London
London is well outside the path of totality, but it still gets a striking show: on August 12, 2026 the Moon covers about 91% of the Sun at maximum, at 7:13 PM local time (BST), low in the west-north-west.
When it happens in London
| Partial begins | 6:17 PM BST |
| Maximum (91.3% covered) | 7:13 PM BST |
| Partial ends | 8:06 PM BST |
All times local (BST); the Sun is 10° above the horizon at maximum.
What you'll see
A thick crescent Sun rather than full darkness. At 91% covered the daylight turns flat and silvery and the air cools, but it never goes dark and the Sun's corona stays hidden. For the full black-Sun experience you would need to be in the path of totality across Iceland or northern and eastern Spain.
Where to watch from
The Sun is only about 10° above the horizon at maximum, so you need a clear, low view toward the west-north-west — a hilltop, a park, or anywhere the rooftops don't get in the way.
Protect your eyes
This is the part that matters: because London never sees totality, it is never safe to look at the Sun here with the naked eye. Keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on the entire time — there is no moment, not even at maximum, when unprotected viewing is safe.
Common questions
Will London see a total solar eclipse?
No. London sees a deep partial eclipse — about 91% of the Sun covered at 7:13 PM (BST) — but not totality. The path of totality passes well to the north and west, across Iceland and northern and eastern Spain.
What time is the eclipse in London?
It begins around 6:17 PM, reaches its 91% maximum at 7:13 PM, and finishes by about 8:06 PM — all in local time (BST).
Do I need eclipse glasses in London?
Yes, the entire time. Since the Sun is never fully covered from London, there is no safe naked-eye moment — keep certified eclipse glasses on from start to finish.