Alcázar de San Juan
39.390°, -3.208° · 644 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 6.45° at peak.
75/100Very good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Alcázar de San Juan minute by minute
Compare locations, save your plan and enable cloud alerts.
Photo: Luis Rogelio HM · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Alcázar de San Juan
Alcázar de San Juan is located in the heart of La Mancha, in the province of Ciudad Real (Castilla-La Mancha). With around 30,700 inhabitants and an altitude of 644 metres above sea level, it occupies a central position on the southern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. The town is a historic communications hub of the Manchego region, and its characteristic flatness offers broad horizons in virtually all directions.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Alcázar de San Juan will witness a partial solar eclipse with maximum at 20:33 (local time). At that moment the Sun will be 6.5° above the horizon, with a margin of 6.4° above the local topographic profile: visible, though very low on the horizon. The Sun will be positioned toward the west-northwest (azimuth 284°), so it is advisable to choose a location with an unobstructed horizon in that direction. The use of certified solar filter glasses is essential throughout the observation.
The weather in August
Data from AEMET (station 4064Y, reference period 1991–2020) indicates that the risk of thunderstorms in August in Alcázar de San Juan is low. This is relevant for observing the afternoon eclipse of 12 August, whose maximum occurs at 20:33: thunderstorms are the main factor that can obstruct visibility on a summer afternoon on the Manchego plateau. A reduced convective risk increases the chances of clear skies during that time window.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Alcázar de San Juan occurred on 28 May 1900, 126 years ago, with a totality of 72 seconds. More recently, on 3 October 2005 an annular eclipse took place with an obscuration of 90.3% and an annular phase of 92 seconds. The next annular eclipse following those of 2026 and 2028 is not expected until 13 July 2075, with an obscuration of 87.3%.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum, at 20:33, the Sun will be at an azimuth of 284°, equivalent to west-northwest. Its altitude above the horizon will be 6.5°, a very low position: roughly what a fist at arm's length covers above the horizon line. To not miss the eclipse, it is advisable to scout in advance a location with a clear view toward the west-northwest, free from buildings, trees or terrain elevations that might obstruct that section of sky.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Alcázar de San Juan
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:38 UTC | 19:38 | +16.9° | 275.5° |
| Maximum | 18:33 UTC | 20:33 | +6.5° | 284.0° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:25 UTC | 21:25 | -2.6° | 292.1° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (292.1°)
Azimuth at C4
292.1° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-2.57°
Terrain horizon
0.01°
Sun−terrain margin
+6.45°
What the contact points (C1-C4) mean
A solar eclipse is described by four key moments, the contact points between the discs of the Sun and the Moon:
- C1First contact: the Moon touches the edge of the Sun and the partial eclipse begins.
- C2Second contact: the Moon fully covers the Sun and totality begins.
- C3Third contact: the Sun reappears and totality ends.
- C4Fourth contact: the Moon leaves the Sun's disc and the eclipse ends.
Where the eclipse is only partial, the Moon never fully covers the Sun: only C1 and C4 occur, with no totality in between.
Peaks near Alcázar de San Juan
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro San Antón | 729 m | 2.9 km | 141° SE |
| Sierra del Polillo | 727 m | 24.2 km | 309° NW |
| Cerro de Tirez | 678 m | 22.2 km | 320° NW |
Weather in Alcázar de San Juan in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
6%
P75 — cloudier days
68%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Alcázar de San Juan
- Last total eclipseMay 28, 1900126 years ago
- Last annular eclipseOctober 3, 200521 years ago
- Next annular eclipseJuly 13, 2075
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Alcázar de San Juan
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Alcázar de San Juan?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 99% covered at maximum from Alcázar de San Juan.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Alcázar de San Juan?
Maximum occurs at 20:33 local time (18:33 UTC) in Alcázar de San Juan.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Alcázar de San Juan?
Look WNW (azimuth 284°); the Sun will be 6° above the horizon at maximum from Alcázar de San Juan.
Is Alcázar de San Juan a good place to watch the eclipse?
Yes, Alcázar de San Juan is an excellent choice (score 75/100): favorable geometry, clear horizon, and good August climatology.
Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse?
Yes, you need ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses during every partial phase. Regular sunglasses do NOT protect. Glasses can only be removed during the totality phase (when the Sun is fully covered); never during annular or partial eclipses. Pages flagged "visible" assume a clear horizon, not a viewing recommendation.
Nearby cities
All cities in Castilla-La Mancha →Where to stay in Alcázar de San Juan
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
Search lodging on Booking →Affiliate link · no extra cost to you
Embed this eclipse on your site
Generate the code to embed the eclipse widget on your hotel, town hall or blog website.
<iframe src="https://eclipses.app/embed/widget?lat=39.3901&lon=-3.2083&size=standard&theme=dark&locale=en" width="320" height="340" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" title="Eclipse 2026"></iframe>Share it to help others find out if they'll see the eclipse