The weather mechanic was recently introduced in Pokemon Go (December 2017.) It affects the game in several ways: from boosting the level of a wild Pokemon/raid boss to increasing particular types of Pokemon’s appearances to increased stardust on capture.
The weather system gives multiple benefits within Pokemon Go and are as follows:
- Increased spawn rates of Pokemon of certain types.
- Higher level (you can encounter a wild Pokemon up to +5 levels above your current level)
- Guaranteed IV’s for weather boosted Pokemon (minimum of 4/4/4)
- Bonus 25% Stardust on catch
- Bonus 20% damage for moves of certain types
It will come as no shock that the climate in-game should reflect the real weather around you but with one key difference: The weather in game can change once an hour, on the hour mark.
This chart shows the kinds available and what types they boost.
| Weather Condition | Boosted Types |
|---|---|
| Partly Cloudy | Normal, Rock |
| Cloudy | Fairy, Fighting, Poison |
| Fog | Dark, Ghost |
| Rainy | Water, Electric, Bug |
| Snow | Ice, Steel |
| Sunny | Grass, Ground, Fire |
| Windy | Dragon, Psychic, |
Raid Boss influence
One of the most notable changes to accompany the new system is the increase in a raid bosses level if you battle it (and defeat it) in its beneficial conditions.
For example: When battling Kyogre and the climate is anything except Rainy its catch CP can be between 2236 -2328. However, battling in Rainy conditions will give a catch CP for Kyogre of between 2796 -2910. This is due to the fact that you can encounter any weather boosted Pokemon up to +5 levels above your current trainer level.
Boosted Pokemon Spawns
Certain Pokemon spawns are heavily boosted in particular weather conditions. These are as follows:
Lotad
Lotad has an increased spawn rate during Rainy conditions. This is your best chance to catch this elusive Water & Grass type Pokemon.
Cacnea
Cacnea has an increased spawn rate linked to Sunny weather. You have a higher chance to encounter his prickly pure Grass type during Sunny spells.
Aron
Aron, the Steel Rock type, has a tendency to spawn at an increased rate during Partly Cloudy weather conditions. The bonus is that his shiny form has a chance to be encountered also which has bright red eyes and evolves into a Teal version of Lairon/Aggron.
Anorith
Anorith, the Bug Rock type, appears more in Partly Cloudy conditions, like Aron. Unlike Aron however, it doesn’t have a shiny form that’s currently available.
