Solar Eclipse UK Aug 12 2026: Times, % & Where to Watch

By Dr. Sarah Jenkins | Last updated: 2 August 2026

On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, the UK and Ireland will experience a spectacular deep partial solar eclipse. With roughly 90% of the Sun covered during the evening hours, viewers will need an unobstructed low north-west horizon to witness this rare celestial event safely.

Is the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse visible from the UK?

Yes, but it will not be a total eclipse. The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will see a very deep partial solar eclipse. Observers looking for complete darkness must travel to the path of totality across Spain and Iceland or Greenland.

A historic celestial event: For those staying in Britain, this remains the largest solar eclipse visible from our shores since the famous event of 11 August 1999, offering a stunning visual for millions of residents.

• Date and Time – Wednesday, 12 August 2026, during the evening hours (BST).
• Coverage – Averaging 90% across the UK, peaking at over 94% in western coastal regions.
• Next UK Total Eclipse – Not occurring until 2090, making this near-miss a must-see event.

Timing your viewing: Knowing exactly when to look is critical, as the Sun will be steadily sinking toward the horizon as the eclipse progresses.

What time is the solar eclipse in the UK?

City-by-city variations: The exact minute the Moon begins to cross the Sun depends on your precise coordinates. Sourced from the Royal Museums Greenwich and HM Nautical Almanac Office, the event generally begins across the UK shortly after 17:15 BST, reaches maximum coverage around 18:15 BST, and concludes by 19:20 BST.

Important timing note: Because exact minute-level predictions require your specific location, we strongly recommend using the table below as a guide. If a specific city time cannot be verified to the exact minute for your neighbourhood, please check local time using an astronomy app.

How much of the Sun will be covered where you live?

The south-west advantage: The percentage of the Sun obscured by the Moon increases the further south and west you travel. Cornwall will see an impressive ~95% coverage, while Pembrokeshire reaches ~94%. The Republic of Ireland also exceeds 90% coverage in most areas. In contrast, north-eastern regions like Aberdeen will see slightly less, though still a remarkable ~88%.

Local coverage and times: Review the data below to understand the eclipse magnitude for major cities across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Planning your evening: With maximum eclipse occurring after 18:00 BST, the Sun will be descending rapidly. This brings us to the most crucial practical advice for UK observers.

Why this eclipse looks different – the low evening Sun

Horizon obstruction is your biggest risk. Unlike midday eclipses that occur high overhead, this event happens in the evening with the Sun low in the north-western sky. You must find a vantage point with an unobstructed low north-west horizon. Trees, buildings, and hills will easily block your view if you are not careful.

How to watch safely

Eye protection is non-negotiable. You must use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses for the ENTIRE event. Because totality never occurs in the UK, there is NO safe moment to remove them. This is the most important safety distinction between viewing the partial eclipse from Britain and watching the total eclipse from regions like Spain or Iceland.

Alternative viewing methods: If you cannot secure certified glasses, building a simple pinhole projector is a free, safe alternative. This allows you to project the crescent shape of the Sun onto a piece of white card, completely avoiding direct eye exposure.

• Never use everyday items – Sunglasses, smoked glass, exposed film, or CDs offer zero protection against severe retinal damage.
• Avoid unfiltered optics – Never look through binoculars, a telescope, or a phone lens without a certified FRONT-mounted solar filter.
• Check for certification – Ensure your glasses clearly display the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.

UK weather outlook and cloud risk for 12 August

Navigating British weather: Mid-August climatology in the UK can be unpredictable. While summer evenings often provide clear breaks, coastal fog or evening cloud build-up is always a possibility. The Met Office advises checking a final, localized weather forecast 48 hours before the event. Those travelling abroad should also monitor the wildfire smoke risk over northern Spain.

Best places to watch in the UK and Ireland

Location is everything. Coastal west or south-west facing beaches, hilltops, and open moorland offer the best chances of a clear sightline. The Cornish coast, the Pembrokeshire coastline in Wales, and the western shores of Ireland are premier destinations.

Can I photograph it?

Yes, but equipment matters. A solar filter is mandatory for any camera lens to prevent sensor damage. Because the Sun will be so low, wide-angle landscape shots capturing the crescent Sun alongside local landmarks will likely work better than extreme telephoto close-ups.

A night of astronomical wonders: The eclipse occurs at New Moon, resulting in perfectly dark skies later that night. This is ideal because the Perseids peak the same night. Early risers can also catch a six-planet alignment before sunrise, making 12 August 2026 a truly historic date.

Still have questions? Review our frequently asked questions below to ensure you are fully prepared for the biggest UK solar eclipse since 1999.