Monday, 2 August 2027
Extra minutes of darkness are worthless under cloud. We crossed our calculations with climate statistics to tell you where it is worth being on 2 August.
The closer to the centre line, the longer the totality. Luxor passes six minutes; Spain ranges from three to almost five.
In August North Africa is among the most reliable places on Earth. At the Strait, morning fog and the Levante wind are the big risks.
Spain is visa-free for Europeans and has more hotels. Egypt gives more minutes in exchange for heat and logistics.
Egypt
The longest totality on land and an almost always clear August sky; thin cirrus is the only real worry. Extreme heat: highs around 42 °C. Karnak and the Valley of the Kings as a backdrop.
Egypt
Red Sea beach resorts with almost five minutes of totality. Very reliable skies and direct summer flights from Europe. The most comfortable option in Egypt.
Tunisia
Around Sfax and further south, Tunisia has the lowest cloud of the western part of the track. Djerba combines beaches, good weather and almost five minutes of darkness.
Spain
Spain's closest point to the centre line. Watch out for Atlantic morning fog and the Levante wind; if it dawns overcast, move inland or toward the Mediterranean coast.
Spain
Inland Cádiz usually escapes the coastal fog, with average cloud below 15%. A hilltop white village with open views to the south-east.
Spain
The Costa del Sol usually holds up well because Atlantic cloud rarely gets past Tarifa. Over three minutes on the seafront, with all the Costa del Sol's hotels.
Spain
Spain's maximum, close to five minutes. Weather here depends on the Levante wind and cloud clinging to the hills; pick an open spot south of town.
Morocco
Almost five minutes and an easy ferry ride from Tarifa or Algeciras. Morning haze usually lifts before the eclipse.
Saudi Arabia
Over five and a half minutes, but with more cloud over the Red Sea and a lot of airborne dust, which dims the corona. Better on the coastal plain than near the mountains.
| Place | Country | Totality | Clear-sky odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor | Egypt | 6 min 22 s | Excellent |
| Marsa Alam | Egypt | 4 min 52 s | Excellent |
| Djerba (Houmt Souk) | Tunisia | 4 min 53 s | Very good |
| Tarifa | Spain | 4 min 40 s | Very good |
| Medina Sidonia | Spain | 3 min 26 s | Very good |
| Marbella | Spain | 3 min 19 s | Very good |
| Ceuta | Spain | 4 min 50 s | Good |
| Tangier | Morocco | 4 min 52 s | Good |
| Jeddah | Saudi Arabia | 5 min 36 s | Variable |
Weather: statistics by J. Anderson, eclipsophile.com. Odds are indicative and do not guarantee clear skies.
Libya probably has the best weather on the whole track, but most European governments advise against travel there, as with Yemen and Somalia. Algeria is doable with a visa and more planning. Always check your government's travel advice.
Before you look
The retina has no pain receptors: damage happens without you noticing and symptoms appear hours later. Sunglasses do not protect you. Only glasses meeting ISO 12312-2 do.
Total Eclipse Map