Edinburgh
Edinburgh sits outside the path of totality, but the eclipse on August 12, 2026 is still well worth watching: the Moon covers 90.6% of the Sun at maximum, peaking at 7:05 PM local time (BST) with the Sun 14° above the horizon in the west-north-west.
When it happens in Edinburgh
| Partial begins | 6:08 PM BST |
| Maximum (90.6% covered) | 7:05 PM BST |
| Partial ends | 7:59 PM BST |
All times local (BST); the Sun is 14° above the horizon at maximum.
What you'll see
At 90.6% covered, daylight turns noticeably flat and silvery — temperatures dip, colours look odd, and the Sun is reduced to a thin crescent. It's genuinely striking, but it never goes dark and the corona stays hidden. For the full black-Sun experience, the path of totality runs through Iceland and northern and eastern Spain.
Where to watch from
At 14° up the Sun is fairly low, so aim for a spot with an open, unobstructed view toward the west-north-west — a park, a hilltop like Calton Hill, or anywhere clear of rooftops and trees.
Protect your eyes
Because Edinburgh never reaches totality, it is never safe to look at the Sun without protection here. Keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from the first bite around 6:08 PM right through to the end at about 7:59 PM — there is no moment when unprotected viewing is safe.
Common questions
Will Edinburgh see a total solar eclipse?
No. Edinburgh sees a deep partial eclipse — 90.6% of the Sun covered at maximum — but the Sun is never fully blocked. The path of totality passes across Iceland and northern and eastern Spain, well away from Scotland.
What time is the eclipse in Edinburgh?
The Moon first clips the Sun at around 6:08 PM, maximum coverage of 90.6% is at 7:05 PM, and the eclipse is completely over by about 7:59 PM — all in local time (BST).
Do I need eclipse glasses in Edinburgh?
Yes, for the entire eclipse. The Sun is never fully covered from Edinburgh, so there is no safe naked-eye moment at any point — keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from start to finish.