Photo: Lad 2011 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Partial solar eclipse · 12 August 2026

Where to watch the 2026 solar eclipse in Leeds

Leeds sees a deep partial eclipse on 12 August 2026 — about 90.7% of the Sun covered at around 19:09 BST, with the Sun a comfortable ~12° above the horizon.

Partial eclipse Get certified eclipse glasses

Maximum~19:09 BSTEngland · United Kingdom · 12 Aug 2026

Duration~1h 51m 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~12° above the WNW horizonhigh enough that cloud, not terrain, is the risk

Coverage90.7% (partial)Leeds is OUTSIDE the path of totality. About 90.7% 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 Cloud is the main risk · ≈45%This is Britain in August: cloud is the default and a clear evening is a bonus. The Sun is high enough that a gap is all you need.

Counting down to maximum

—days —hrs —min —sec

Leeds sees a deep partial eclipse on 12 August 2026 — about 90.7% of the Sun covered at around 19:09 BST, with the Sun a comfortable ~12° above the horizon.

Below: Leeds's exact timings, the best open viewpoints, why your eclipse glasses never come off here, and where the real totality is.

The timeline

When the eclipse happens

~18:12 BSTPartial begins — first "bite" out of the Sun

~19:09 BSTPartial — ~1h 51m of partial eclipse. Glasses off only if total.

~20:41 BSTEclipse ends ~20:03 BST

The eclipse runs from about 18:12 to 20:03 BST, with maximum at around 19:09 and the Sun ~12° above the west-northwest horizon. The eclipse finishes before sunset at 20:41 BST, so you are not racing the horizon here.

Where to set up

The best places to watch

Otley Chevin

Elevated · escarpment

Best panorama near Leeds

The ridge above Otley gives a long open view south and west across Wharfedale — the standout local viewpoint.

Roundhay Park

Park · vast open

Space and clear sky

One of Europe's largest city parks, with open ground and wide sightlines.

Ilkley Moor

Elevated · moorland

Height and big skies

Open moorland with unobstructed horizons a short drive north-west.

Temple Newsam estate

Park · open ground

Room and low horizon

Large open parkland east of the city with clear western views.

West over the Pennines

Alternative weather

Different cloud draw

Crossing the Pennines often finds different conditions on the same evening.

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?

This is Britain in August: cloud is the default and a clear evening is a bonus. The Sun is high enough that a gap is all you need.

The deciding factor here is simply whether the sky is clear at the right moment. Check the forecast in the final 48 hours and, if you can, keep the option of moving to a gap in the cloud.

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
A reasonable view west — the Sun is ~12° up, so gaps in cloud are enough
Arrive before 18:12 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

Leeds eclipse FAQ

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

No. Leeds is outside the path of totality and sees a partial eclipse, with about 90.7% of the Sun covered at maximum. It is a striking sight through eclipse glasses, but the corona does not appear and the sky does not go dark. The path of totality crosses northern Spain.

What time is the eclipse in Leeds?

The partial phase begins at about 18:12 BST and maximum — 90.7% coverage — comes at roughly 19:09 BST. The eclipse finishes before sunset at 20:41 BST, so you are not racing the horizon here.

Do I need eclipse glasses in Leeds?

Yes, for the entire eclipse without exception. Because the Sun is never fully covered, there is never a safe moment to look with the naked eye. Even at 90.7% 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 Leeds?

With the Sun about 12° above the horizon at maximum, a break in the cloud matters more than a perfect horizon — though higher, open ground still gives the best view.

Will the weather be clear in Leeds on eclipse day?

This is Britain in August: cloud is the default and a clear evening is a bonus. The Sun is high enough that a gap is all you need.

Keep exploring the path

Nearby regions to watch from

● Partial

Źródła: timeanddate.com · nationaleclipse.com · eclipsophile.com (pogoda) · Gobierno de Aragón · BBC Sky at Night. Czas lokalny (CEST).