Solar Eclipse United Kingdom – 12 August 2026

On 12 August 2026, the UK will experience one of the most dramatic solar eclipses visible from the island in centuries. With over 90% of the Sun covered across most of the country, this evening eclipse will produce noticeable darkening and unusual atmospheric effects.

Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible in the UK?

Yes. A deep partial solar eclipse will be visible across all of the UK on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

In many parts of the country, over 90% of the Sun will be covered at peak making the UK one of the strongest viewing locations to watch the Great European Solar Eclipse.

This will be the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK in centuries.

How Much of the Sun Will Be Covered in the UK?

Approximate maximum coverage:

  • London – 91.5%

  • Birmingham – 91.8%
  • Manchester – 91.4%
  • Liverpool – 91.9%
  • Bristol – 92.9%
  • Glasgow – 91.4%
  • Edinburgh – 90.7%
  • Belfast – 93.1%
  • Cardiff – 93.2%
  • Truro – 95.3%

Even though the UK is not within the path of totality, this level of coverage still has significant and noticeable effects such as:

  • Noticeable darkening of the sky – you may notice streetlights turning on and it’ll be a dusky grey-blue so similar to deep twilight

  • A change in light quality – often described as muted or metallic

  • Cooler temperatures – you may notice the temperature drop 2-4°C within a short period of time

  • Strong reactions from crowds at public viewing events

What Time Is the Eclipse in the UK?

Times vary slightly by location, but approximate national timing is:

  • Begins: 5:59PM 

  • Maximum Eclipse: Around 7:05PM

  • Ends: 8:10PM

Because the eclipse occurs during the evening in summer, most people will be able to observe it without work or school conflicts.

How Do I Safely View This Eclipse in the UK?

Even at 90-95% coverage, the remaining sunlight is still intense enough to cause permanent eye damage.

You must use solar eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2 and CE safety standards whenever any part of the Sun is visible. Only purchase from sellers that provide proof of ISO 12312-2 and CE Certification. Your eyesight is not worth risking because you only get one pair of eyes.

Do not attempt to view the eclipse through cameras, telescopes, binoculars or through anything else other than certified solar eclipse glasses.

Only during totality (which does not occur in the UK) it is safe to look without protection.

Why This Eclipse Is Special for the UK

  • It is the first major European solar eclipse in decades

  • Over 90% coverage across most of the country

  • Occurs during the summer holiday period

  • Visible across the entire country

  • It is the UK's largest solar eclipse since 1999

The UK will be one of the strongest non-totality viewing locations in Europe.

Best Places to Watch in the UK

For the best viewing experience, choose a location with a clear and unobstructed view of the western sky. Recommended Locations include:

  • Coastal areas, particularly the west coast of Great Britain

  • London (by Big Ben and the London Eye)
  • The Giant's Causeway

  • Elevated Hills

  • Beaches and open parks

  • Organised public viewing events

Southwestern UK, particularly Cornwall, will experience the highest coverage at around 95% of the sun covered at peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a total eclipse in the UK?

No. It is a deep partial eclipse with over 90% coverage across most of the country. The UK close to the narrow path of totality.

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely! The visual difference between 80% and 90% coverage is significant. The light becomes noticeably dimmer, the Sun appears as a thin crescent, and temperatures may briefly drop. Those effects will happen even if it's cloudy. A solar eclipse of this scale will not be visible from Ireland again for many decades.

What if it's rainy or cloudy?

Cloud cover can affect visibility of the Sun itself. If skies are heavily overcast, you may not be able to see the moon 'taking a bite' of the Sun.

However, even with partial cloud cover, eclipses usually remain visible through thinner cloud layers. In addition, wider atmospheric effects — such as dimmer daylight and a slight temperature drop — will still be noticeable even if the Sun covered by the clouds.

As with any outdoor astronomical event in the UK, checking the weather forecast in the days leading up to 12 August 2026 is recommended.

Can I use sunglasses?

No, regular sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection for viewing the Sun, even if you use many of them at once. You must use solar viewing glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2 and CE safety standards.