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89 Breathtaking Rainbow Photos That Will Make You Believe in Magic

The Amazing Rainbow • Double Rainbows • Maui, Hawaii • A Study of Nature • Quadruple Rainbow • More ...

By Neecey • Aug 18, 2014 • MD

There is something universally magical about a rainbow. Whether it's a fleeting arc after a summer storm or a vibrant double rainbow stretching across a mountain range, these colorful phenomena never fail to stop us in our tracks. From the misty falls of Iceland to the tropical shores of Maui, nature’s most beautiful spectrum appears in the most unexpected places. We’ve curated 89 breathtaking rainbow photos from around the world that will inspire your wanderlust and remind you of the simple beauty in the world. Ready to chase some color?

Pro Tips for Rainbow Spotting

  • Check the Sun: Rainbows always appear in the part of the sky directly opposite the sun.
  • Look for Low Sun: The best rainbows occur when the sun is low in the sky, specifically in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Timing is Everything: Keep an eye out just as a rain shower is ending and the sun starts to peek through the clouds.

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1. The Amazing Rainbow

The Amazing Rainbow Via Rainbows

According to the Bible, God sent a rainbow.
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13.
Whether you believe in God or not, rainbows are surely heaven sent.

***

A double rainbow is a mesmerizing celestial phenomenon where two arcs appear simultaneously, with the second, fainter arc displaying colors in reverse order. This occurs when sunlight is reflected twice within water droplets. It's like nature's buy-one-get-one-free deal, making the sky twice as magical and inspiring a sense of wonder. Each time you glimpse this spectacle, it feels as though the world pauses and all eyes reach toward the heavens, hoping to soak in the magnificence of the moment. Double the bows, double the enchantment, and certainly, double the wishful thinking!

5. Quadruple Rainbow

Quadruple Rainbow Via Picture Is Unrelated

You don't see this too often but this wonderful collection was spotted over Naden Harbor, British Columbia.

***

You don't see this too often but this wonderful collection was spotted over Naden Harbor, British Columbia. Catching a single rainbow is already a breathtaking experience, but imagine the sheer luck of witnessing four at once! It’s a sight that seems almost otherworldly, as if nature itself is putting on a grand show just for you. The vivid hues stretch across the sky, each rainbow slightly fainter than the one below it, creating a mesmerizing, almost magical spectacle. The phenomenon includes not only the primary and secondary rainbows but also two more, faintly refracted reflections that leave observers in awe.

7. Double Rainbow

Double Rainbow Via besttravelphotos.me

A stunning shot of fall rainbows in Quechee, Vermont.

10. When Nature Collides

When Nature Collides Via 19 Images You Won't Believe ...

Two forces coming together - one beautiful, one destructive.

Understanding the Spectrum

| Rainbow Type | Cause | Rarity | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Primary Rainbow** | Single reflection of light in raindrops | Common | | **Double Rainbow** | Double reflection within droplets (colors are reversed) | Occasional | | **Moonbow** | Light from a full moon refracted by water | Rare | | **Fogbow** | Light refracted by tiny fog droplets (looks white) | Rare |

11. Bay Bridge, San Francisco,

Bay Bridge, San Francisco, Via picsvisit.blogspot.ca

A bridge to heaven.

***

This is the breathtaking Masai Mara in Kenya. The dramatic sky, painted in shades of gray and blue, forms a stunning contrast against the vibrant landscape below. As storm clouds gather, a mesmerizing tension fills the air, making the scene both awe-inspiring and humbling. The vast plains, teeming with wildlife, come alive under this moody atmosphere, turning an already picturesque setting into something almost otherworldly. The fleeting moment of perfection, where nature's fury and beauty intertwine, reminds us of the power and unpredictability of our environment. A snapshot of this moment feels like capturing a piece of nature's grandeur.

***

This extraordinary scene captivates with nature’s fierce beauty. Imagine gazing at the swirling chaos of a tornado and, amidst that fearsome dance, a kaleidoscope of colors arcs peacefully. A surreal juxtaposition—the raw power of the storm seemingly in harmony with the delicate hues of a rainbow—reminding us of the wonder of the natural world. One represents destruction, the other promise, yet both stand majestic, their existence a fleeting brushstroke on the canvas of the sky. Such moments capture our hearts, leaving an indelible impression of awe and the resilience of hope.

***

A breathtaking clash of nature's beauty and power, every vivid hue of a rainbow can coexist alongside the dazzling intensity of a lightning strike. This rare spectacle merges the serenity of light refraction with the raw energy of an electrical storm, leaving onlookers in awe. The scene begs the question: does the gentle arc of colors bring hope against the night sky, or does the stark flash of lightning underline the might of the elements? Both phenomena compete for the title of the skies' most captivating act, and it's a spectacle that no one can ignore.

19. Fire Rainbows

Fire Rainbows Via fathomable-wisdom.tumblr.com

The rarest of all naturally occurring atmospheric phenomena.

20. Double Rainbow over Meadows of Angel Fire, New Mexico

Double Rainbow over Meadows of Angel Fire, New Mexico Via Angel Fire rainbow.jpg

That's such a romantic name.

22. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Via Canada

Everyone on the Maid of the Mist hopes to see a rainbow.

***

Just like a master painter adorning their canvas with a riot of colors, nature showcases its artistic prowess through this arresting scene. The vibrant hues arching across the firmament mirror flawlessly on the glass-like surface of the lake, creating a symphony of colors that dance upon the water. It's a breathtaking display that captivates the senses and soothes the soul, reminding us of the serendipitous magic that can unfold when the sun's rays play with raindrops in the sky. Ah, the world truly is full of wonders that leave us in awe—and sometimes, all it takes is a look upwards to be reminded of the beauty that surrounds us.

26. Circular Rainbow

Circular Rainbow Via All sizes | Sunrise Sunplosion ...

All rainbows are in fact circular but because the reflection is close to Earth, we only get to see an arch. We see a
circular rainbow when it forms high in the sky.

***

The full majesty of a circular rainbow is rarely witnessed unless you find yourself above the horizon—think of mountain peaks or from an airplane. The entire ring becomes visible, an ethereal spectacle of light bending in 360 degrees due to water droplets in the air, creating a moment of pure enchantment. High above, where the Earth's curvature doesn't cut off the bottom half, the sun's rays interact with moisture in just the right way, allowing lucky observers to bask in the glory of the complete circle of colors, like a halo bestowed by nature herself.

***

Nestled in the splendor of pristine forests, Ramsey Cascades stands as one of the tallest waterfalls in the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. A breathtaking hike, adorned with a dazzling array of wildflowers and old-growth trees, leads adventurers to this natural wonder. As the sunlight pierces through the leafy canopy, it dances upon the cascade, creating a mesmerizing prism of light and color that seems to echo the whispers of the wilderness. It's a journey that rewards the intrepid with scenes so picturesque, they remain etched in memory long after the hike has ended. Truly, a jewel of the Smokies.

32. In the Clouds

In the Clouds Via 9 Stunning Photos of Beautiful ...

Created by the reflection of ice crystals in cirrus clouds.

35. London Rainbow

London Rainbow Via flickr.com

When you know of God's Covenant with Man, there’s something extra special about a rainbow over a religious icon.

36. Beach Rainbow, Bamburgh, England

Beach Rainbow, Bamburgh, England Via Beach rainbow

They talk to rainbows.

38. Double Rainbows

Double Rainbows Via Simple Pleasures

Parallel rainbows are formed when the light refracted through raindrops is coming from the same wind direction with the colors reversed.

39. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Via Let's Go!

The might river meets the rainbow.

***

Richmond, Virginia is a vibrant city located on the James River in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Founded in 1737, it is the capital of Virginia and the fourth-largest city in the state. Richmond is a major cultural and financial hub, home to a number of museums, monuments, and historical sites.

Richmond is known for its beautiful natural scenery, particularly the James River, which is lined with parks, trails, and outdoor activities. Visitors to the city can explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia State Capitol, and the American Civil War Museum. The city is also home to a number of renowned restaurants, breweries, and shops.

The city is also home to a number of annual festivals and events, such as the Richmond Jazz Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and the Richmond International Film Festival. The city also hosts a number of sports teams, including the Richmond Flying Squirrels (baseball), the Richmond Kickers (soccer), and the Richmond Spiders (basketball).

42. Rainbow over Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik, Norway

Rainbow over Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik, Norway Via All sizes | Beam of ...

And the sky spoke with a rainbow.

46. Mountain Rainbow

Mountain Rainbow Via mountains

She is a rainbow in curved air.

47. Donegal, Ireland

Donegal, Ireland Via Üsküdarlı on Twitter

Rainbow's End

50. Maui, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii Via Yahoo - login

A rainbow piercing paradise.

52. The Highlands, Scotland

The Highlands, Scotland Via besttravelphotos.me

Plenty of rainbows in Scotland 'cos there's plenty of rain.

53. "Harvest Rainbow" Garden City, Kansas

"Harvest Rainbow" Garden City, Kansas Via Harvest Rainbow

The blessing of the harvest.

55. Walk in the Rain

Walk in the Rain Via Rainbow

A light in the black.

56. Where There's Rain There's Rainbows

Where There's Rain There's Rainbows Via Where There's Rain There's Rainbows

Eyes of fire in Oahu, Hawaii.

57. Milford Sound, New Zealand

Milford Sound, New Zealand Via Milford sound magic

Rainbows adorn the Land of the Long White Cloud.

58. Gulfoss, Iceland

Gulfoss, Iceland Via Pictures of waterfalls - Gullfoss

Iceland's biggest waterfall.

***

A canvas of nature's colors stretches over Big Stone Beach, with the sparkling bay waters reflecting the myriad hues of the rainbow above. As the sun peeks out, the radiant arch becomes more vibrant against the wide expanse of the sky, a breathtaking view for any beach-goer. Whether it's the gentle lap of the Delaware Bay on the shore or the melodic call of seabirds, the experience is only amplified by this magical meteorological phenomenon. It's almost as if the beach is whispering—there's no place like home.

62. Arc De Ciel

Arc De Ciel Via Mijn Regenboogbos

A rainbow is an optical and meteorological phenomenon that is caused by both reflection and refraction of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky.

67. Regenboog

Regenboog Via rainbow2

Could there be a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.

68. Storm and Rainbow over Abandoned Farmhouse near Burra, South Australia

Storm and Rainbow over Abandoned Farmhouse near Burra, South Australia Via Storm and Rainbow

Mother Nature has been dipping into her paint pot again.

69. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Via Victoria Falls

“Two bubbles found they had rainbows on their curves. They flickered out saying: It was worth being a bubble, just to have held that rainbow thirty seconds.” - Carl Sandburg

70. Horses in Idaho by

Horses in Idaho by Via Horses in Idaho

Unaffected by the scene in the sky.

71. St. Mary's Church at Reculver Castle, England

St. Mary's Church at Reculver Castle, England Via As the rain stops!

The rainbow is a promise.

73. Mount Adams, Washington

Mount Adams, Washington Via Pot of Gold

“In life, you either choose to sing a rainbow, or you don't. Keep singing.” - Kathleen Long

75. Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California

Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Via Yosemite

Misty trails.

76. The End of the Rainbow

The End of the Rainbow Via Handy Dandy!!

“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.” - Shannon L. Adler

77. Double Rainbow in Colorado

Double Rainbow in Colorado Via sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net

“May your journey through life be vibrant and full of colorful rainbows.” - Harley King

80. Angels and Rainbows

Angels and Rainbows Via Photo 6 Sacred Earth Inner ...

Angel Falls in Venezuela. The highest waterfall in the world. It sits in Canaima National Park and is over 3,000 meters high.

82. Shaft of Light

Shaft of Light Via retirement-international.com

“When thunderstorms roll in, you make a choice to either succumb with tears to the gloomy downpour or smile and look for rainbows.” - Richelle E. Goodrich

83. Wedge Pond Rainbow, Alberta, Canada

Wedge Pond Rainbow, Alberta, Canada Via Wedge Pond Rainbow

“Lots of people like rainbows. Children make wishes on them, artists paint them, dreamers chase them ..." - Linda Goodman

84. The Hills Are Alive ...

The Hills Are Alive ... Via Amazing Pictures - Amazing Pictures ...

... with pictures of colors.

85. Rainbow Coast Nordeste, Azores, Portugal

Rainbow Coast Nordeste, Azores, Portugal Via rainbow coast

Don't lose hope. Rainbows always stand for hope.

87. A Wonder

A Wonder Via Emotions

“Love was a feeling completely bound up with color, like thousands of rainbows superimposed one on top of the other.” - Paul Coehlo

***

Paulo Coelho's words capture the essence of love's chromatic splendor, much like the radiant streaks of a rainbow that light up the sky after a storm. These myriad hues offer more than mere visual delight; they're a testament to the vibrancy of our emotions, as boundless and varied as the colors themselves. A rainbow is nature's canvas, where the world gets painted in pure joy—and so it is with love, an emotion that colors our lives with infinite shades of happiness and wonder.

89. Rainbow over the Falls - Zambia

Rainbow over the Falls - Zambia Via Rainbow over the falls - ...
“Shine your soul with the same egoless humility as the rainbow and no matter where you go in this world or the next, love will find you, attend you, and bless you.” - Aberjhani

Whether you're a photographer chasing the perfect shot or just someone who loves a bit of natural wonder, we hope these photos brightened your day. Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Kitty

    2014-08-18T22:32:50.469Z

    Wow. So beautiful and so many that are unusual
  • Peggy

    2022-05-23T05:10:52.211Z

    #16 is this what is called a fire tornado?
  • KaReN

    2014-08-18T22:58:37.052Z

    i don't get it, its the same thing just in different places!!
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