Yosemite Moonbow: A rare phenomenon
A Yosemite moonbow is a rare natural phenomenon that occurs in Yosemite National Park only a few times a year.
Early June is set to be a great time to see it.
Created by the rays of the moon instead of the sun, a moonbow occurs when light refracts in water droplets such as from the mist of Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls.
John Muir compared the moonbow to a religious experience, describing it as a ‘grand arc of color, glowing in mild, shapely beauty.’
While the phenomenon is thrilling to behold, it also elusive.
The conditions must be perfect, and researchers have studied the factors that go into creating a moonbow.
These factors include clear skies, sufficient mist in the air, a dark night and bright moonlight not blocked by mountains or clouds.
Yosemite Falls creates a uniquely ideal setting for moonbows to occur thanks to the mist created.
There are various conditions necessary for moonbows to be observed at Yosemite Falls:
Moon must be within a few days of being full.
Clear skies between the moon and the waterfall
Plenty of water in the falls (typically April-June)
Sufficient darkness (at least one hour after sunset or one hour before sunrise)
The moon must have risen high enough to shine on the waterfall spray.
Wind can greatly enhance the moonbow by carrying the water spray.
The moon must be at the proper angle relative to the observer and the mist
For those planning a visit, the moonbow at Yosemite Falls has precisely been predicted to be seen from 1 June through 5 June 2023.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season