Get ready for a historic solar eclipse on August 12, 2026! Exact time by city, blackout map and tips for observing it safely.
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Summary
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Europe is preparing to experience a historic encounter with the sky: the first total solar eclipse visible on the continent since 1999. This exceptional astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Moon is perfectly aligned between the Earth and the Sun. The solar eclipse will plunge some regions into complete darkness during the middle of the day. If Iceland and Spain are lucky enough to be directly in the “totality band”, France will also have a front row seat to admire the grand celestial spectacle at dusk.
After all, France will indeed witness a partial eclipse of unprecedented magnitude: the Sun will be darkened by more than 90% across almost the entire country, with Biarritz and Hendaye even approaching 99.5% darkening. But be careful: since the phenomenon will occur when the Sun is very low on the horizon, there will be no improvisation. At what exact moment will peak darkness occur in your municipality? Where can I find the required certified safety glasses? With a shadow map, city-by-city schedule and safety tips, here’s your ultimate guide to making sure you don’t miss out on anything from this unique event.
What is the date and time of the next total solar eclipse in Europe?
The next total solar eclipse visible in Europe will occur Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This historic astronomical event will occur at the end of the day, when the eclipse is expected to be at its maximum. around 20:20. (Paris time). In France, the sun will set, partially obscured by the moon, offering a unique spectacle to be seen just before dusk.
What will the visibility of the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 be in France?
If mainland France is located just outside the total eclipse, the event will remain memorable as we witness a large-scale partial eclipse. The degree of obscuration (the Sun’s surface obscured by the Moon) will be greater the closer you get to the southwest and the Spanish border. For example, the Sun will be more than 90% obscured in the Basque Country and Perpignan, about 80% in Paris, and about 70% in northeastern France. At the end of the day, the lighting atmosphere will become strange, almost twilight. In the table below you can find out the level of darkness by city.
The solar corona, visible only at 100% totality of the eclipse. © reverse_jr – stock.adobe.com
What time will the solar eclipse begin on August 12, 2026? Exact timetables by city
The eclipse will occur in the late afternoon and early evening, shortly before sunset. The exact time varies by a few minutes depending on your exact location. In France and Spain, the show will begin with a partial phase around 19:30. (local time). The maximum of the eclipse (peak darkness) will occur between 20:20. and 8:35 p.m., when the Sun will be very low on the horizon. This is an important detail for your organization: you must choose an observation site with a completely clear horizon from west to northwest (no trees, hills or buildings) so as not to miss the event.
Note: in the east (eg Nice or Strasbourg), although the percentage is very high, the Sun will already be extremely low or setting at the moment of maximum. According to official calculations by the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Calculus of Ephemeris (IMCCE), here is the maximum degree of darkness for each major city in France with the corresponding schedule to fully experience the eclipse on August 12, 2026:
| City of France | Dimming speed | Exact time of maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Biarritz | 99.4% | 20:26 |
| Pow | 98.5% | 20:26 |
| Toulouse | 97.8% | 20:26 |
| Bordeaux | 97.5% | 20:24 |
| Brest | 96.5% | 20:19 |
| Limoges | 96.1% | 20:22 |
| Nantes | 95.8% | 20:21 |
| Rennes | 95.1% | 20:18 |
| Tours | 94.4% | 20:20 |
| Orleans | 93.4% | 20:19 |
| Paris | 92.2% | 20:17 |
| Rouen | 92.1% | 20:16 |
| Perpignan | 96.8% | 20:28 |
| Montpellier | 95.7% | 20:27 |
| Marseilles | 95.3% | 20:25 |
| Good | 95.1% | 20:24 |
| Lyon | 93.8% | 20:21 |
| Dijon | 92.1% | 20:18 |
| Lille | 90.4% | 20:14 |
| Strasbourg | 89.9% | 20:16 |
Where to see the total eclipse on August 12, 2026? Best places abroad
To observe the entire solar eclipse (that magical moment when the Sun is 100% hidden by the Moon), you will need to be in the totality band, a fairly narrow geographic line that crosses the Atlantic and Europe. The best choice for the French is to go to Spain. Here are three iconic locations for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026:
- Spain : This is a flagship destination in Europe. The total eclipse will cross much of the north and center of the country, passing through cities such as Bilbao, Burgos, Zaragoza and the outskirts of Madrid. The chance of clear skies there is highest in mid-August.
- Iceland : The totality strip concerns the west of the country, including the capital Reykjavik. The spectacle promises to be magnificent over the volcanic landscape, provided that the weather in Iceland is mild.
- Greenland : This is the first terrestrial area touched by the moon’s shadow, ideal for scientific expeditions, but more difficult to access by the general public!
The track of the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 in Europe was made according to data from the Paris Observatory. © Linternaute.com
It is extremely dangerous to look at the Sun with the naked eye, even when it is 95% obscured. Infrared and ultraviolet rays can permanently burn the retina without you feeling any pain.
When is the next total eclipse in France?
If you miss 2026 or a partial eclipse leaves you hungry, you’ll have to be patient (or take a trip). The next total solar eclipse visible directly from French soil will not occur until September 3, 2081.
However, another remarkable eclipse, this time an annular one (the famous “ring of fire”), will cross the south of France and Spain on January 26, 2028. Stop planning your future meetings with the stars!