On August 2, 2027 the Moon will blot out the Sun for up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the longest totality most travelers will ever have a chance to chase. The shadow sweeps from southern Spain across Morocco and North Africa to Luxor and the Red Sea, so you can pick a trip that fits your budget and your appetite for heat.
Quick Answer
- Date: Monday, August 2, 2027
- Longest totality: 6 min 23 s, in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate
- Easiest for Europeans: Cádiz or Málaga in Spain (about 3 and 2 minutes)
- Longest popular stop: Luxor, Egypt (about 6 min 22 s)
- Eye safety: ISO 12312-2 glasses at all times except totality
What Is the August 2, 2027 Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun and fully covers the Sun’s bright face. The eclipse of August 2, 2027 has a magnitude of 1.079 and a path of totality up to 258 km wide, with greatest eclipse at 10:07 UTC. The maximum duration of totality is 6 minutes 23 seconds, in northeastern New Valley Governorate in Egypt, according to Wikipedia’s eclipse entry and NASA’s eclipse site.
A path of totality is the narrow strip where the Sun is completely covered. Outside it you only see a partial eclipse, which is nowhere near as dramatic.
Which Countries and Cities Are in the Path of Totality?
The path crosses the Strait of Gibraltar, then runs east along the North African coast and down the Nile to the Red Sea. Cities in the path include:
- Spain: Cádiz, Málaga and the coasts of Almería and Granada.
- Morocco: Tangier.
- Algeria: Oran.
- Tunisia: Sfax, plus Kairouan, Gabès, Mahdia and Zarzis.
- Libya: Benghazi.
- Egypt: Luxor.
- Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia: Jeddah, Sana’a and the tip of the Horn of Africa.
Gibraltar, Ceuta and Melilla are also inside the path. Most of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, sees only a partial eclipse.
Sandstone columns at Karnak Temple in Luxor, one of the longest-lasting viewing points on the path
Where Is the Best Place to Watch the 2027 Eclipse?
It depends on what you value most: length of totality, odds of clear sky, or ease of getting there. Here is how the main options compare, using totality times from Wikipedia’s eclipse entry.
| Location | Totality length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor, Egypt | About 6 min 22 s | Longest show and very low cloud odds |
| Benghazi, Libya | About 6 min 11 s | Long totality; check current travel advisories first |
| Tangier, Morocco | About 4 min 51 s | Easy hop from Spain, with a Morocco add-on |
| Gibraltar | About 4 min 28 s | Compact, easy logistics |
| Marbella, Spain | About 3 min 21 s | Costa del Sol beach base |
| Cádiz, Spain | About 2 min 56 s | Historic port city, described as having the best odds of clear sky among Spanish options |
| Málaga, Spain | About 1 min 57 s | Big airport and the most flights |
Should You Choose Spain or Egypt?
Spain: easy, social, a little shorter
Southern Spain is the simplest choice for European and North American travelers: plentiful flights, hotels at every budget and car rental for flexibility. Totality is shorter, about 2 to 3 minutes in Cádiz and Málaga, and the main risk is haze or coastal fog. Staying near the centerline and keeping a car lets you shift position if clouds roll in.
Egypt: the longest show with the best odds
Luxor gives you roughly 6 minutes of totality around 1 p.m. local time. Space.com quotes an eclipse scientist saying cloud cover at Luxor occurs only 0.7% of the time, but also warns of dust. The trade-off is heat: August midday temperatures can reach 43°C (109°F). Plan for shade, sun protection and plenty of water.
Book Your Eclipse Trip Early
Rooms and transport along the path are expected to fill. Lock in tours, car rental and a data plan now.
How Do You Plan an Eclipse Trip Step by Step?
- Pick your priority. Longest totality points to Luxor; easiest logistics points to Cádiz or Málaga.
- Book accommodation first. Choose free-cancellation rooms inside or near the path of totality.
- Arrange transport. Reserve flights and a rental car so you can move to clearer skies on the day.
- Buy certified eclipse glasses. Look for ISO 12312-2 and inspect them before you travel.
- Scout your viewing spot. Pick a site with a clear view toward the Sun and a backup site within driving distance.
- Check forecasts for several days before. Be ready to relocate on the morning of August 2.
How Do You Watch an Eclipse Safely?
Following NASA’s guidance: looking at the Sun without eye protection is safe only during the brief totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s face. Keep your eclipse glasses on during all partial phases, and put them back on the instant bright sunlight returns. Safe viewers should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Ordinary sunglasses, however dark, offer no real protection.
- Never look at the Sun through a camera, binocular or telescope without a solar filter secured over the front of the optics.
- Do not combine glasses with unfiltered optics; concentrated light can burn through them.
- Discard glasses that are torn or scratched.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat; you may be in direct sun for hours.
Planning More Travel Around North Africa and Beyond?
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Eclipse
When is the next total solar eclipse in Europe and North Africa?
The total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027 crosses southern Spain, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. It is the one to plan around: its maximum totality is 6 minutes 23 seconds, according to NASA’s eclipse site.
Where is the best place to watch the 2027 eclipse?
Luxor in Egypt offers the longest totality of the popular options, about 6 minutes 22 seconds. Cádiz and Málaga in Spain are the easiest for European travelers, with shorter totality of roughly 3 and 2 minutes.
How long does totality last in Spain?
Totality lasts about 3 minutes in Cádiz and about 2 minutes in Málaga, per the eclipse timing table on Wikipedia. Gibraltar sees about 4 minutes 28 seconds and Marbella about 3 minutes 21 seconds.
Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse?
Only during totality, when the Moon fully covers the Sun. At every other phase you need eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, as NASA advises. Regular sunglasses are not safe.
Will it be cloudy during the 2027 eclipse?
Egypt has the best odds. Space.com quotes an eclipse scientist putting the frequency of cloud cover at Luxor at 0.7%, though dust can still dim the sky. In Spain and Tangier, haze and coastal fog are the main risks.
How far in advance should I book an eclipse trip?
As early as you can. Coastal Spain in August is already peak season, and some travel operators report Luxor and coastal Tunisia filling early. Book refundable rooms first, then add flights and tours.
Final Thoughts
The August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-generation trip. Choose Luxor if you want the longest totality and the best odds of clear sky, or southern Spain if you want easy logistics and a coastal holiday around it. Whichever you pick, book early, carry certified glasses and keep a plan B within driving distance.
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