Weather and Visibility Considerations
Your best bet for clear skies is northern Spain and southern France, which typically have sunny conditions in August. Iceland and Greenland, while on the path, are more prone to overcast skies, so weather forecasts will play a huge role closer to the date.
Timing of the Eclipse
The start and end times of the eclipse vary depending on your location. Here's a general timeline (in local times):
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Portugal/Spain: Totality begins around 7:30 PM
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France: Around 7:45 PM
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Iceland: Around 6:45 PM
Exact times will differ by city, so use eclipse calculators or maps to find your local eclipse schedule.
Interactive Maps and Tools
If you want to get detailed, check out these resources:
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NASA’s Eclipse Explorer
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Timeanddate.com Eclipse Map
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GreatAmericanEclipse.com
These tools let you enter your city and get personalized eclipse details, including duration, percent coverage, and best times to view.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 total solar eclipse is shaping up to be an incredible global event. Whether you’re traveling to Spain, exploring Portugal, or chasing shadows in the French countryside, now is the time to start planning. The path of totality is narrow, but the experience is unforgettable.
Choose your location wisely, check the weather, and don’t forget your eclipse glasses!
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Best Places to See the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Preparing for Your 2026 Eclipse Viewing Expedition