Vilanova i la Geltrú
41.224°, 1.725° · 25 m a.s.l.
Visible
The Sun clears local terrain by 2.82° at C3.
80/100Very good
100%
You'll see full totality, but the Sun will set before the partial phase ends — an unusually epic finale.
Total eclipse · 100% obscuration
See the eclipse from Vilanova i la Geltrú minute by minute
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Photo: G.M. Kowalewska · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Vilanova i la Geltrú
Vilanova i la Geltrú is a coastal municipality in the province of Barcelona, in Catalonia, situated on the shores of the Mediterranean about 45 kilometers southwest of the Catalan capital. With nearly 65,890 inhabitants and an average elevation of 25 meters above sea level, the city blends an open coastline with a consolidated urban fabric. Its position on the Garraf coast grants it wide horizons toward the sea, which proves relevant for observing the eclipse.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, Vilanova i la Geltrú lies within the path of totality of the solar eclipse. The maximum occurs at 20:29 local time, with the Sun at the second inner contact phase (C3). At that moment the celestial body will be barely 4.1° above the horizon and at 286° azimuth, nearly west-northwest. The clearance above the topographic horizon is 2.8°: totality will be visible, but it is advisable to seek a location with an unobstructed horizon in that direction, preferably facing the sea.
The weather in August
August in Vilanova i la Geltrú is characteristically dry and stable according to AEMET data from 1991–2020. The risk of thunderstorms in that month is low, which favors observing conditions. The reference station corresponds to AEMET code 0073X. Although mean temperature and precipitation data are not available for this observatory, the typical climate pattern of the Barcelona coast in August points to predominantly clear skies during the central and late-afternoon hours of the day.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Vilanova i la Geltrú occurred on May 12, 1706, 320 years ago, with totality lasting nearly four minutes. The last annular eclipse was recorded on November 11, 1901, 125 years ago. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027, and 2028, one must wait until July 13, 2075 for the next annular eclipse, and until November 17, 2180 for totality to occur again from this latitude.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, the Sun will be at 286° azimuth, which corresponds to the west-northwest direction. Its height above the horizon will be barely 4.1°, very close to the sea horizon at the fall of evening. From the coastal strip of the city, with the open sea in that direction, the chances of having an unobstructed line of sight are high. Still, it is recommended to verify in advance that there are no obstacles—buildings, piers, or small elevations—in the sector spanning west to northwest.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Vilanova i la Geltrú
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:35 UTC | 19:35 | +14.0° | 277.6° |
| C2 — Totality begins | 18:29 UTC | 20:29 | +4.2° | 286.2° |
| Maximum | 18:29 UTC | 20:29 | +4.1° | 286.2° |
| C3 — Totality ends | 18:29 UTC | 20:29 | +4.1° | 286.3° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:20 UTC | 21:20 | -4.4° | 294.7° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (294.7°)
Azimuth at C4
294.7° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.44°
Terrain horizon
1.28°
Sun−terrain margin
+2.82°
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 Vilanova i la Geltrú
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puig de la TalaiaIn the Sun's direction | 861.3 m | 24.9 km | 300° WNW |
| Clapí Vell | 704 m | 23.8 km | 320° NW |
| l'Àliga | 701 m | 23.9 km | 319° NW |
| les CambretesIn the Sun's direction | 698.9 m | 24.3 km | 306° NW |
| Turó de Can FesolIn the Sun's direction | 690.3 m | 24.8 km | 307° NW |
| Puig de la CovaIn the Sun's direction | 671.6 m | 23.2 km | 296° WNW |
| Puig del Mas de la Riera | 667.3 m | 24.9 km | 321° NW |
| Montau | 658 m | 19.0 km | 45° NE |
Weather in Vilanova i la Geltrú in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
2%
Median cloud cover
23%
P75 — cloudier days
72%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Vilanova i la Geltrú
- Last total eclipseMay 12, 1706320 years ago
- Last annular eclipseNovember 11, 1901125 years ago
- Next total eclipseNovember 17, 2180
- Next annular eclipseJuly 13, 2075
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Vilanova i la Geltrú
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Vilanova i la Geltrú?
Yes — Vilanova i la Geltrú is inside the totality path and the horizon allows the total phase to be fully visible.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Vilanova i la Geltrú?
Maximum occurs at 20:29 local time (18:29 UTC) in Vilanova i la Geltrú.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Vilanova i la Geltrú?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Vilanova i la Geltrú.
How long does totality last in Vilanova i la Geltrú?
Totality lasts 0 min 22 s in Vilanova i la Geltrú (C2 to C3).
Is Vilanova i la Geltrú a good place to watch the eclipse?
Vilanova i la Geltrú 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
l hospitalet de llobregat
35 kmsants montjuic
40 kmsarria sant gervasi
40 kmbarcelona
41 kmeixample
41 kmWhere to stay in Vilanova i la Geltrú
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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