As the summer comes to a close, we’re reflecting on how much the season called us to slow down and truly look around. Monsoon season is one of our favorites and we refer to it as magic season because of all the wonder it brings to our days. One of our favorite moments to soak up is when the monsoon has passed, the hot day cools down by a couple of degrees and the most beautiful sight takes over the sky. Rainbow sightings stop us in our tracks and remind us how special the Sonoran Desert truly is.
In the Sonoran Desert, a rainbow isn’t just weather — it’s a celebration. Of water. Of light. Of survival.
We always feel the need to know more about the beauties of the desert and of course we’re excited to share what we’ve learned about desert rainbows with you!
Summer monsoon rainbows take over the sky from July to September
At the inn, you’ll find sunset rainbows from July to September during monsoon season. It’s impossible to predict when they’ll take over the sky but that’s what makes them all the more magical. Our Cholla Room is the perfect stay because you have the start of a desert trail right outside your private patio!
The dry air and open skies enhance rainbow visibility
We’ve seen rainbows before but it’s never quite like seeing a rainbow here in the Sonoran Desert after a monsoon storm. They demand your attention and you’re more than willing to pause and admire their moment. It’s otherworldly how vivid and bright their colors are against the desert landscape and stormy skies.
Each rainbow is your rainbow
No two people experience the same rainbow as your unique perspective and positioning affects how the light enters the raindrops for each admirer. When you’re on a walk with your loved one, the rainbow you’re both admiring was tailored specifically for each of your enjoyment. The desert puts on a show only for you.
When you’re admiring a double rainbow, the second rainbows colors are a reverse of the first
Double rainbows happen when the sunlight reflects twice inside a raindrop. The second arc is fainter than the first rainbow and if you look closely (we certainly did when we learned this fact!) you’ll notice the colors are a reverse order from the first.
Rainbows are made by refraction, reflection and dispersion
The science of a rainbow is as fascinating as admiring it. Sunlight bends as it enters the raindrop, the sunlight reflects inside of it and then bends on its way out separating into colors. 7 colors to be exact: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Summers in the desert aren’t for everyone but if you consider all this season brings, from desert blooms to pool days, to monsoon rainbows, summers in the desert are truly one of the most special and surreal times of year. Though we’re ready for fall, it doesn’t mean we won’t miss every bit of summer’s magic season.
