Pamplona
Pamplona sees the Moon cover 99.9% of the Sun on August 12, 2026 — just a hair short of totality, but still a remarkable sight. Maximum coverage arrives at 8:27 PM local time (CEST), with the Sun only 7° above the horizon. The Sun sets at 9:13 PM while still eclipsed, so that is where the show ends for Pamplona.
When it happens in Pamplona
| Partial begins | 7:32 PM CEST |
| Maximum (99.9% covered) | 8:27 PM CEST |
| Sun sets — eclipse still in progress | 9:13 PM CEST |
All times local (CEST); the Sun is just 7° up at maximum and sets at 9:13 PM while still eclipsed — the show ends at sunset, so a clear, low horizon is essential.
What you'll see
A crescent Sun so thin it is almost invisible, hanging low over the western horizon as the sky dims and the evening light turns strange and coppery. Despite covering 99.9% of the Sun, this is still a partial eclipse — the corona stays hidden and there is no moment of true darkness. If you want the full totality experience, the path of totality passes through northern and eastern Spain not far away, and also across Iceland.
Where to watch from
At 7° above the horizon at maximum, the Sun will be blocked by almost any building, tree, or hill to the west-north-west. Find the most open, flat view you can in that direction — a hilltop outside town or open farmland — well before 8:27 PM.
Where to stand in Pamplona
- Look west-northwest — the Sun is 7° above the horizon at maximum, on a bearing of 284°. That is low enough that buildings and hills will block it, so an open view along that bearing is essential. The Sun sets at 9:13 PM while still eclipsed, so the show ends at sunset here — there is no second chance later in the evening.
- Be in position by 7:32 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 Pamplona (42.8125, -1.6458). Last reviewed 2026-08-16.
Protect your eyes
Because Pamplona sees only a partial eclipse — even at 99.9% — it is never safe to look at the Sun without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. There is no moment here when the Sun is fully covered, so keep your glasses on from first contact around 7:32 PM all the way until the Sun sets at 9:13 PM. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.
Common questions
Will Pamplona see a total solar eclipse?
No. Pamplona's maximum is 99.9% coverage at 8:27 PM CEST — extraordinarily close, but still a partial eclipse. The Sun is never fully covered here. The nearest path of totality runs through northern and eastern Spain and Iceland.
What time is the eclipse in Pamplona?
The Moon takes its first bite out of the Sun around 7:32 PM CEST. Maximum coverage of 99.9% is at 8:27 PM. The Sun sets at 9:13 PM while still eclipsed, so sunset is the end of the show — the geometric last contact at 9:20 PM happens below the horizon.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Pamplona?
Yes, the entire time, without exception. Since the Sun is never fully covered from Pamplona, there is no safe naked-eye moment — keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from around 7:32 PM until the Sun sets at 9:13 PM.