Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz sits inside the path of totality for the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse. The Moon fully covers the Sun at 8:27 PM local time (CEST), delivering 1 minute 8 seconds of true totality with the Sun just 8° above the horizon. The partial phase begins around 7:32 PM, and the Sun sets at 9:17 PM still partly eclipsed — so sunset marks the end of the show.
When it happens in Vitoria-Gasteiz
| Partial begins | 7:32 PM CEST |
| Totality begins | 8:27 PM CEST |
| Maximum (totality, 1 min 8 sec) | 8:28 PM CEST |
| Totality ends | 8:28 PM CEST |
| Sun sets — eclipse still in progress | 9:17 PM CEST |
All times local (CEST); the Sun is just 8° up at maximum and sets at 9:17 PM while still eclipsed — the show ends at sunset, so a clear, low horizon is essential.
What you'll see
For those 1 minute 8 seconds of totality, day drops to deep twilight: the Sun's corona — its pearly outer atmosphere — flares around a perfectly black disc sitting just above the western horizon, and the sky around it takes on the colours of a 360° sunset. The low altitude makes it theatrical rather than convenient; the corona will glow against a darkening dusk sky in a way you rarely see. Before and after, the Moon slowly bites into the Sun for nearly an hour, and the partial phase continues until the still-eclipsed Sun slips below the horizon at 9:17 PM.
Where to watch from
At only 8° altitude, any building, hill, or tree to the west-northwest will block your view entirely, so finding a genuinely clear, flat horizon in that direction is essential — open farmland on the plain surrounding the city, or a spot on the western edge of town with unobstructed views, will serve you far better than any city-centre square.
Protect your eyes
Wear certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses from the start of the partial phase at around 7:32 PM right up until totality begins at 8:27 PM. The only moment it is safe to look with the naked eye is during those 1 minute 8 seconds of totality itself — the instant the bright diamond-ring effect returns at 8:28 PM, put your glasses straight back on and keep them on until the Sun sets at 9:17 PM.
Common questions
Will Vitoria-Gasteiz see a total solar eclipse?
Yes. Vitoria-Gasteiz is inside the path of totality, with 1 minute 8 seconds of complete coverage beginning at 8:27 PM local time (CEST) on August 12, 2026. The Sun is very low at just 8°, so a clear western horizon is critical.
What time is the eclipse in Vitoria-Gasteiz?
The partial phase starts around 7:32 PM, totality runs from 8:27 PM to 8:28 PM, and then the partial eclipse continues until the Sun sets at 9:17 PM — all in local time (CEST). The Sun is still eclipsed when it sets, so sunset is the end of the event.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Vitoria-Gasteiz?
Yes, for almost the entire event. Keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from 7:32 PM until totality at 8:27 PM, and again from 8:28 PM until sunset at 9:17 PM. The only exception is the 1 minute 8 seconds of totality itself — that brief window is the sole moment naked-eye viewing is safe.