2026 Eclipse Weather Archive
The eclipse has ended. This page preserves the historical climate comparisons and planning advice published before 12 August 2026; it is not a current forecast.
Historical record — not a live forecast
The archived update records what AEMET and DGT published before the event. For the next total eclipse in Spain, use the dedicated 2027 weather guide.
Preparing for 2027: check your eclipse eye protection and, if you plan to photograph it, your full-aperture camera filter.
August Climate Overview
The 2026 total solar eclipse crosses northern Spain on August 12, during the height of summer. However, the eclipse path spans dramatically different climate zones, from the humid Atlantic coast of Galicia to the sun-baked interior of Aragon and the Mediterranean Balearic Islands.
Coastal cities like A Coruna and Oviedo sit in Spain's "Green Belt," where maritime air from the Atlantic frequently brings clouds and mist, even in August. Cloud cover here regularly exceeds 50%.
Inland cities like Zaragoza and Burgos benefit from the rain-shadow effect of the Cantabrian Mountains. The meseta (central plateau) and the Ebro valley enjoy significantly drier conditions, with cloud cover dropping to 15-32%.
Palma de Mallorca combines Mediterranean weather with about 1m36s of totality, but the Sun will be extremely low, so an unobstructed western horizon matters as much as cloud cover.
Late-Afternoon Eclipse
City-by-City Weather Comparison
Sorted by cloud cover (best to worst). Data based on August historical averages.
| City | Region | Cloud Cover | Avg Temp | Precipitation | Totality | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lleida | Cataluña | 18% | 30°C | 15 mm | 24s | Excellent |
| Palma de Mallorca | Balearic Islands | 20% | 28°C | 14 mm | 1m36s | Excellent |
| Zaragoza | Aragón | 22% | 26°C | 16 mm | 1m23s | Good |
| Pamplona | Navarra | 28% | 26°C | 25 mm | Partial only | Good |
| León | Castilla y León | 30% | 21°C | 22 mm | 1m45s | Good |
| Burgos | Castilla y León | 32% | 21°C | 24 mm | 1m44s | Fair |
| Vitoria-Gasteiz | Basque Country | 32% | 24°C | 30 mm | 1m01s | Fair |
| Bilbao | Basque Country | 45% | 22°C | 42 mm | 27s | Poor |
| Santander | Cantabria | 50% | 21°C | 45 mm | 1m02s | Poor |
| A Coruña | Galicia | 52% | 19°C | 34 mm | 1m16s | Poor |
| Oviedo | Asturias | 55% | 19°C | 42 mm | 1m48s | Poor |
How the Guide Compared Locations
Historical comparison: Palma de Mallorca
Palma combines lower historical cloud risk with about 1m36s of totality. The decisive drawback is the Sun's roughly 2° altitude and the lack of an overland cloud-chasing option, so it is not an automatic best choice.
Historical comparison: Zaragoza
Zaragoza sits in the dry Ebro valley with an approximate historical average of 22% cloud cover. As a major city with good road connections, it offers useful backup mobility. Totality lasts about 1m 23s in the city; always confirm the exact site with IGN data.
Pre-event mobility plan
Before the event, this guide suggested a flexible inland base and checking official forecasts before any move. That advice is preserved as planning context, not as a recommendation for a future journey.
Climate averages were not the observed weather
What Cloud Cover Percentages Mean
0-20%: Excellent
A low historical cloud average. Useful for comparing areas, but not a guarantee for a particular day.
20-35%: Good
Partly cloudy. Good odds of clear skies, but some patches of cloud are possible. Totality may peek through gaps.
35-50%: Fair
Roughly even odds. You might see the eclipse clearly, or clouds could obscure it. A mobility plan is strongly recommended.
50%+: Poor
More likely to be cloudy than clear. You will experience the darkness of totality, but may not see the corona. Have a backup location.
Cloud Cover Is an Average
Archived Pre-event Checklist
The following checklist is retained to document the operational advice published before the eclipse. It is no longer actionable for 2026.
Use AEMET's Current Forecast and Warnings
Observers were advised to check AEMET's hourly forecast and active warnings for their exact location before departure.
Have a Rental Car Ready
The original plan recommended arranging transport in advance and avoiding improvised relocation on eclipse day.
Check Satellite Imagery on Eclipse Morning
Observers were directed to current satellite imagery as a supplement to, not a replacement for, official forecasts and warnings.
Check DGT Before Relocating
The safety advice was to review DGT restrictions before moving, allow generous time and avoid improvised roadside stops.
Do Not Give Up
Even thin clouds can part at the last moment, and the Sun can shine through surprisingly thin cloud layers. Stay hopeful — the corona has been seen through light overcast on many occasions.
Sun Altitude Varies Sharply by Location
Plan for the 2027 Total Eclipse
Compare the 2027 path, southern Spain's climate and practical backup options for the next total eclipse.
Open the 2027 Weather Guide