Elche
38.262°, -0.701° · 96 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 2.29° at peak.
70/100Good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Elche minute by minute
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Photo: User:Carlos Quesada · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
About Elche
Elche is a city located in Alicante province in the Valencian Community, with over 234,000 inhabitants. Situated at 96 metres altitude, the city is known for its historic palm groves and archaeological richness, with evidence of human settlement since ancient times. Its position between the coast and inland gives it particular geographic characteristics.
For this eclipse
The partial solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 will be visible from Elche around 20:34 local time. The Sun will be at a height of just 4.1 degrees above the horizon, with a safety margin of 2.3 degrees from the horizon line. This extremely low height requires a completely clear observation line towards the west, with no obstacles limiting the view of the Sun.
The weather in August
Specific climatology data for Elche in August is not fully available in the consulted records. However, the city's location on the eastern coast suggests the warm, dry summers typical of the region. It is recommended to check the weather forecast near 12 August to confirm local visibility conditions.
Past eclipses
A total eclipse was visible from Elche on 28 May 1900, 126 years ago. The most recent annular eclipse visible from this city occurred on 3 October 2005, just 21 years before 2026. The next annular eclipse will not arrive until 13 July 2075, nearly 49 years after the current eclipse date.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At maximum, the Sun will be oriented towards the west, at an azimuth of 286 degrees. The very low height of the Sun's position demands a completely clear perspective without buildings or terrain features blocking the view. Finding a location with a completely free horizon in that direction is essential for observation.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Elche
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:40 UTC | 19:40 | +14.5° | 277.7° |
| Maximum | 18:34 UTC | 20:34 | +4.1° | 285.7° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:25 UTC | 21:25 | -4.9° | 293.7° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (293.7°)
Azimuth at C4
293.7° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.88°
Terrain horizon
1.85°
Sun−terrain margin
+2.29°
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 Elche
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| la Cilla del Sit | 1147 m | 24.1 km | 355° N |
| Cid | 1104 m | 21.4 km | 356° N |
| Puntal GrosIn the Sun's direction | 1086 m | 24.8 km | 288° WNW |
| Penya de la MinaIn the Sun's direction | 1053 m | 22.0 km | 290° WNW |
| Cabeçó Ventós | 900 m | 25.0 km | 18° NNE |
| Safra | 852 m | 21.8 km | 314° NW |
| Puntals del Ginebre | 845 m | 24.6 km | 353° N |
| Penya de la Safra | 843 m | 23.3 km | 315° NW |
Weather in Elche in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
1%
Median cloud cover
2%
P75 — cloudier days
12%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Elche
- 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 Elche
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Elche?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 99% covered at maximum from Elche.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Elche?
Maximum occurs at 20:34 local time (18:34 UTC) in Elche.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Elche?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Elche.
Is Elche a good place to watch the eclipse?
Elche is a good option (score 70/100): all eclipse phases are visible, though not the regional optimum.
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 Valencian Community →Where to stay in Elche
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
Search lodging on Booking →Affiliate link · no extra cost to you
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