Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Partial solar eclipse · 12 August 2026

Where to watch the 2026 solar eclipse in Venice

Venice sees a partial eclipse of around 91% on 12 August 2026, with the Sun setting into the lagoon during the deepest phase — a low, atmospheric sunset eclipse over the water.

Partial eclipse Get certified eclipse glasses

Maximum~20:19 CESTVeneto · 12 Aug 2026 · maximum eclipse

Duration~1h 42m of partial eclipseThis is the full partial eclipse from first to last contact. There is no totality here — the Sun is never completely covered, so there is no corona and no moment when it is safe to look without protection.

Sun altitude~0° above the WNW horizonlow in the west — an open horizon is essential

Coverage91.2% (partial)Venice is OUTSIDE the path of totality. About 91.2% of the Sun is covered at maximum — a deep partial eclipse, but not a total one. The corona never appears and the sky does not go dark.

Clear-sky odds Often clear, haze on the horizon · ≈64%Northern Italy is usually dry in mid-August, but the Po valley is prone to summer haze — and with the Sun setting into the eclipse, that haze sits exactly where you need to look.

Counting down to maximum

—days —hrs —min —sec

Venice sees a partial eclipse of around 91% on 12 August 2026, with the Sun setting into the lagoon during the deepest phase — a low, atmospheric sunset eclipse over the water.

Below: Venice's exact timings, why the lagoon is an advantage, the west-facing viewpoints, and the safety rule that applies throughout.

The timeline

When the eclipse happens

~19:27 CESTPartial begins — first "bite" out of the Sun

~20:19 CESTPartial — ~1h 42m of partial eclipse. Glasses off only if total.

~20:23 CESTPartial ends ~21:09 CEST

The partial eclipse runs from about 19:27 to 21:09 CEST, with maximum coverage of 91.2% at around 20:19. The Sun sets at 20:23 CEST, during the eclipse — so the later stages happen below the horizon and an open west-northwest view is essential.

Where to set up

The best places to watch

Zattere promenade

Waterfront · south-west facing

Open water, wide sky

The long southern promenade looks out over the Giudecca canal with open water and sky to the west — the most reliable low sightline in the city centre.

Campanile di San Marco

Tower · maximum height

The only real elevation

The bell tower is essentially the only significant height in Venice, giving a view over the rooftops and lagoon. Check the closing time — this eclipse happens late.

Fondamente Nove / northern lagoon

Waterfront · open lagoon

Wide open horizon

The northern quays look across the open lagoon toward Murano and the mainland, giving one of the widest uninterrupted horizons accessible on foot.

Lido beaches

Beach · open

Sea-level but unobstructed

The Lido's western shore faces the lagoon and the mainland sunset, with beach space and an open outlook away from the crowds of the centre.

Mainland heights toward the Euganean Hills

Elevated · inland

Height above the haze

If haze threatens, the low hills inland from Padua give elevation and a clearer view of the horizon than anywhere in the lagoon.

Local astronomy societies and science centres often organise safe public viewing with filtered telescopes — worth checking closer to the date.

Plan your trip

Where to stay near the eclipse

Accommodation around the viewing area for eclipse night (11–13 Aug 2026). Compare hotels and rentals live on the map below.

The weather call

Will the sky be clear?

The open lagoon to the west gives Venice a flat, unobstructed horizon — valuable when the Sun is barely above it.

August evenings are usually dry.

Adriatic haze frequently sits on that horizon.

Venice is also almost entirely at sea level, so there is very little height available anywhere.

Plan the day

Your eclipse-day checklist

Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE eclipse glasses — one pair per person
Glasses stay ON for the entire eclipse — there is no safe moment here
An open west-northwest horizon — the Sun is only ~0° up
Arrive before 19:27 to catch first contact

Check the cloud forecast in the final 48 hours
Never look through a camera, phone or binoculars without a proper solar filter
Pinhole projection is a safe way for groups to watch together
If you want totality, it is northern Spain — not here

Watch it safely

However you’re watching, watch it safely

Every Absolute Eclipse product is independently certified and made in the EU. There’s no safe moment to look unaided here — keep certified eyewear on the entire time.

ISO 12312-2 certified
CE · EU 2016/425 PPE
Made & shipped in the EU

Venice eclipse FAQ

Will Venice see a total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026?

No. Venice is outside the path of totality and sees a partial eclipse, with about 91.2% of the Sun covered at maximum. That is a striking sight through eclipse glasses, but it is not totality — the corona does not appear, the sky does not go dark, and there is no moment when it is safe to look without protection. The path of totality crosses northern Spain.

What time is the eclipse in Venice?

The partial phase begins at about 19:27 CEST and maximum — 91.2% coverage — comes at roughly 20:19 CEST. The Sun sets at 20:23 CEST, during the eclipse — so the later stages happen below the horizon and an open west-northwest view is essential.

Do I need eclipse glasses in Venice?

Yes, for the entire eclipse without exception. This is the most important difference from a total eclipse: because the Sun is never fully covered, there is never a safe moment to look with the naked eye. Even at 91.2% coverage the remaining sliver is dangerously bright. Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE glasses stay on from start to finish.

Where should I watch from in Venice?

The Sun is only about 0° above the horizon at maximum, so you need an open, unobstructed view to the west-northwest. Buildings, hills and trees in that direction will hide the deepest phase.

Is Venice a good place to watch the 2026 eclipse?

It is atmospheric rather than optimal. Venice sees about 91% coverage — the lowest of the major northern Italian cities — and the Sun is barely above the horizon at maximum, setting during the eclipse. The lagoon does give a flat, open western horizon, which helps. For deeper coverage and a slightly higher Sun, Milan or Turin are better.

Will the weather be clear in Venice on eclipse day?

Northern Italy is usually dry in mid-August, but the Po valley is prone to summer haze — and with the Sun setting into the eclipse, that haze sits exactly where you need to look.

Keep exploring the path

Nearby regions to watch from

● Partial

Kilder: timeanddate.com · nationaleclipse.com · eclipsophile.com (vejr) · Gobierno de Aragón · BBC Sky at Night. Tidspunkter er lokale (CEST).