Spotlight Hour returns for four dates in September 2026, each running 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Here’s every confirmed date, featured Pokémon, and bonus for the month, including a bonus fifth Spotlight Hour tied to the Mega Squads event.
September 2026 Spotlight Hour Schedule
| Date | Featured Pokémon | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| September 3 | No Spotlight Hour this week | — |
| September 10 | Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill | 2× Transfer Candy |
| Sunday, September 13 (bonus, Mega Squads) | Houndour | 2× Transfer Candy |
| September 17 | Not yet announced | 2× Catch Stardust |
| September 24 | Rattata | 2× Evolution XP, plus increased chance of XXS Rattata |
The September 13 Houndour Spotlight Hour falls outside the normal weekly cadence — it’s part of the Mega Squads event and feeds directly into that event’s Mega Houndoom raid rotation, so it’s worth treating as a bonus rather than a replacement for the regular week’s Spotlight Hour.
September 10: Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill
2× Transfer Candy makes this a good week to clear out extra Weedle and Kakuna for Candy, especially if you’re also stocking up on Mega Beedrill Energy ahead of Mega Squads starting September 8.
September 17: Bonus Confirmed, Pokémon TBA
Niantic has confirmed the 2× Catch Stardust bonus for this date but hasn’t named the featured Pokémon yet. Check back closer to the date for the update.
September 24: Rattata
Alongside the standard 2× Evolution XP bonus, this Spotlight Hour has an increased chance of an XXS (extra-small) Rattata — a size variant that counts toward the Pokédex’s size-based catch records rather than affecting stats.
Event Tips
- Save Pinap Berries for whichever Spotlight Hour lines up with a Pokémon you’re short on Candy for.
- If you’re farming Mega Energy for Mega Squads, prioritize the September 10 (Weedle) and September 13 (Houndour) Spotlight Hours over the others this month.
- XXS and XXL Pokémon don’t affect CP or IVs — they’re purely a size-record catch, so don’t feel pressured to chase one unless you’re filling out that specific Pokédex entry.
Sources: Pokémon GO Hub, Leek Duck, and the Mega Squads event guide for the September 13 bonus date.
