The final month of the year brings a packed lineup of powerful Legendary Pokémon to Raids in Pokémon Go. Players can look forward to seeing the Unova dragons again Kyurem, Reshiram, and Zekrom plus a fresh rotation of Mega Evolutions. Since all of this kicks off alongside the new Precious Paths season, it feels like December might end up being busier than usual, with new challenges and events dropping one after another. Knowing exactly when each Raid boss appears can really help you plan ahead, whether you’re trying to save Raid Passes or simply want to hop in at the right time.
Key Takeaways
- Legendary Raids feature Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion early in the month, followed by Kyurem, Reshiram, and Zekrom.
- Mega Raids introduce Mega Gyarados, Mega Abomasnow, and Mega Glalie at different intervals.
- Shadow Heatran appears in 5-Star Shadow Raids on weekends throughout December.
- Raid Hours take place every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 local time.
- Max Monday’s feature Dynamax Pokémon taking overpower Spots each Monday night.
5 Star Raid Schedule
The 5-Star Raid lineup rotates several times this month, with each change happening at 10:00. The pacing moves pretty quickly, so it might feel a little rushed if you’re hoping to catch them all.
November 25 to December 4 Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion appear in raids. All three can be Shiny.
December 4 to December 13 Kyurem takes over 5-Star raids. Lucky Trainers might encounter a Shiny Kyurem.
December 13 to December 22 Reshiram returns to the gym rotation with a chance to be Shiny.
December 22 to December 31 Zekrom appears in 5-Star raids. You might find a Shiny version after a successful battle.
December 31 Onwards Blacephalon enters raids to ring in the new year.
Mega Raid Schedule
Mega Raids are a good way to gather Mega Energy, and just like the main raids, these bosses rotate at 10:00 AM local time. The choices toward the end of the month definitely fit the winter setting a bit more.
November 25 to December 4 Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Medicham, and Mega Garchomp appear simultaneously.
December 4 to December 13 Mega Gyarados enters the rotation.
December 13 to December 22 Mega Abomasnow appears, fitting the winter theme.
December 22 to December 31 Mega Glalie takes over the Mega Raid spots.
Shadow Raid Schedule
Team GO Rocket picks up activity on weekends, which probably isn’t too surprising for longtime players. Shadow Raids still don’t allow Remote Raid Passes, so you really have to be on-site for them.
Shadow Heatran This Legendary Shadow Pokémon appears in 5-Star Shadow Raids on the following weekends:
December 6 to 7
December 13 to 14
December 20 to 21
December 27 to 28
One-Star and Three-Star Shadow Raids run daily and include Pokémon like Shadow Scyther, Shadow Aerodactyl, and Shadow Sableye.
Raid Hour Schedule
Every Wednesday, most Gyms will host a specific Legendary Raid boss. It’s a predictable time slot that honestly makes it easier to keep track of everything.
December 3 Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion
December 10 Kyurem
December 17 Reshiram
December 24 Zekrom
December 31 Blacephalon
Max Monday Schedule
Dynamax Pokémon appear at Power Spots every Monday. The lineup this month feels a little nostalgic, especially if you’ve followed these species through earlier games.
December 1 Dynamax Darumaka
December 8 Dynamax Cryogonal
December 15 Dynamax Kabuto
December 22 Dynamax Spheal
December 29 Dynamax Omanyte
Spotlight Hour Schedule
Spotlight Hours take place every Tuesday. Each one highlights a specific Pokémon along with a helpful bonus, and even though they’re simple, they often end up being surprisingly useful.
December 2 Pokémon Cranidos Bonus 2× Candy for transferring Pokémon
December 9 Pokémon Shieldon Bonus 2× XP for catching Pokémon
December 16 Pokémon Mienfoo Bonus 2× Candy for catching Pokémon
December 23 Pokémon Spheal Bonus 2× XP for evolving Pokémon
December 30 Pokémon Delibird Bonus 2× Stardust for catching Pokémon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use Remote Raid Passes for Shadow Raids?
A. No, Shadow Raids are local-only battles. You must be physically present at the Gym to participate.
Q. What is the best counter for Kyurem?
A. Kyurem is weak to Dragon, Fairy, Fighting, Rock, and Steel-type attacks. Pokémon like Metagross, Lucario, and Rayquaza are strong choices.
Q. Will there be a Community Day in December 2025?
A. Yes, a special recap Community Day weekend is scheduled for December 6 and December 7. This event features Pokémon from all Community Days held in 2024 and 2025.
Q. How do I get Mega Energy?
A. You earn Mega Energy by defeating a Mega Evolved Pokémon in a Mega Raid. The faster you win the raid, the more energy you receive.
