Madrid
Madrid comes extraordinarily close to totality on August 12, 2026, with 99.9% of the Sun covered at maximum — but it never quite crosses the line. The peak arrives at 8:32 PM local time (CEST), with the Sun just 7° above the western horizon. The partial phase begins around 7:36 PM and the show ends not at geometric last contact but at sunset, when the still-eclipsed Sun slips below the horizon at 9:16 PM.
When it happens in Madrid
| Partial begins | 7:36 PM CEST |
| Maximum (99.9% covered) | 8:32 PM CEST |
| Sun sets — eclipse still in progress | 9:16 PM CEST |
All times local (CEST); the Sun is just 7° up at maximum and sets at 9:16 PM while still eclipsed — the show ends at sunset, so a clear, low horizon is essential.
What you'll see
At 99.9% coverage the sky will darken dramatically, the temperature will drop, and the Sun will be reduced to the thinnest imaginable crescent — but the corona stays hidden and true darkness never falls. It is a breathtaking sight, especially against the warm colours of a Madrid dusk, but it is not totality. To experience the full black Sun and corona, the path of totality runs through northern and eastern Spain — cities like Zaragoza and Valencia are inside it.
Where to watch from
With the Sun only 7° up at maximum, a clear and completely unobstructed view toward the west-north-west is non-negotiable. Head to a park with open sky, a rooftop terrace, or the outskirts of the city — anywhere that buildings, hills, or haze to the west cannot cut off your view at that very low angle.
Where to stand in Madrid
- Look west-northwest — the Sun is 7° above the horizon at maximum, on a bearing of 283°. That is low enough that buildings and hills will block it, so an open view along that bearing is essential. The Sun sets at 9:16 PM while still eclipsed, so the show ends at sunset here — there is no second chance later in the evening.
- Be in position by 7:36 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 Madrid (40.4168, -3.7038). Last reviewed 2026-08-16.
Protect your eyes
Because Madrid sees only a partial eclipse — even at 99.9% the Sun is never fully covered — it is never safe to look without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Keep them on from the first bite at 7:36 PM all the way until the Sun sets at 9:16 PM. There is no moment here when unprotected viewing is safe, no matter how thin the crescent looks.
Common questions
Will Madrid see a total solar eclipse?
No. Madrid reaches 99.9% coverage at 8:32 PM CEST — an extraordinary partial eclipse — but not totality. The path of totality passes through northern and eastern Spain; cities like Zaragoza and Valencia are inside it.
What time is the eclipse in Madrid?
The Moon takes its first bite out of the Sun around 7:36 PM CEST. Maximum coverage of 99.9% is at 8:32 PM. The Sun sets at 9:16 PM while still eclipsed, so that is when the show ends for Madrid.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Madrid?
Yes, for the entire event. Madrid never reaches totality, so the Sun is never safe to look at without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Keep them on from start to finish — all the way until sunset at 9:16 PM.