The short answer
The solar eclipse 2027 travelers are planning for is the total solar eclipse of Monday, August 2, 2027. Its path of totality runs from the Strait of Gibraltar across North Africa to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia, and near Luxor, Egypt, the Sun stays fully covered for about 6 minutes 22 seconds. In the US, only the far eastern tip of Maine sees even a partial eclipse, so Americans who want totality need to travel.
- Date: Monday, August 2, 2027 (greatest eclipse at 10:06 UT, which is 6:06 a.m. EDT).
- Longest totality: 6 min 23 s, in central Egypt; Luxor gets about 6 min 22 s.
- Path of totality: southern Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia.
- Best bets for US travelers: Luxor or the Nile Valley for duration and dry skies; Tarifa, Cádiz or Tangier for a shorter but easier Europe-based trip.
- Next total eclipse in the US: March 30, 2033 (Alaska), then August 23, 2044 and August 12, 2045 in the Lower 48.
6m 23s
Maximum totality
258 km
Path width at greatest eclipse
10
Countries and territories in totality
2114
Next longer totality on easily reached land
In this article
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon, which looks slightly larger than the Sun from Earth on that day, passes directly in front of it and casts a narrow shadow called the path of totality. Inside that path, the sky darkens, the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) appears, and you can briefly look up without eye protection. Outside it, you only see a partial eclipse, which is a very different and much less dramatic event.
The solar eclipse 2027 path stands out because of its length. According to NASA’s eclipse predictions, totality lasts up to 6 minutes 23 seconds, and the darkest part of the shadow crosses some of the sunniest, most visited places on Earth, including the temples of Luxor. As a result, it has earned the nickname “eclipse of the century,” and tour operators, cruise lines and hotels along the route are already selling packages.
This guide covers the date and times, the full path, city-by-city durations, weather odds, State Department advisories for every country on the route, eye safety, and when the next eclipse reaches the United States. It replaces our earlier guide to the August 12, 2026 eclipse, which crossed Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain.
When Is the Solar Eclipse 2027?
The total solar eclipse takes place on Monday, August 2, 2027. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center puts greatest eclipse at 10:06:28 UT (Universal Time), which is 6:06 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. At that moment, the shadow sits over Egypt’s Eastern Desert at about 25.5 degrees north and 33.2 degrees east, southeast of Luxor.
In addition, the whole event lasts more than five hours from start to finish. The partial phase first touches Earth at 07:30 UT, the Moon’s dark shadow lands on the Atlantic at 08:23 UT, and the last partial phase leaves Earth at 12:43 UT. However, any single location sees totality for a few minutes at most, framed by roughly an hour of partial eclipse before and after.
Key facts about the total solar eclipse 2027
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, August 2, 2027 |
| Eclipse type | Total (magnitude 1.079) |
| Greatest eclipse | 10:06 UT, Eastern Desert of Egypt |
| Greatest duration | 6 min 23 s, central Egypt (26.8 N, 31.1 E) |
| Path width | About 258 km (160 miles) at greatest eclipse |
| Saros series | 136 (member 38 of 71) |
| Partial eclipse visible | Most of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia; far eastern Maine |
Why is it called the eclipse of the century?
It earns the title because no total eclipse over easily accessible land will last longer until June 3, 2114. Strictly speaking, the July 22, 2009 eclipse was longer at 6 minutes 39 seconds, but its longest totality fell over the Pacific Ocean. Notably, that 2009 eclipse belongs to the same Saros 136 family, a repeating cycle of eclipses roughly 18 years apart.
Where Is the Path of Totality?
The path of totality starts in the Atlantic, crosses the Strait of Gibraltar, and then sweeps east across North Africa, the Red Sea and Arabia before ending in the Indian Ocean. In total, it touches Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia.
- Spain and Gibraltar: the southern tip of Andalusia, including Cádiz, Tarifa, Gibraltar and Marbella, plus Spain’s North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
- Morocco: the north coast, including Tangier and Tetouan.
- Algeria and Tunisia: Oran in the west, then central Tunisia including Sfax and the island of Djerba (Houmt Souk).
- Libya: the northeast, including Benghazi.
- Egypt: Siwa Oasis, then the Nile Valley from Minya and Asyut down through Sohag, Qena, Luxor and Edfu.
- Arabia and the Horn of Africa: Jeddah and Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Sanaa in Yemen, and Bosaso in Somalia.
Importantly, several famous places sit just outside totality. Cairo and the Giza pyramids, Madrid, Seville and Barcelona see only a partial eclipse. Meanwhile, the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe get a partial eclipse of varying depth, as do far eastern Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and the easternmost tip of Maine.
Totality Times and Durations by City
Solar eclipse 2027 durations range from about 2 minutes on the edges of the path to more than 6 minutes in Egypt. The table below lists local time of maximum eclipse and length of totality for the most popular viewing spots, along with the equivalent US Eastern time so you can plan calls home or livestreams.
| Place | Local time of maximum | US Eastern (EDT) | Totality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cádiz, Spain | 10:47 a.m. | 4:47 a.m. | 2 min 56 s |
| Tarifa, Spain | About 10:47 a.m. | About 4:47 a.m. | About 4 min 40 s |
| Gibraltar | 10:48 a.m. | 4:48 a.m. | 4 min 28 s |
| Málaga, Spain | 10:49 a.m. | 4:49 a.m. | 1 min 57 s |
| Tangier, Morocco | 9:47 a.m. | 4:47 a.m. | 4 min 51 s |
| Oran, Algeria | 9:54 a.m. | 4:54 a.m. | 5 min 08 s |
| Sfax, Tunisia | 10:12 a.m. | 5:12 a.m. | 5 min 41 s |
| Houmt Souk (Djerba), Tunisia | 10:12 a.m. | 5:12 a.m. | 4 min 43 s |
| Benghazi, Libya | 11:31 a.m. | 5:31 a.m. | 6 min 11 s |
| Siwa Oasis, Egypt | 12:45 p.m. | 5:45 a.m. | 5 min 33 s |
| Sohag, Egypt | 1:02 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. | 6 min 23 s |
| Luxor, Egypt | 1:05 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. | 6 min 22 s |
| Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 1:25 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. | 5 min 53 s |
| Mecca, Saudi Arabia | 1:27 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. | 5 min 10 s |
However, keep in mind that these figures apply to the city center. Even a few miles can change your totality by many seconds, so it pays to check your exact spot. For example, central Málaga sits near the northern edge and gets under 2 minutes, while Tarifa, farther southwest on the Strait, gets more than twice as long.
How long does the 2027 total solar eclipse last?
Totality itself lasts up to 6 minutes 23 seconds, the longest point being in central Egypt west of the Nile. By comparison, the August 12, 2026 eclipse peaked at about 2 minutes 18 seconds. Also, remember that the partial phases before and after totality add a long stretch of gradual dimming, so plan to be on site well before the shadow arrives.
What Are the Best Places to Watch?
For most US travelers, the best places to watch are Luxor and the Nile Valley for maximum duration, and the Strait of Gibraltar for an easier trip that pairs with a European vacation. Each option involves a trade-off among totality length, weather, heat, crowds and travel safety.
1. Luxor, Egypt: Best for longest totality
First, Luxor, the city built on ancient Thebes, offers about 6 minutes 22 seconds of totality with the Sun almost directly overhead. Consequently, it is the headline destination of this eclipse, and many organized tours and Nile cruises are built around it. The main drawbacks are fierce August heat and high demand for rooms.
- Totality: about 6 min 22 s, maximum at 1:05 p.m. local time.
- Weather: cloud is rare; thin cirrus and dust are the main risks.
- Watch out for: average early-August highs around 42 C (108 F).
2. Tarifa, Cádiz and Gibraltar: Best for a Europe-based trip
Southern Spain is the simplest option for Americans who want familiar infrastructure and an easy add-on to a summer trip. Tarifa, at Europe’s southern tip, gets roughly 4 minutes 40 seconds, while Gibraltar gets about 4 minutes 28 seconds. However, coastal morning cloud and the Levanter cloud over the Rock are real risks.
- Totality: about 3 to 4 min 40 s, mid-morning local time.
- Weather: good inland; coastal stratus and Levanter cloud possible.
- Watch out for: peak August beach-season crowds and prices.
3. Tangier, Morocco: Best value near the centerline
Tangier sits close to the center of the path and gets about 4 minutes 51 seconds, slightly more than the Spanish side. Moreover, it is a short ferry ride from Tarifa, so some travelers can choose a side of the strait at the last minute based on the forecast.
- Totality: about 4 min 51 s, maximum at 9:47 a.m. local time.
- Weather: the central and eastern parts of the city are favored over the Atlantic side.
4. Sfax and Djerba, Tunisia: Best Mediterranean middle ground
Central Tunisia offers longer totality than Spain, with Sfax at about 5 minutes 41 seconds and the resort island of Djerba at about 4 minutes 43 seconds. In addition, the Sfax area has some of the lowest average cloud and dust on the western half of the track.
- Totality: about 4 min 43 s to 5 min 41 s.
- Watch out for: State Department Level 4 zones near the Algerian and Libyan borders and in Kasserine’s mountains.
5. Solar eclipse 2027 cruises: Best for flexibility
Several cruise lines have announced Mediterranean sailings timed to the eclipse. For instance, Atlas Ocean Voyages sails from Barcelona on July 27, 2027 and positions guests at sea for totality. A ship can move toward clearer skies on the morning of the event, which is a genuine advantage near the Strait of Gibraltar. On the other hand, totality on a moving deck is often shorter than at the best land sites, so compare the promised duration with the table above before you book.
What Are the Weather Odds Along the Path?
For the solar eclipse 2027, weather odds generally improve the farther east you go. According to Eclipsophile, a climatology site run by eclipse meteorologists, parts of Libya and western Egypt have seen no August cloud on eclipse day for more than two decades, while the Strait of Gibraltar faces coastal stratus and the Levanter cloud.
| Region | Cloud outlook | Other risks |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Gibraltar | Fair to good; inland Spain average cloud below 15% | Morning marine stratus, Levanter cloud over the Rock |
| Northern Morocco | Good away from the Atlantic coast | Coastal stratus, some dust |
| Tunisia (Sfax area) | Very good | Low dust compared with the rest of the west |
| Libya and western Egypt | Excellent | Heat, logistics, travel advisories |
| Luxor and the Nile Valley | Excellent; thin cirrus possible | Dust, extreme heat |
| Saudi Arabia (Tihamah plain) | Good; average cloud just over 10% | Highest dust levels on the track |
| Somalia (Bosaso) | Mixed; about 50% average August cloud | Travel advisory |
Watch out. Heat is the biggest health risk in Egypt. Eclipsophile notes Luxor’s average high on August 2 is 42 C (about 108 F), with afternoon highs that can climb toward the mid-40s Celsius. Therefore, plan shade, water and an air-conditioned retreat, and keep cameras out of direct sun when you are not shooting.
Is It Safe to Travel for the Eclipse?
Overall, it depends on the country. The main tourist areas in Spain, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt carry a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” rating from the US State Department, but Libya, Yemen and Somalia are rated Level 4 “do not travel.” Before you book, read the full advisory for your destination on travel.state.gov.
| Country | US advisory level | Notes for eclipse travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Level 2 | Level 3 for Ceuta, which is inside the path |
| Morocco | Level 2 | Tangier and Tetouan are not singled out |
| Algeria | Level 2 | Level 4 for southern and eastern border areas; avoid long Sahara trips without an organized tour |
| Tunisia | Level 2 | Level 4 near the Algerian and Libyan borders and Kasserine mountains |
| Libya | Level 4 | No US embassy in the country |
| Egypt | Level 2 | Do not travel to North and Middle Sinai and parts of the Western Desert; Luxor is not singled out |
| Saudi Arabia | Level 3 | Reconsider travel; updated October 12, 2026 |
| Yemen | Level 4 | Do not travel |
| Somalia | Level 4 | Do not travel |
Also note that Egypt’s Western Desert restriction matters for eclipse chasers, because the point of longest totality and Siwa Oasis both lie west of the Nile. If you want to view from the desert, the advisory says to travel only with a licensed tour company. Meanwhile, enrolling in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) lets the nearest US embassy reach you in an emergency.
How Do You Watch the Eclipse Safely?
Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer that meets the ISO 12312-2 international standard for every partial phase, and remove them only during totality. NASA’s eclipse safety guidance stresses that regular sunglasses, however dark, are never safe for looking at the Sun.
- Before totality: first, keep glasses on until the last sliver of Sun disappears.
- During totality: look with the naked eye, then put glasses back on as soon as bright sunlight reappears.
- Cameras, binoculars and telescopes: never look through them while wearing eclipse glasses; use a proper solar filter mounted on the front of the optics.
- Pinhole projection: a safe, indirect method as long as you never look at the Sun through the pinhole.
- Kids: adults should supervise children using solar viewers.
Pro tip. Buy glasses from a manufacturer or authorized dealer on the American Astronomical Society’s suppliers list, such as Rainbow Symphony or Thousand Oaks Optical. The AAS warns against picking whatever appears in online marketplace ads or search results, since it no longer vets resellers.
If you plan to photograph the eclipse, practice at home first. Most veteran eclipse chasers still recommend spending at least part of totality simply looking up, especially on a first trip. For practical camera advice, see our travel photography tips for phone and camera.
When Is the Next Solar Eclipse in the US?
The next total solar eclipse on US soil is March 30, 2033, in Alaska. After that, totality returns to the Lower 48 on August 23, 2044 (Montana and North Dakota) and on August 12, 2045, when a long path crosses the southern United States, according to NASA’s eclipse tables.
Interestingly, the 2045 eclipse is the next member of the same Saros 136 series as the solar eclipse 2027, so it is effectively that eclipse’s sequel. Before then, the next solar eclipse anywhere is an annular “ring of fire” eclipse on February 6, 2027, visible from parts of South America and Africa, followed by the August 2 total eclipse.
Upcoming total solar eclipses at a glance
| Date | Type | Where to see totality or the ring |
|---|---|---|
| February 6, 2027 | Annular | Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria (path); no US visibility |
| August 2, 2027 | Total | Spain, Morocco, North Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia |
| July 22, 2028 | Total | Australia and New Zealand |
| March 30, 2033 | Total | Eastern Russia and Alaska |
| March 20, 2034 | Total | Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Asia, China |
| August 23, 2044 | Total | Greenland, northern Canada, Montana, North Dakota |
| August 12, 2045 | Total | Southern US, Caribbean, northern South America |
How Should You Plan Your Trip?
Book early, pick a spot well inside the path, and build in flexibility for weather. Since the solar eclipse 2027 is less than ten months away, here is a practical checklist for US travelers.
- Choose your region first. Decide between maximum duration (Egypt), a Europe-based trip (Strait of Gibraltar) or a middle option (Tunisia).
- Stay near the centerline. Duration drops quickly near the edges, so check your exact coordinates on an interactive eclipse map.
- Book lodging before flights. Rooms near the path are the scarcest piece; flights to Málaga, Cairo or Luxor are easier to find later.
- Arrive at least a day early. Then scout a backup site in case of cloud, dust or traffic.
- Check entry rules and your passport. Look up each country’s entry and visa requirements on travel.state.gov, and make sure your passport has enough validity left.
- Consider travel insurance. It matters most on expensive packages and in places with limited medical care.
What happened at the August 2026 eclipse?
The previous total eclipse, on August 12, 2026, crossed Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain with no more than about 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality, according to NASA. By contrast, the 2027 eclipse happens in the middle of the day with the Sun about 82 degrees high at greatest eclipse, and its totality is nearly three times as long.
Our verdict
If you can travel for only one eclipse this decade, make it the solar eclipse 2027 on August 2. For the full experience, Luxor and the Nile Valley combine more than six minutes of totality, excellent weather odds and world-class sights, as long as you plan for the heat and follow the State Department’s guidance on desert areas.
However, if you prefer an easier Europe-based trip, Tarifa, Cádiz and Tangier still deliver well over four minutes of totality. Either way, book lodging soon, buy ISO 12312-2 glasses from a vetted supplier, and remember that Americans who miss this one face a wait until 2033 in Alaska or 2044 in the Lower 48.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the solar eclipse 2027?
The total solar eclipse is on Monday, August 2, 2027. Greatest eclipse happens at 10:06 UT, or 6:06 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, over Egypt. Totality reaches the Strait of Gibraltar around 10:45 a.m. local time in Spain and Luxor around 1:05 p.m. local time, so the exact time depends on where you watch.
Where can you see the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027?
Totality crosses southern Spain, Gibraltar, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. Popular viewing spots include Tarifa, Cadiz, Tangier, Sfax, Luxor and Jeddah. Cairo, Madrid and Seville are outside the path, and most of Europe, Africa and the Middle East see only a partial eclipse.
Will the 2027 solar eclipse be visible in the USA?
Barely. According to NASA, the only part of the United States that sees anything is the far eastern tip of Maine, and only as a small partial eclipse. No part of the US experiences totality. Americans who want to see the full eclipse need to travel to Spain, North Africa, Egypt or Saudi Arabia.
How long will totality last in Luxor?
Luxor gets about 6 minutes 22 seconds of totality, with maximum eclipse just after 1:05 p.m. local time and the Sun nearly overhead. The longest totality anywhere is about 6 minutes 23 seconds in central Egypt. That makes it the longest total eclipse over easily reached land until 2114, which is why it is called the eclipse of the century.
When is the next total solar eclipse in the United States?
The next total solar eclipse in the US is March 30, 2033, visible from Alaska. In the Lower 48, totality returns on August 23, 2044, over Montana and North Dakota, and on August 12, 2045, when the path crosses the southern US. The 2045 eclipse belongs to the same Saros series as the August 2027 eclipse.
Do I need special glasses for the 2027 eclipse?
Yes. Wear eclipse glasses or a handheld viewer that meets the ISO 12312-2 standard during every partial phase. You can look with the naked eye only during totality, and must put glasses back on as soon as the Sun reappears. Regular sunglasses are not safe. Buy from a supplier on the American Astronomical Society list.
