On the winter solstice, the sun sets at the most southern direction on the compass all year (241 degrees WSW). As rainbows are visible opposite the direction of the sun, this one is shifted as far east-northeast as a rainbow can appear near sunset.

2018 Winter Solstice Rainbow over downtown Raleigh

2018 Winter Solstice Rainbow over downtown Raleigh

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

98% Full moon rise over Raleigh on the Winter Solstice

98% Full moon rise over Raleigh on the Winter Solstice

Downtown Raleigh lit up for the Holiday Season

Downtown Raleigh lit up for the Holiday Season

Norfolk Southern Train leaving Raleigh from Boylan Bridge

Norfolk Southern Train leaving Raleigh from Boylan Bridge

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

Sunset from Dix Hill 2018

Sunset from Dix Hill 2018

New color combination in the Raleigh skyline

New color combination in the Raleigh skyline

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

Closeup of sunlight downtown

Closeup of sunlight downtown

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

Winter Solstice Rainbow over the Raleigh skyline

High Contrast sunlight on downtown Raleigh

High Contrast sunlight on downtown Raleigh