Eclipse path
Where Bilbao sits in the shadow
Bilbao lies so close to the path edge that totality lasts only around 30 seconds. For a longer eclipse, travel south to Burgos or the Castilian meseta.
Spain · Basque Country
2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Bilbao
Bilbao is inside the path of totality for the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026. Maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 20:28 CEST, and totality lasts about 31 s. At maximum, the Sun is about 10° above the western horizon, so choose an unobstructed viewing location.
Eclipse typeTotal
Maximum Sun obscuration100%
Maximum eclipseapproximately 20:28 CEST
Totality lastsapproximately 31 s
Local eclipse circumstances for Bilbao
| Maximum eclipse | approximately 20:28 CEST |
|---|---|
| Sun altitude at maximum | 10.0° |
| Sun azimuth at maximum | 295.0° |
Times are local to the city. Circumstances can change across the urban area, so use the map for your exact viewing point and verify critical values before travel.
City map
Explore the eclipse from Bilbao
The map opens around the city. Click your intended viewing location to request detailed eclipse circumstances from the calculator.
Click anywhere on the map for exact eclipse circumstances.
Local guide
Bilbao lies inside the path of totality for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse. The city-centre estimate is ~20:28 CEST with approximately ~31 s of totality.
Sun and horizon
Where to look
At maximum the Sun sits about 10° above the west-northwest (azimuth approximately 290–300°). Surrounding hills make the low Sun hard to see from the city; Mount Artxanda above the city is the classic vantage point.
Possible viewing areas
Places to investigate in Bilbao
These are planning leads rather than guaranteed official viewing sites. Check access, closures, safety and the western horizon yourself before eclipse day.
Mount Artxanda
Funicular-accessed hill over the city with a broad western panorama.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
43.28000, -2.93000
Monte Pagasarri
Higher summit south of the city for those wanting a longer, clearer sightline.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
43.20000, -2.93000
Travel planning
Getting to and around Bilbao
Airport, metro and the Guggenheim make it a comfortable base, but its short totality means many will day-trip south into the path.
Weather strategy
Keep a mobile backup plan
Sits very near the northern edge of the path — only about 30 seconds of totality — and the Basque coast is cloud-prone. Consider moving south toward Burgos for a longer, safer view. Historical August climate is a guide, not a forecast — check the 48-hour outlook and keep a backup location.
Nearby alternatives
Compare other eclipse cities
Spain · Cantabria
Santander
Total 100% · approximately 20:27 CEST
Distance: 74 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:27 CEST with about 1 min 04 s of totality.
Spain · La Rioja
Logroño
Total 100% · approximately 20:29 CEST
Distance: 98 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:29 CEST with about 1 min 19 s of totality.
Spain · Castile and León
Burgos
Total 100% · approximately 20:29 CEST
Distance: 120 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:29 CEST with about 1 min 44 s of totality.
Spain · Castile and León
Palencia
Total 100% · approximately 20:29 CEST
Distance: 190 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:29 CEST with about 1 min 42 s of totality.
Local questions
Bilbao eclipse FAQ
Is the 2026 eclipse total in Bilbao?
Yes. Bilbao lies inside the path of totality. Maximum eclipse is around 20:28 CEST, with about 31 s of totality at the city centre.
Which direction should I look from Bilbao?
Look toward the west-northwest, at an azimuth of approximately 295°. The Sun is about 10° above the horizon at maximum, so check the sightline before eclipse day.
How long does totality last in Bilbao?
Totality lasts about 31 s at the city centre. The exact duration changes slightly across the surrounding area.
Sources and review notes
- NationalEclipse.com — 2026 city data (NASA/Espenak) — Totality start times and durations
- Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), Spain — Official Spanish eclipse circumstances
- timeanddate.com — 12 August 2026 eclipse — Global timings and obscuration
City guide last reviewed: 2026-07-10.