A wavelength conversion element includes a substrate having a first surface, a first phosphor layer that has a first excitation light incident surface on which excitation light having a first wavelength is incident, is so provided as to face the first surface, a second phosphor layer that is so provided as to be in contact with part of the first excitation light incident surface, and a reflection layer that is provided between the first phosphor layer and the substrate. The first phosphor layer has an annular shape. The area of the second phosphor layer viewed in the direction in which the excitation light is incident is smaller than the area of the first phosphor layer viewed in the direction in which the excitation light is incident. The thickness of the second phosphor layer is smaller than the thickness of the first phosphor layer.