Galdakao
43.231°, -2.843° · 57 m a.s.l.
Visible
The Sun clears local terrain by 6.57° at C3.
75/100Very good
100%
You'll see full totality. C3 — the end of totality — is visible above the horizon.
Total eclipse · 100% obscuration
See the eclipse from Galdakao minute by minute
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Photo: Galdacano · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Galdakao
Galdakao is a municipality in the Basque Country located in the province of Bizkaia, in the valley of the Ibaizabal River, 57 metres above sea level. With nearly 29,000 inhabitants, it forms part of the Bilbao metropolitan area and extends between the gentle hills that characterise the interior Basque landscape. Its position in the corridor connecting Bilbao to the plateau gives it the character of a communications hub within the Duranguesado region.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Galdakao lies within the path of totality of the solar eclipse. Maximum will occur at 20:27 local time, with the Sun at 8.1 degrees above the horizon and a margin of 6.6 degrees above the surrounding terrain, ensuring unobstructed visibility. The characteristic darkness of the total phase will be observable from the municipality. For optimal viewing, position yourself in a location with clear horizon to the west-northwest.
The weather in August
In August, Galdakao records a mean temperature of 21.2 °C, with highs around 26.3 °C and lows of 16.1 °C, according to AEMET data for the period 1991–2020. The month averages approximately 52.7 mm of precipitation and 182.9 hours of sunshine. The probability of clear skies is 44 % and the storm risk is classified as moderate. The Atlantic climate of the region means rapid weather changes, so it is advisable to check forecasts in the days leading up to the eclipse.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Galdakao took place on 18 July 1860, 166 years ago, with a totality duration of 159 seconds. Previously, on 1 April 1764 there was an annular eclipse with 86.9 % obscuration and 371 seconds of annular phase. After the eclipses of 2026 and 2028, one must wait until 27 February 2082 for the next annular eclipse and until 17 November 2180 for the next total eclipse.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, at 20:27 on 12 August 2026, the Sun will be at an azimuth of 283°, oriented to the west-northwest, and 8.1 degrees above the horizon. With that margin above the surrounding terrain, observation is direct from any point without obstruction in that direction. To locate the Sun easily during totality, simply look to the west-northwest from an open location.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Galdakao
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:31 UTC | 19:31 | +18.2° | 273.5° |
| C2 — Totality begins | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.2° | 282.7° |
| Maximum | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.2° | 282.7° |
| C3 — Totality ends | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.1° | 282.8° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:19 UTC | 21:19 | -0.4° | 291.5° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (291.5°)
Azimuth at C4
291.5° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-0.39°
Terrain horizon
1.57°
Sun−terrain margin
+6.57°
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 Galdakao
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorbeia | 1482 m | 22.5 km | 167° SSE |
| Aldamin | 1376 m | 21.9 km | 166° SSE |
| Arroriano | 1341 m | 23.7 km | 166° SSE |
| Lekanda | 1309 m | 18.6 km | 168° SSE |
| Pagazuri | 1306 m | 24.1 km | 167° SSE |
| Igalirrintza | 1304.1 m | 18.3 km | 168° SSE |
| Bedargogor Atxa | 1302 m | 23.1 km | 165° SSE |
| Miruen Haitza | 1288 m | 22.1 km | 165° SSE |
Weather in Galdakao in August
Avg. temp.
21.2°C
Max / min
26.3° / 16.1°
Precipitation
52.7 mm
Storm risk
Medium
Station BILBAO AEROPUERTO, 9 km away · Period 1991-2020 · Source: AEMET
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
6%
Median cloud cover
100%
P75 — cloudier days
100%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Galdakao
- Last total eclipseJuly 18, 1860166 years ago
- Last annular eclipseApril 1, 1764262 years ago
- Next total eclipseNovember 17, 2180
- Next annular eclipseFebruary 27, 2082
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Galdakao
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Galdakao?
Yes — Galdakao is inside the totality path and the horizon allows the total phase to be fully visible.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Galdakao?
Maximum occurs at 20:27 local time (18:27 UTC) in Galdakao.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Galdakao?
Look WNW (azimuth 283°); the Sun will be 8° above the horizon at maximum from Galdakao.
How long does totality last in Galdakao?
Totality lasts 0 min 33 s in Galdakao (C2 to C3).
Is Galdakao a good place to watch the eclipse?
Galdakao will see totality (C2-C3) very close to the western horizon. The partial end (C4) falls below the horizon: you need a clear western view for an epic experience.
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 Basque Country →Where to stay in Galdakao
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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