Sestao
43.310°, -3.007° · 65 m a.s.l.
Visible
The Sun clears local terrain by 7.06° 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 Sestao minute by minute
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Photo: Javierme Javier Mediavilla Ezquibela · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Sestao
Sestao is a municipality in the Basque Country located on the left bank of the Nervión estuary, in the province of Bizkaia. With nearly 27,000 inhabitants and barely 65 metres of altitude, the city spreads across flat terrain between the reliefs of the Gran Bilbao region. Its location beside the estuary has historically tied it to steel and shipbuilding industries. The town was founded in 1322 and today forms part of the urban continuum surrounding Bilbao.
For this eclipse
Sestao lies within the path of totality of the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Totality will reach its maximum at 20:27 local time, with the Sun positioned 8.3 degrees above the horizon—a very low angle that requires a clear line of sight towards the west-northwest. The margin above the topographic horizon is 7 degrees, sufficient if you choose a location with clear views in that direction, free from buildings or hills obstructing the view.
The weather in August
August in Sestao is mild and humid, with average temperatures of 19.8 °C, highs around 23 °C and lows rarely dropping below 16 °C. Average monthly precipitation exceeds 44 mm, reflecting the Atlantic character of the Basque climate. The risk of thunderstorms is high at this time of year, which may affect sky visibility around the eclipse. It is advisable to monitor forecasts in advance and consider trips to areas with less cloud cover. (Data: AEMET, 1991–2020.)
Past eclipses
The last total solar eclipse visible from Sestao occurred on 18 July 1860, 166 years ago, with a totality duration of 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Before that, the last annular eclipse was recorded on 1 April 1764. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027 and 2028, one must wait until 27 February 2082 for the next annular eclipse, and until 17 November 2180 for the next total eclipse visible from this location.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of totality on 12 August 2026 at 20:27, the Sun will be located at azimuth 283°, towards the west-northwest, very close to the setting horizon. Its altitude will be barely 8.3 degrees, little more than a fist held at arm's length. This grazing trajectory makes the horizon a decisive factor: even modest obstacles such as buildings or a small hill can prevent observation of the totality phase.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Sestao
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:31 UTC | 19:31 | +18.3° | 273.3° |
| C2 — Totality begins | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.4° | 282.6° |
| Maximum | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.3° | 282.6° |
| C3 — Totality ends | 18:27 UTC | 20:27 | +8.3° | 282.6° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:19 UTC | 21:19 | -0.3° | 291.4° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (291.4°)
Azimuth at C4
291.4° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-0.26°
Terrain horizon
1.23°
Sun−terrain margin
+7.06°
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 Sestao
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganekogorta | 999.2 m | 12.2 km | 169° S |
| Arrabatxu | 984 m | 12.3 km | 171° S |
| Pagero | 963 m | 12.3 km | 174° S |
| Terreros | 911 m | 23.8 km | 238° WSW |
| Gallarraga | 901 m | 12.6 km | 180° S |
| Eretza | 887 m | 9.4 km | 203° SSW |
| Kolitza | 883 m | 23.1 km | 239° WSW |
| Biderdi | 877 m | 12.1 km | 163° SSE |
Weather in Sestao in August
Avg. temp.
19.8°C
Max / min
23.3° / 16.2°
Precipitation
44.8 mm
Storm risk
High
Station PUNTA GALEA, 7 km away · Period 1991-2020 · Source: AEMET
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 Sestao
- 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 Sestao
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Sestao?
Yes — Sestao is inside the totality path and the horizon allows the total phase to be fully visible.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Sestao?
Maximum occurs at 20:27 local time (18:27 UTC) in Sestao.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Sestao?
Look WNW (azimuth 283°); the Sun will be 8° above the horizon at maximum from Sestao.
How long does totality last in Sestao?
Totality lasts 0 min 34 s in Sestao (C2 to C3).
Is Sestao a good place to watch the eclipse?
Sestao 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 Sestao
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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