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Wildlife migrationAnnual · rain-triggered

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration

Tens of millions of red crabs march from the forest to the sea to spawn.

November to December 2026SeasonNovember to December 2026
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Christmas Island Red Crab Migration

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ChrisBrayPhotography / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

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November to December 2026Season
Christmas Island, AustraliaWhere it happens
Tens of millionsred crabs migrate
Viewing advice

The march is triggered by the first wet-season rain and timed to a lunar phase, so exact dates vary.

The best time to see Christmas Island Red Crab Migration in 2026 is November to December 2026. Timing status: Season.

When the wet season arrives, Christmas Island's red crabs leave the rainforest en masse and stream to the coast to breed, timed to the moon. It is one of the planet's great mass-movement spectacles.

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration: Christmas Island National Park
Photo information

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration

Photo
ChrisBrayPhotography
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Cropped

Where to see it

These are the spots that catch it best. Tap one to see what's worth a trip nearby.

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration: Christmas Island Red Crab (Gecarcoidea natalis)
Photo information

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration

Photo
Fernando Pérez Peralta
Licence
CC0
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Cropped
Christmas Island Red Crab Migration: Christmas Island Indian Ocean Red Crab Megalope stage
Photo information

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration

Photo
Chook keeper
Original
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Changes
Cropped

Cosmic events during this window

Cosmic events that peak while this season is on, so one trip could catch both. Meteor showers show the moon, since a dark sky is what makes them.

Related natural events

More moments to explore.

Frequently asked questions

When is Christmas Island Red Crab Migration 2026?

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration 2026: November to December 2026.