Times calculated for Luxor (Egypt, UTC+3), from the National Solar Observatory and timeanddate.com eclipse data.
What will happen on 2 August 2027?
A total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East. Its longest duration is reached near Luxor, where totality lasts about 6 minutes 20 seconds — according to the US National Solar Observatory, the second-longest total eclipse of the 21st century. In Luxor the Sun will be almost overhead, about 82° above the horizon.
Eclipse times in Luxor
| Phase | Local time (Egypt) |
|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | 11:40 |
| Totality begins | 13:02 |
| Maximum | 13:05 |
| Totality ends | 13:08 |
| Partial eclipse ends | 14:26 |
Within Luxor, times vary by only a few seconds. We confirm them for your exact viewing spot.
Why Luxor
Ancient Thebes was the city of Amun-Ra, and its builders aligned temples with the Sun. On eclipse day the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the Valley of the Kings, the Nile and Karnak, and for six minutes the corona will hang almost directly above them. In Cairo the eclipse is only partial: impressive, but the sky does not go dark and the corona is not visible.
Where to watch
The whole of Luxor lies inside the path of totality, so choosing a place is about comfort rather than geometry: shade, water, a seat and an open view of the sky. A terrace above the Nile, a quiet corner on the West Bank beneath the Theban hills or the sun deck of a cruise ship all work equally well.
The August heat
Luxor regularly passes 40 °C in August, and the eclipse happens at midday. Plan for it: shade, plenty of water, a hat and light clothing. Temple visits on eclipse week are best done at dawn, with the hottest hours on board or by a pool.
Protect your eyes
Use eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 for every partial phase. Only during totality — and only then — is it safe to look with the naked eye, and the glasses go back on the moment the Sun reappears. Sunglasses, smoked glass and phone screens are not filters.
How to plan the trip
We expect very high demand for hotels and ships in Luxor that week. We are preparing programmes that combine the eclipse with a Nile cruise or a dahabiya, Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum. These existing journeys give you an idea of the route:
- Nile cruise and Abu Simbel — 8 days, starting in Luxor
- Nile cruise by dahabiya — 10 days
- Nile cruise, Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum — 8 days
Write to us and we will send you the eclipse itinerary and price as soon as departures are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see it from Spain?
Yes, the path of totality also crosses the far south of Spain around the Strait of Gibraltar, but totality there is shorter. For the longest totality, Egypt is the place.
What time is it in Spain?
Peninsular Spain is one hour behind Egypt in August, so totality in Luxor begins at about 12:02 Spanish time.
Is it safe to look at the eclipse?
Only during totality. During the partial phases, always use certified eclipse glasses.