Solar eclipse 2026: Everything you need to know about the next big blackout visible from Mexico

Remember back in March 2025, when the sky turned a bit eerie for a while? That solar eclipse on 29 March 2025 was just a taster. For those left wanting more, mark the date: 12 August 2026 is when the real big one comes around. The experts have confirmed it, and here in Mexico we'll have a privileged spot to enjoy it, even if it is as a spectacular partial eclipse.

August 2026: the day the sun disappears mid-morning

The solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will be total in other latitudes – particularly in northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland – but here on Mexican soil, we'll witness a major partial blackout. If the weather plays ball, we'll see the Moon take a bite out of the Sun, leaving a kind of bright crescent. It'll be as if the king of stars is wearing an earring for a few minutes. The most precise calculations indicate the phenomenon will start around 10 am (Central Mexico time) and reach its peak near 11:30 am. Bear in mind: the exact duration and percentage of coverage will vary depending on your location. Northern cities like Tijuana or Hermosillo will have a better view; in the centre and south it will be a little less pronounced, but equally impressive.

What the March 2025 eclipse left us and other celestial memories

Those who were paying attention to the solar eclipse on 29 March 2025 know that the thrill of watching the light change and everything turn colder is unique. That was a fairly even partial eclipse across the country. But if we dig through the memory banks, we've had other events too: the solar eclipse on 13 July 2018 was barely visible in the far south of Mexico, almost imperceptible, and only the most hardcore enthusiasts caught it at sunset. A month later, the solar eclipse on 11 August 2018 also passed by these parts without much fanfare, because its peak splendour happened at the North Pole. But life's like a revolving vinyl record: now it's our turn to be in the spotlight.

Prepare like a pro: dates and top tips

You don't catch a Mexican off guard when it comes to looking at the sky. Here are my tips, mate, from someone who's been through a few eclipses:

• Get certified glasses: Forget smoked glass or old camera film. For the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, you need filters meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard, otherwise your retinas will pay the price.
• Find a clear spot: Rooftops, parks or hills. The higher you are and the fewer buildings around, the better.
• Arrive early: These events last a couple of hours, and if you rock up at 10:05 am, you'll have missed the start. The climax will be between 11:20 am and 11:50 am, depending on your city.
• Don't rely on the weather: August is rainy season in many areas. Have a Plan B and check the forecast a few days beforehand.

And if you're one of those already planning the next one, jot down the solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 in your diary. That one will cross North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but in Mexico it will also be visible as a partial eclipse, though less intense than the one in 2026.

Experience it the Mexican way: with family, mates, and loads of curiosity

This isn't just about science; it's a perfect excuse to get the gang together, drag out the deckchairs, and make a morning of it. Every corner of the country adds its own flavour: up north they'll watch it with a barbecue, in the centre with tamales and atole, and down south with coconut and marimba music. The main thing is that we all look up carefully and enjoy that moment when day turns to night for a few minutes. Mark 12 August 2026 on your calendar now. This, my friends, is not to be missed.