From national park snapshots to backyard pics, these amazing rainbow photos from readers are sure to inspire you
20 Stunning Rainbow Photos That Will Brighten Your Day
Updated on Jul. 08, 2025
Spacious skies
“This brilliant double rainbow appeared over our 3-acre property after a spring storm. I have photographed storms for more than 30 years now, but this is by far the most intense rainbow I have seen. We counted three or four layers of violet and purple.” —James Doughty, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Country
Good as gold
“Fall is a great time to visit Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. Moody weather often leads to spectacular photographs like this one.” —Erica Harvey, Rapid City, South Dakota, Country
After the storm
“After a big rainstorm, we saw this rainbow.” —Lou Ann Rugg, Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Country
Photo op
“A storm rolled in and out quickly one summer day. I thought a rainbow was a huge possibility and ran in to grab my camera.” —Deanna Tomkins, Birds & Blooms
When Devil’s Punchbowl is heavenly
“Photographing Devil’s Punchbowl on the Oregon coast is a favorite pastime. Suddenly, one sunny day, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the mist, illuminating the rocks behind it as the crashing wave receded.” —Debra Harris, Dallas, Oregon, Country
Natural beauty
“On the last day of my visit to Arches National Park in Utah, a storm came up from the south. At the end of the day, I set up at Balanced Rock. I was getting ready to leave when the rainbow appeared out of nowhere.” —Don Page, Country
Extra-scenic hike
“This photo was taken at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah after a rainstorm that had lasted all day. The storm was on standstill, which is when I made a beeline for the trails in order to see what I could without getting rained on. The dark sky and the red rocks were a beautiful contrast and made for an awesome end-of-the-day hike through the park.” —Kelli Frank, Country
Everyone loves rainbows
“Our two horses enjoyed the pasture after a summer rain.” —Lisa Sprague, Country
Welcoming us
“This is one of my favorite photos from the summer. I love how the rainbow is welcoming us on the road. The photo was taken on the Alcan Highway in British Columbia. It is an amazing scenic drive full of wildlife.” —Sherry Pederson, Country
Top down
“We thought we were so smart renting a convertible on our first trip to Hawaii’s Kauai island, and we were sorely disappointed when it started to sprinkle. After rolling up the top, we came across this lighthouse and discovered the rain was not so bad after all—we got a beautiful rainbow to celebrate our trip!” —Wendy Harrison, Country
A nice bonus
“We seem to get lots of showers that pass through in the spring. Always a nice bonus when a rainbow shows up too.” —Katherine Plessner, Country
Not a care in the world
“While trying to get a tractor started, I looked over and the two boys were playing on straw bales under a rainbow.” —Kyle Miller, Country
Cows and colors
“My daughter, Trinity, was out petting the cows after the rain passed. She loves playing in the fields with the cattle.” —Shaye Cobb, Blairsville, Georgia, Farm & Ranch Living
Rusty pot of gold
“Carrizo Plain National Monument, 100 miles north of Los Angeles, has lots of agricultural history. This old tractor sits outside the entrance, and after years of driving by, we stopped when the conditions were ideal for this gorgeous shot.” —Jody Langford, Templeton, California, Country Extra
Rainbow bright
“I took a number of photos after an August thunderstorm, but this is my favorite. It kind of looks as if the rainbow is coming right out of the barn roof.” —Dennis Cochran, La Fontaine, Indiana, Farm & Ranch Living
View from our place
“I took this photo while my husband, Cody, and I were outside running. We live within the city limits of our very small town, and this farm pasture is on a street near our house. We love it here because we have beautiful scenery to look at every day.” —April Powell, Crawfordville, GA, Country Extra
Blue skies ahead
“Our farm was the pot of gold for this double rainbow. I think our horses were happy to have the weather break.” —Cindy Gibson, East Liverpool, Ohio, Farm & Ranch Living
Posing for a picture
“At 54, I took the chance of a lifetime and got a summer job in Yellowstone National Park. Photography became my favorite activity because around every corner there’s a picture waiting to be taken.” —Becky Farrell, McCalla, Alabama, Country Extra
Hope after the storm
“Back in 2010, a major storm struck the rural area where I live with my husband. It rained for two days straight, and on the third day, a nearby creek overflowed its banks. Though we lost our home that day to a flood, we were blessed that no one was hurt. I took this picture on the road by our house; whenever I look at it, I remember the blessings that came from many unexpected places. The rainbow is a reminder that even when there is dark all around, love and light will always be with us.” —Lisa Green, Tonto Basin, Arizona, Country Extra
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
