Weather Analysis

Weather Guide for the 2028 Eclipse

A January annular eclipse over central Spain means variable winter weather. Cloud cover averages 35-42%, making a mobility plan essential for this event.

January Climate Overview

The 2028 annular solar eclipse crosses central Spain on January 26, deep in the heart of winter. This is a fundamentally different weather challenge compared to the summer eclipses of 2026 and 2027.

January in central Spain brings Atlantic weather systems that sweep across the Iberian Peninsula, bringing clouds, rain, and occasionally snow to higher elevations. The Azores High that guarantees summer sunshine is weaker and shifted southward, leaving central Spain exposed to frontal passages.

Cloud cover across the eclipse path averages 35-42%, which means roughly 4 out of 10 days are cloudy. These are not terrible odds, but they demand preparation. The good news: January weather is highly variable, and clear spells between fronts can produce brilliant blue skies across the meseta.

Temperatures will be cool but manageable, ranging from 6-10°C (43-50°F). The eclipse occurs during the middle of the day when temperatures are at their peak, so you won't be in extreme cold.

Annular Eclipse — Not Total

The 2028 event is an annular eclipse, not a total eclipse. The Moon will not fully cover the Sun, creating a spectacular "ring of fire" effect. Because the Sun is never fully blocked, you must use eclipse glasses throughout the entire event — there is no moment when it is safe to look without protection.

City-by-City Weather Comparison

Sorted by cloud cover (best to worst). Data based on January historical averages.

City	Region	Cloud Cover	Avg Temp	Precipitation	Annularity	Rating
Madrid	Community of Madrid	35%	7°C	37 mm	Partial only	Best Available
Salamanca	Castilla y León	36%	7°C	22 mm	Partial only	Fair
Segovia	Castilla y León	37%	6°C	23 mm	Partial only	Fair
Guadalajara	Castilla-La Mancha	38%	6°C	33 mm	Partial only	Fair
Toledo	Castilla-La Mancha	38%	9°C	25 mm	3m00s	Fair
Cáceres	Extremadura	40%	9°C	55 mm	Partial only	Fair
Badajoz	Extremadura	42%	10°C	48 mm	Partial only	Challenging

Best Weather Strategy

Madrid: Transport Base Only

Madrid is a well-connected logistics base, but the capital is outside the annularity path and sees only a partial eclipse. If you stay there, plan a pre-dawn relocation into the official IGN path rather than treating Madrid as the viewing destination.

Runner-Up: Guadalajara

Guadalajara city is also outside the annularity path. Do not use a Madrid–Guadalajara day trip as a ring-of-fire plan; choose a confirmed location farther south or east and verify its western horizon.

The Mobility Plan Is Essential

Unlike the 2027 eclipse, you cannot rely on climate statistics alone for 2028. Winter weather changes rapidly. Choose a base inside or close to the southeastern annularity path, monitor forecasts, and keep several west-facing viewing sites available. Annularity in Spain lasts roughly 7 minutes at the best-positioned cities.

Silver Lining: Winter Fronts Move Fast

Spanish winter weather is characterized by fast-moving Atlantic fronts. A cloudy morning can turn into a clear afternoon. Annularity occurs near sunset, so cloud during that interval and an unobstructed western horizon are what matter.

What Cloud Cover Percentages Mean

35%: Best Available

About 6-7 clear days out of 10. Madrid may be useful for transport, but it is not inside the annularity path.

38-40%: Fair

Roughly 6 clear days out of 10. Still reasonable odds, but you should monitor forecasts closely and have a backup location in mind.

42%+: Challenging

Nearly a coin flip. Badajoz and western Extremadura are more exposed to Atlantic weather systems. A mobility plan is critical here.

For Comparison

The 2027 summer eclipse has 7-12% cloud cover — roughly 3-5 times better odds than the 2028 winter eclipse. Approach 2028 with a flexible, mobile mindset.

January in Central Spain

Central Spain's winter weather follows a pattern of 3-5 clear days followed by 1-2 days of frontal cloud and rain. If you arrive a few days early, you can observe this rhythm and get a feel for whether a front will be passing through on eclipse day.

Eclipse-Day Weather Tips

Start Monitoring Weather 7 Days Out

Winter forecasts in Spain are reasonably reliable 5-7 days ahead. Use AEMET (Spain's meteorological agency), meteoblue, and the GFS/ECMWF models to track incoming fronts. By 3 days out, you should have a clear picture of eclipse-day conditions.

Rent a Car — It Is Non-Negotiable

For the 2028 eclipse, a rental car is essential, not optional. You may need to drive 100-200 km from your base to find clear skies. Book your rental well in advance, as demand will spike around eclipse week.

Know Your Escape Routes

From Madrid, you can reach clear skies in multiple directions: south toward La Mancha (A-4), east toward Guadalajara/Cuenca (A-2/A-40), or southwest toward Extremadura (A-5). Study the map and have 2-3 backup locations pre-planned.

Check Satellite Imagery at Dawn

On eclipse morning, check real-time satellite imagery from EUMETSAT. Clear gaps between cloud bands are often visible and predictable several hours in advance. The eclipse occurs around midday, giving you time to relocate.

Dress Warmly and Bring Supplies

January temperatures of 6-10°C can feel much colder with wind. Wear layers, bring warm drinks in a thermos, and have blankets or camping chairs. You may be waiting outdoors for 2-3 hours through the partial phases. Gloves that work with touchscreen devices are helpful for photography.

The Long Annularity Is Your Friend

IGN gives roughly 7 minutes of annularity in well-positioned Spanish cities such as Sevilla, Córdoba, Albacete and Valencia. The global maximum occurs in Brazil, not Spain. A clear interval must coincide with the local annular phase, so continue to plan for the best available forecast.

Explore Eclipse Cities

Compare all cities on the 2028 annular eclipse path with detailed guides on weather, transport, and viewing locations.

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