Castellón de la Plana
Castellón de la Plana sits inside the path of totality for the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse. The Moon fully covers the Sun at 8:31 PM local time (CEST), delivering 1 minute 37 seconds of true totality with the Sun just 5° above the western horizon. The partial phase begins around 7:37 PM, and the Sun sets at 9:00 PM while still eclipsed — so the show ends at sunset, not before.
When it happens in Castellón de la Plana
| Partial begins | 7:37 PM CEST |
| Totality begins | 8:31 PM CEST |
| Maximum (totality, 1 min 37 sec) | 8:31 PM CEST |
| Totality ends | 8:32 PM CEST |
| Sun sets — eclipse still in progress | 9:00 PM CEST |
All times local (CEST); the Sun is just 5° up at maximum and sets at 9:00 PM while still eclipsed — the show ends at sunset, so a clear, low horizon is essential.
What you'll see
During those 1 minute 37 seconds the Sun vanishes completely: the sky drops to near-darkness, the corona blazes around the black disc, and planets may pop into view just above the western horizon. Because the Sun is only 5° up, the whole spectacle is framed against the colours of an oncoming sunset — a rare and dramatic combination. After totality the Sun stays partly covered, but it sets at 9:00 PM before the Moon finishes moving away, so the eclipse ends when the Sun disappears below the horizon.
Where to watch from
At just 5° altitude, anything to the west — a building, a low hill, coastal haze — will block the Sun entirely. Head to the seafront or find the flattest, most open view toward the west-north-west you can, ideally over the Mediterranean, to give yourself a fighting chance of seeing that low corona.
Where to stand in Castellón de la Plana
- Look west-northwest — the Sun is 5° above the horizon at maximum, on a bearing of 286°. At that height anything on the skyline — buildings, a low ridge, even tall trees — will hide it, so you need a genuinely open view. The Sun sets at 9:00 PM while still eclipsed, so the show ends at sunset here — there is no second chance later in the evening.
- Be in position by 7:37 PM, when the partial phase starts, and scout the west-northwest skyline from your spot the day before if you can.
- Check before you travel: AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency) for cloud cover, and DGT traffic and road status for road status. Both are official national services and open in a new tab.
Horizon direction and altitude computed with Astronomy Engine for Castellón de la Plana (39.9864, -0.0513). Last reviewed 2026-08-16.
Protect your eyes
Wear certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses through the entire partial phase from around 7:37 PM onward. The only moment it is safe to remove them is during the 1 minute 37 seconds of totality beginning at 8:31 PM — put them straight back on the instant the brilliant diamond ring flares at 8:32 PM, and keep them on until the Sun sets at 9:00 PM.
Common questions
Does Castellón de la Plana see totality?
Yes. Castellón is inside the path of totality, with 1 minute 37 seconds of complete coverage starting at 8:31 PM local time (CEST) on August 12, 2026. The Sun is very low — just 5° above the horizon — so a clear western view is essential.
What time is the eclipse in Castellón de la Plana?
The Moon starts covering the Sun around 7:37 PM, totality runs from 8:31 PM to 8:32 PM, and then the Sun — still partly eclipsed — sets at 9:00 PM. All times are local (CEST). The eclipse is not over at sunset; the horizon simply ends the view.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Castellón de la Plana?
Yes, for every moment except totality itself. Keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from the start of the partial phase at around 7:37 PM, remove them only for the 1 minute 37 seconds of totality at 8:31 PM, then put them back on immediately and wear them until the Sun sets at 9:00 PM.