Santander
43.466°, -3.805° · 1 m a.s.l.
Marginal
Marginal: only 1.00° between the Sun and the local skyline at C3.
65/100Good
100%
Total eclipse · 100% obscuration
See the eclipse from Santander minute by minute
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Photo: Emilio Gómez Fernández · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Santander
Santander is the capital of Cantabria and sits practically at sea level, on the shores of the bay of the same name, in northern Spain. With just over 173,000 inhabitants, it concentrates the region's administration, university, and public services. Its position on the Cantabrian coast gives it a marked oceanic climate and direct access to the sea. The city was formally established as a municipality in 1755, though its port history extends considerably further back.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, Santander lies within the path of totality of the solar eclipse. The maximum of the total phase occurs at 20:27, with the Sun at 8.9° above the horizon in the west-northwest direction (azimuth 282°). The margin relative to the topographic horizon is only 1°, placing the observation in a marginal zone: any obstruction in that direction—buildings, hills, or low-lying mist—could prevent visibility of totality.
The weather in August
August in Santander is characterized by a low risk of thunderstorms compared to other capitals in northern Spain. The coastal location and influence of the Cantabrian Sea moderate summer temperatures, though variable cloudiness is a frequent factor at this latitude. It is advisable to check the forecast for the days preceding the eclipse to choose the observation point with the highest probability of clear skies, as conditions can vary significantly over short distances.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Santander occurred on July 18, 1860, 166 years ago, with a totality of 3 minutes and 19 seconds. Before that, an annular eclipse crossed the area on April 1, 1764, with an obscuration of 86.9% and nearly 6 minutes of annularity. After the 2026 eclipse, the next total event will not arrive until November 17, 2180; the next significant annular eclipse is expected for February 27, 2082.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, the Sun is at 8.9° altitude above the horizon pointing toward the west-northwest, with an azimuth of 282°. This elevation is relatively low: it equals slightly more than the width of a closed fist held at arm's length. To ensure a clear line of sight, it is advisable to position yourself at a location with no obstructions in that direction, preferably with a direct opening to the sea or an open area toward the northwest.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Santander
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:31 UTC | 19:31 | +19.0° | 272.7° |
| C2 — Totality begins | 18:26 UTC | 20:26 | +9.0° | 281.9° |
| Maximum | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +9.0° | 282.0° |
| C3 — Totality ends | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.9° | 282.1° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:19 UTC | 21:19 | +0.2° | 290.9° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (290.9°)
Azimuth at C4
290.9° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
0.22°
Terrain horizon
7.86°
Sun−terrain margin
+1.00°
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 Santander
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Esquenta | 978 m | 21.1 km | 166° SSE |
| Peña Herrera | 971 m | 21.3 km | 166° SSE |
| Las Enguinzas | 964 m | 20.3 km | 167° SSE |
| Alto del Tejuelo | 938 m | 24.7 km | 157° SSE |
| Picones de Castrillos | 928 m | 24.4 km | 158° SSE |
| Peña de los Lobos | 917 m | 20.8 km | 166° SSE |
| Peña El Acebo | 821 m | 20.8 km | 172° S |
| Castro | 794 m | 23.5 km | 169° S |
Weather in Santander in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
100%
P75 — cloudier days
100%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Santander
- 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 Santander
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Santander?
Yes, but marginally: with 100% obscuration, the topographic horizon from Santander is very close to the Sun's altitude at the end.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Santander?
Maximum occurs at 20:27 local time (18:27 UTC) in Santander.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Santander?
Look WNW (azimuth 282°); the Sun will be 9° above the horizon at maximum from Santander.
How long does totality last in Santander?
Totality lasts 1 min 7 s in Santander (C2 to C3).
Is Santander a good place to watch the eclipse?
Santander 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 Cantabria →Where to stay in Santander
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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