While Iceland offers dramatic landscapes, Spain offers the best weather odds for the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse. With historically clear August skies and world-class infrastructure, Spain is the safest bet for guaranteed views.
Eclipse Overview
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time in Spain: Approximately 8:30-9:00 PM local time (sunset eclipse!)
Duration: Up to 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality
Path Width: Approximately 290 km (180 miles)
Sun Altitude: Low on horizon (dramatic photography opportunity)
Unique Feature: This will be a sunset eclipse in Spain—the Sun will be low on the western horizon during totality, creating spectacular photo opportunities with silhouetted landscapes.
Best Cities for Eclipse Viewing
City
Totality
Aug Clear Sky %
Rating
Zaragoza
~1 min 50 sec
75-80%
Best Choice
Huesca
~2 min
70-75%
Excellent
Lleida
~1 min 45 sec
70-75%
Excellent
Valencia
~1 min 30 sec
65-70%
Very Good
Palma de Mallorca
~1 min 40 sec
65-70%
Very Good
Bilbao
~1 min 20 sec
50-55%
Good (coastal fog risk)
A Coruña
~1 min 45 sec
45-50%
Good (Atlantic weather)
Madrid
Partial only (~95%)
80%
Not in totality path
Recommendation: The Zaragoza-Huesca region in Aragón offers the best combination of totality duration and clear sky probability. This inland area has historically excellent August weather.
Detailed City Guides
Zaragoza (Best Overall Choice)
Why: Excellent weather, central location, good infrastructure
Totality: ~1 minute 50 seconds
Weather: 75-80% clear sky probability in August
Airport: Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) with connections to major cities
Attractions: Basílica del Pilar, Aljafería Palace, Roman ruins
Viewing spots: Open areas outside city, Monegros desert region
Valencia
Why: Beach destination, excellent food scene, good weather
Totality: ~1 minute 30 seconds
Weather: 65-70% clear sky probability
Airport: Valencia Airport (VLC) with many international flights
Attractions: City of Arts and Sciences, beaches, Old Town
Viewing spots: Beaches, Albufera Natural Park
Palma de Mallorca
Why: Island paradise, combine eclipse with beach vacation
Totality: ~1 minute 40 seconds
Weather: 65-70% clear sky probability
Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) - major hub
Attractions: Beaches, Tramuntana mountains, historic old town
Viewing spots: Western coast beaches, Cap de Formentor
San Sebastián: Pintxos bars, stunning beaches (near Bilbao)
Valencia: City of Arts and Sciences, paella birthplace
Mallorca: Beach paradise, Tramuntana hiking
Unique Experiences
Wine tasting in La Rioja (near totality path)
Hiking in the Pyrenees (northern edge of path)
Flamenco shows in major cities
Medieval towns: Toledo, Segovia, Cuenca
Book Your Spain Eclipse Trip
Experience the 2026 total solar eclipse in one of Europe's most beloved destinations. Spain offers the best weather odds, world-class cuisine, and unforgettable culture.