January 2020 in Pokémon GO will be jam-packed with events, new and returning raid bosses, shiny legendary Pokémon and much more. Genesect with Burn Drive is making its debut, there are two surprise raids and there are so many little things here and there that we look forward to 2021 already.
Reddit user Ugly_Karma created a handy calendar that shows all January events in one place:
January Research Breakthrough encounter: Chansey
Chansey
From Friday, January 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. to Monday, February 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8), you’ll encounter Chansey in Research Breakthroughs.
January five-star Raids and Mega Raids
Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh will be appearing in raids from Friday, January 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Ho-Oh!
Check out our Ho-Oh Raid Counters Guide in preparation for the event.
Genesect (Burn Drive)
Genesect (Burn)
Genesect holding a Burn Drive will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. This is the first time you can catch a Genesect Burn form in Pokémon GO.
Take note that Techno Blast strings were recently spotted in the network traffic. Our Genesect Raid Counters Guide is available.
Heatran
Heatran
Heatran will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Heatran!
Our Heatran Counters and Raid Guide is available.
Kyogre and Groudon
Kyogre and Groudon will be appearing in raids from Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny Kyogre or Shiny Groudon!
Our Kyogre Raid Boss Guide and Groudon Raid Counters Guide are available.
Mega Raids
Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blastoise, and Mega Abomasnow will be appearing in Mega Raids, with Mega Charizard Y becoming even more powerful from Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. through Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Mega Blastoise is also a prime pick to use in five-star raids this month, so make sure to stock up on Blastoise Mega Energy!
Mega Venusaur and Mega Houndoom will also be appearing in Mega Raids beginning on January 19, with Mega Houndoom being even more powerful from Tuesday, January 26, 2021, through Monday, February 8, 2021.
Surprise Mega Raid
On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, a certain Mega-Evolved Pokémon will make its Pokémon GO debut in Mega Raids! More details will come to light as we get closer to the date.
January Surprise Raids
- A surprise Pokémon will be appearing in raids beginning on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
- On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, a certain Mega-Evolved Pokémon will make its Pokémon GO debut in Mega Raids. More information is coming later on.
January Shiny Legendary Pokémon
The following shiny Legendary Pokémon will be available during January:
 |
 |
 |
 |
January Pokémon Spotlight Hours
In the month of January, Pokémon Spotlight Hour will take place every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. local time, and each hour will spotlight a different Pokémon and special bonus!
| Date | Pokémon | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2021 |
Lillipup
|
2x Stardust |
| January 12, 2021 |
Drifloon
|
2x Catch XP |
| January 19, 2021 |
Shroomish
|
2x Catch Candy |
| January 26, 2021 |
Phanpy
|
2x Transfer Candy |
Celebrate the different regions of the Pokémon world in January!
As we count down the days to Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto, we’ll be celebrating during the Season of Celebration with events themed around different regions of the Pokémon world!
Different weeks will highlight Unova, Sinnoh, Hoenn, and Johto, as Pokémon originally discovered in these regions will be appearing more often in the wild.
Stay tuned for more details this week on the Unova Celebration event, which begins on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Collection Challenges coming soon to Pokémon GO
Whether you’re new to Pokémon GO or a seasoned Trainer, Collection Challenges provide a handy guide to catching Pokémon featured during certain events.
Look out for the launch of Collection Challenges in early January 2021. For the more adventurous among you, check out the Collection challenge strings that were recently added to Pokémon GO.
January 2020 Events summary
- January Research Breakthrough encounter: Chansey
- Various Pokémon will be appearing in five-star and Mega raids during January:
- Ho-Oh: January 1 – January 5
- Genesect (Burn): January 5 – January 12
- Heatran: January 12 – January 19
- Kyogre and Groudon: January 19 – January 26
- Surprise Pokémon debuts in five-star raids on January 26
- Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blastoise, Mega Abomasnow appear throughout January
- Mega Houndoom and Mega Venusaur appear beggining January 19
- A new Mega Pokémon debuts on January 19
- Pokémon Spotlight Hours feature Lillipup, Drifloon, Shroomish and Phanpy
- Collection Challenges are launching in January
- Unova Celebration Event begins in January
