The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is delighted to announce the launch of the Photo Competition for the WMO 2025 Calendar. The theme, “Closing the early warning gap together,” aligns with the slogan for World Meteorological Day on 23 March.
The organization is seeking high-quality and meaningful photographs that depict people and communities working together to ensure universal protection from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems.
Photographs that illustrate the force of nature and highlight the need to protect the planet from the impact of human activities are also welcomed.
WMO encourages its Members to actively participate in the competition.
Winning entries will be featured in the 2025 WMO Calendar, showcased on the WMO website, and included in public outreach materials and social media platforms.
The photographs are also widely used by the United Nations to illustrate weather and climate-related features.
Over the years, the WMO Calendar Competition has become one of the organization’s most popular engagement activities, attracting many talented photographers.
The year 2025 is especially significant for WMO, marking its 75th anniversary.
Judging criteria
Entries will be narrowed down to a shortlist by a WMO panel of experts in meteorology and hydrology as well as experienced professional photographers. Entries will be judged on:
- Technical quality, clarity, and composition
- Visual impact
- Novelty and flair for the unexpected
- Illustration of the importance of early warnings for all
WMO will make an initial selection of about 75 photographs, based on technical and artistic merit. They will publish shortlisted photos on Facebook, Instagram and Flickr, allowing followers to vote for their favourites. The competition will also be promoted via X and via other UN social media accounts.
The WMO jury will have the final say on the 13 photos for inclusion in the calendar (one for the cover and one for each month), based on the social media votes but also taking into account geographical balance.