunrise and sunset times, from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the broadcaster NRK, before you set out. This matters most if you’re travelling between villages or relying on public transport, because a missed bus can cost you the best light.

7. Tasmania’s Wild West Coast, Australia

Tasmania’s west coast has a well-earned reputation for damp conditions, yet that’s precisely what makes it promising for rainbows. Rainforest, rugged coastline and broad skies create plenty of opportunities after showers.

Around Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, weather can move in quickly over the peaks. On the west coast, the drive between Strahan and Queenstown can reveal dramatic cloud formations and sudden breaks of sunlight. The east coast is generally drier, but it still offers lovely possibilities where showers meet open sea views.

Take the weather seriously, especially on longer walks. Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service warns that conditions can change suddenly and recommends checking the forecast and carrying a waterproof jacket. A bright arc in the distance is a lovely bonus, not a reason to press on beyond your comfort level.

Choosing The Best Time To See Rainbows

There isn’t a universal “rainbow season”, but there are dependable patterns to consider. Rainbows need 2 key ingredients: water droplets ahead of you and sunlight behind you. You’ll usually have the best chance when:

• A shower has just passed rather than settled in for the day
• The sun is low, often in the first or last few hours of daylight
• You have an open view across a valley, sea, plain or hillside
• Darker cloud sits behind the rain, helping the colours stand out
• You can wait a little rather than moving on straight away

My advice is to keep the sun behind you, the rain ahead of you and the sun low in the sky.

Morning rainbows tend to appear in the western sky, while evening rainbows tend to appear in the east. That’s simply because the sun needs to sit behind you.

For trip planning, choose destinations with varied scenery and more than 1 worthwhile activity. That way, a rainy spell doesn’t derail the whole day. A museum visit, scenic lunch stop or short walk can fill the gap until the sky changes again.

If the rain settles in for the evening, UK readers can unwind with a bit of rainbow-themed gaming, such as the rainbow riches game at Virgin Games. Treat it as entertainment only, and gamble responsibly.

Packing Tips For Rainy Weather

It’s tempting to dash out the moment the light appears, but comfort and safety make the experience better. Pack a few basics first, so a sudden shower never sends you back to the car.

Pack the basics:

• A waterproof outer layer with a hood, because showers arrive faster than you can unzip a rucksack
• Shoes or boots with grip, since wet paths and rocks get slippery quickly
• A dry bag or protective pouch to keep your phone and camera safe from spray
• A warm mid-layer, as temperatures drop fast on coasts and in the mountains
• Water and a small snack for longer drives or walks, in case the weather delays you

Avoid standing near cliff edges, rough surf, swollen rivers or roadside blind bends to get a better angle. If you hear thunder, head indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle, as the National Weather Service’s lightning safety guidance advises. Rainbows may be beautiful, but lightning isn’t something to linger around.

Be considerate at viewpoints too. Don’t block paths with tripods, respect private land and leave gates as you find them. The best travel photographs rarely need you to step beyond a barrier or ignore a warning sign.

Tips To Take The Best Rainbow Pictures

Rainbows can be tricky to photograph because the sky is much brighter than the land beneath it. A few small adjustments can help.

Try these simple tips:

1. Use a wide-angle view if you want to fit in as much of the arc as possible.
2. Expose for the bright sky, then lift the shadows gently later if needed.
3. Include a foreground, such as a road, tree, waterfall or a person in a raincoat, to give a sense of scale.
4. Wipe raindrops from the lens every few shots, because one smudge can soften the whole image.
5. Don’t push saturation too far when editing. A real rainbow already has plenty of colour.

If you’re using a phone, tap the brighter part of the sky to adjust exposure, then lower it slightly if the colours look washed out. A polarising filter can help on a camera, although rotating it may strengthen or weaken parts of the rainbow. Experiment rather than assuming one setting suits every shot.

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Spotting a rainbow is never guaranteed, and that’s exactly why it feels so special. The best places to see spectacular rainbows around the world are the ones you’d happily visit in sun, cloud or rain, so choose destinations with plenty to do either way.

Time your trip with the best time to visit New Zealand, tuck a few secluded stays in Tasmania into a longer Australian adventure, or follow the weather through the best travel experiences in the UK. Flexible plans give you a backup whenever the rain settles in.

The next time a shower interrupts your walk or drive, look for the sun, turn your back to it and scan the horizon. You may be standing under a rainbow.