12 August 2026 · total solar eclipse
Where to watch the 2026 total solar eclipse
On 12 August 2026, the Moon's shadow crosses the North Atlantic — bringing a total solar eclipse to Iceland, then to northern Spain at sunset, while most of Europe sees a deep partial. Choose a country and region below for local timings, the best viewing spots and how long totality lasts. Wherever you watch, you need certified eclipse glasses for every partial stage.
- 12 Aug 2026Eclipse date
- Iceland → SpainTotality crosses
- up to ~2 minMax totality
- Most of EuropeSees a partial
Spain1 guide
Mainland totality at sunset — the easiest place in Europe to reach the path.
Totality
The best places in Spain to watch the 2026 total solar eclipseIn the path of totalityWhere to stand on 12 August 2026, ranked by what actually matters: longest totality, clearest August skies and a clear low western horizon —...Read the guide
Eclipse timings and coverage are approximate and vary by exact location — always check a local forecast and the precise path before you travel.
What you'll actually see
Totality vs a 99% partial — they're worlds apart
It's the single most important thing to get right. A 99% partial eclipse is still daylight; only inside the narrow path of totality does the sky go dark, the temperature drop, and the Sun's corona appear. If you can travel, get into the path.
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The path of totality is a ~290 km-wide band across northern Spain and the Balearics. Step outside it and the Sun never fully disappears.
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Inside the path, day turns to night for up to ~1m 50s — and only during totality itself can you safely look without glasses.
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At 99% partial (Barcelona, Madrid) it stays daylight and you must keep certified glasses on the whole time — no totality, no corona.
Before you look up
You'll need certified glasses for every stage
Solar eclipse glasses are eye-safety equipment (PPE), not sunglasses. Looking at the Sun through ordinary sunglasses — or uncertified filters — can cause permanent damage. You need certified glasses for the long partial phases on either side of totality, wherever in Spain you watch from.
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CE Category II, tested to EN ISO 12312-2 — the real European standard, with a per-pair QR code to verify authenticity.
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Reusable plastic frames keep for the 2 August 2027 eclipse over Spain too.
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One pair per person — they're for direct viewing, never sharing at the same moment.
Where to watch the 2026 eclipse — FAQ
When is the 2026 total solar eclipse in Spain?
12 August 2026, in the late afternoon and early evening. Totality sweeps across northern Spain roughly between 19:30 and 20:30 local time, with the Sun low in the western sky.
Where does the path of totality cross Spain?
It enters over Galicia, then crosses Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Aragón, the Valencia/Castellón coast and the Balearic Islands. A Coruña, Burgos, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca all sit inside the path.
Will Madrid and Barcelona see totality?
No. Both see a very deep partial eclipse (around 99%), but they stay just outside the path of totality. To see the Sun fully disappear you'd need to travel north into the band — we map the nearest spots in the regional guides above.
How long does totality last?
Up to roughly 1 minute 50 seconds, depending on exactly where you are. Locations on the centre line of the path get the longest totality; near the edges it's much shorter.
Do I need eclipse glasses for a partial eclipse?
Yes. For every partial stage you must use certified eclipse glasses. Only during the brief total phase, inside the path, can you safely look without them — and you must put them back on the instant the Sun reappears.
Where's the best place to watch?
Anywhere on the centre line with a clear, low western horizon (the Sun sets soon after totality). Inland Castilla y León and the Mediterranean coast are popular — see the regional guides above for specific spots.
What about the weather and clouds in August?
Inland August skies are usually clear, while some coastal and mountain areas carry more cloud risk near sunset. Always have a backup viewing location within the path in case of cloud.
