Motril
36.751°, -3.518° · 34 m a.s.l.
Marginal
Partial eclipse · 95% obscuration
Marginal: only 0.47° between the Sun and the local skyline at peak.
45/100Marginal
95%
Partial eclipse · 95% obscuration
See the eclipse from Motril minute by minute
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Photo: Zarateman · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Motril
Motril is a coastal municipality in the province of Granada, Andalusia, situated just a few metres above sea level—average elevation 34 m—in the Costa Tropical region. With around 60,000 inhabitants, it is the most populated urban hub on Granada's coast. The city stretches between the Mediterranean shoreline and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, a position that shapes both its microclimate and conditions for astronomical visibility toward the western horizon.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Motril will experience a partial solar eclipse with maximum at 20:37. At that moment, the Sun will be just 5.3° above the geometric horizon with an azimuth of 285°, practically in the west-northwest. However, the surrounding terrain raises the topographic horizon above the Sun's position: the calculated margin is −0.8°, meaning the solar disk will be hidden behind the reliefs at maximum. To observe the eclipse, you will need to find an elevated location with a clear view toward the west.
The weather in August
August in Motril is marked by low storm risk, a trait typical of the subtropical climate that sets the Costa Tropical apart from the rest of Andalusia's Mediterranean coast. Proximity to the sea moderates summer temperatures. AEMET climate data for the period 1991–2020 provides no temperature or precipitation records for the local station, but regional patterns point to habitually dry and sunny conditions during August.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse that covered Motril occurred on 22 December 1870, 156 years ago, with a totality phase of 81 seconds. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027 and 2028, the next annular eclipse visible from here will occur on 13 July 2075; the following total eclipse to cross this latitude again will not arrive until 20 June 2327.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, the Sun will be positioned toward the west-northwest, with an azimuth of 285° and a height of just 5.3° above the mathematical horizon. With such low elevation, any obstacle ahead—buildings, hills or trees—can block the view. The ideal orientation for observation from Motril is to look directly toward the west-northwest, preferably from a high point or a terrace with an open horizon in that direction.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Motril
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:42 UTC | 19:42 | +16.0° | 276.8° |
| Maximum | 18:37 UTC | 20:37 | +5.3° | 284.7° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:29 UTC | 21:29 | -4.0° | 292.3° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (292.3°)
Azimuth at C4
292.3° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.03°
Terrain horizon
5.74°
Sun−terrain margin
-0.47°
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 Motril
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peña Caballera | 2188 m | 24.1 km | 9° N |
| Sierra de Lújar | 1878 m | 13.7 km | 50° NE |
| Mojón de Lújar | 1809 m | 11.9 km | 51° NE |
| Atalaya de Soportújar | 1690 m | 24.4 km | 29° NNE |
| Peñón Comerano | 1619 m | 10.5 km | 47° NE |
| Las Lagunillas | 1558 m | 10.5 km | 40° NE |
| Cerro de la Salchicha | 1545 m | 20.3 km | 64° ENE |
| Loma de Rubite | 1452 m | 19.5 km | 66° ENE |
Weather in Motril in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
0%
P75 — cloudier days
1%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Motril
- Last total eclipseDecember 22, 1870156 years ago
- Next total eclipseJune 20, 2327
- Next annular eclipseJuly 13, 2075
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Motril
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Motril?
Yes, but marginally: with 95% obscuration, the topographic horizon from Motril is very close to the Sun's altitude at the end.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Motril?
Maximum occurs at 20:37 local time (18:37 UTC) in Motril.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Motril?
Look WNW (azimuth 285°); the Sun will be 5° above the horizon at maximum from Motril.
Is Motril a good place to watch the eclipse?
Motril can see the eclipse with limitations (score 45/100): terrain, geometry, or climatology add risk. Consider moving to a higher-scored viewpoint.
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 Andalusia →Where to stay in Motril
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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