Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026: Path, Times & Weather
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a narrow path of totality crosses eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain, while a partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, northwest Africa, and even a sliver of North America.
Here's your complete guide to where and when to watch — plus the one factor no eclipse map can guarantee: the weather.
The path of totality
The moon's umbral shadow first touches down in the Arctic, then races southeast:
- Eastern Greenland — totality in the late afternoon over remote Arctic terrain.
- Western Iceland — totality in the early evening, roughly 17:43–17:50 UTC.
- Northern Spain — the shadow arrives around 18:25 UTC, or about 8:25 pm local time, then continues toward the Balearic Islands.
- A tiny corner of northern Portugal catches the edge of the path.
At maximum, the total phase lasts about 2 minutes 18 seconds. In Spain, the eclipsed sun will hang low in the western sky near sunset, which makes for dramatic viewing but also means you need an unobstructed western horizon.
Not in the path? You still get a show
A large partial eclipse will be visible across a wide region:
- UK and Ireland: a deep partial eclipse, with roughly 90–96% of the sun covered in many areas.
- Western Europe and northwest Africa: a substantial partial eclipse in the evening.
- Northern United States and Canada: a smaller partial eclipse for northern regions.
Eye safety is non-negotiable
Except during the brief moments of totality inside the narrow path, never look at the sun without certified eclipse glasses meeting ISO 12312-2.
Sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing. Neither are phone cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters. Optics concentrate sunlight and can cause permanent eye damage in seconds. Only during totality itself, and only if you are inside the path, is naked-eye viewing safe.
The forecast matters as much as the map
Every eclipse chaser knows the hard truth: geography gets you into the path, but weather decides the experience. A perfect location under a solid cloud deck sees nothing. A backup site 50 km away under a clear break can save the day.
That's where WeatherScope helps:
- Satellite and radar layers show where cloud is and where it's moving in the hours before totality.
- The forecast chart layer helps you spot fronts and pressure systems shaping cloud cover.
- Live weather cameras let you check real sky conditions at candidate viewing sites before you commit to a drive.
- Saved locations make it easy to compare a primary site with two or three backups.
A simple strategy works best: pick your primary site, save one or two backup locations, and let the sky data help you make the final call on eclipse afternoon.
For more planning help, see our feature posts on WeatherScope's live camera tools and forecast-chart layers, and if you're staying out after sunset, don't miss our guide to the Perseid meteor shower 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026?
The moon's shadow crosses Greenland in the late afternoon, western Iceland around 17:43–17:50 UTC, and northern Spain from about 18:25 UTC or 8:25 pm local time. Partial phases begin roughly an hour before totality at each location.
Where can I see the total eclipse?
Only inside the narrow path of totality: eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain, and a small corner of northern Portugal, ending near the Balearic Islands.
Can I see it from the United States?
Northern parts of the United States and Canada will see a small partial eclipse. Outside those areas, following a livestream may be the best option.
Do I need eclipse glasses?
Yes. For every partial phase, everywhere, eclipse glasses are required. Only during the brief period of totality, inside the path, is naked-eye viewing safe.
What if it's cloudy?
Stay flexible. Watch satellite imagery and live weather cameras through the afternoon, and be willing to reposition if a clearer patch opens nearby.
Clear skies are the whole game
Download WeatherScope to track cloud cover along the eclipse path in real time with satellite, radar, forecast charts, and live weather cameras in one app.
