Spain is set for a rare solar eclipse on August 12, with AEMET predicting mostly clear skies across the country. While much of the peninsula will enjoy ideal viewing conditions, low clouds may obscure the event in the north. Extreme heat and wildfire risk add further challenges.
On August 12, Spain will witness a solar eclipse, and the latest forecast from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) brings good news for most of the country. According to the special bulletin released on Sunday, stable weather is expected, with clear or mostly clear skies dominating much of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. However, the north faces a different outlook: persistent low clouds are likely in the Cantabrian region and northern Galicia, while evolving cloud cover could affect mountain areas in the north, eastern Andalusia, and the eastern third of the country. These zones face the highest risk of losing visibility during the eclipse’s peak, which is set for around 20:30 local time.
Best Places to Watch
The most favorable conditions stretch across western and central Spain, the Meseta, and the Balearic Islands. Southern regions are also expected to enjoy clear skies. In the Canary Islands, cloud cover will be concentrated on the northern slopes of the mountainous islands. One practical challenge for observers everywhere will be the low position of the sun at sunset, requiring an unobstructed view to the west. The Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) reminds viewers that a clear western horizon is essential for the best experience.
Castilla y León stands out for its excellent prospects, especially in León, Palencia, Burgos, and Soria. Zaragoza is also well positioned, except for its mountainous areas. For those seeking organized events, more than 380 official observation points have been set up across Spain. Given the expected turnout and possible access restrictions, planning ahead is advised. For readers interested in high-profile Spanish events, the recent appearance of Amancio Ortega’s superyacht Drizzle in Sardinia also drew significant attention this summer.
City-by-City Forecasts
AEMET’s municipal forecasts, which are generated automatically, sometimes differ from the special bulletin crafted by meteorologists. For example, Oviedo’s local forecast suggests mostly clear skies, but the national bulletin warns of lingering low cloud risk. The following table summarizes the outlook for key cities:
| City | Forecast for August 12 | Eclipse Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| A Coruña | Very cloudy in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon, 26°C | Total, peak at 20:28 |
| Oviedo | Mostly clear, 30°C, but risk of low clouds remains | Total |
| Bilbao | Cloudy morning, clear afternoon, 36°C | Total |
| Burgos | Mostly clear, then clear, 37°C | Total, peak at 20:29 |
| Madrid | Clear, 38°C, 0% precipitation | Partial |
| Zaragoza | Clear, then mostly clear, 40°C | Total |
| València | Mostly clear, 33°C, 0% precipitation | Total |
| Palma | Clear, 36°C, 0% precipitation | Total, sun at two degrees above horizon |
These forecasts confirm favorable conditions in Burgos, Madrid, Zaragoza, València, and Palma. A Coruña faces a more challenging outlook, while Oviedo and Bilbao show some discrepancies between local and national predictions. In Madrid, the eclipse will be partial, but skies should remain clear. In Palma, the eclipse will be total, but the sun will be just two degrees above the horizon, so any nearby building or tree could block the view. Observers are advised to prioritize a clear western horizon, even when the forecast is positive.
Heat and Fire Risk
The eclipse will coincide with a period of intense heat. AEMET expects temperatures above 35°C in most inland areas and the Balearic Islands, with the Guadalquivir and Ebro valleys potentially exceeding 40°C. During the eclipse, temperatures are expected to drop by two to five degrees from the daily maximum. The Forest Fire Danger Index will reach very high or extreme levels across much of the peninsula and the Balearics. AEMET urges caution for anyone heading into the countryside or mountains, emphasizing the need to respect closures, capacity limits, and access restrictions, and to avoid any activity that could spark a fire.
Dealing with Clouds and Safety Tips
Dense low clouds can completely obscure the sun and its corona, while thin high clouds may allow viewing but reduce contrast. In the Cantabrian region or the Canary Islands, gaining altitude can help if a stable sea of clouds is present, but only authorized and safe routes should be used. In eastern Spain, moving away from mountain ranges can reduce the risk of evolving clouds and isolated storms, making coastal or plain areas preferable. Eye protection is mandatory during all partial phases of the eclipse. The ONCE and FECYT organizations are distributing free eclipse glasses across Spain, which must comply with ISO 12312-2 standards. Before heading out, check the latest AEMET updates and local forecasts for the most accurate information.
