Are you getting ready for the “dark of the century”? Once word gets out the remarkable total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027you can bet thousands of eclipse chasers will be planning a trip to the path of totality.
Perhaps the biggest attraction of this landmark solar eclipse is the length of the set, which will reach 6 minutes, 23 seconds. Potential viewing locations will attract many onlookers, with ancient Egyptian temples and Roman ruins in the path of totality. And who can ignore excellent weather forecasts? Although clouds can often block eclipses, this is unlikely to happen on August 2, 2027 because there is almost zero chance of clouds from some locations.
Connected: Where will the 2027 total solar eclipse on August 2 be seen?
The reward is daytime darkness and a chance to see the solar corona with the naked eye—but only if you’re in the right place at the right time.
The 160-mile (258-kilometer) wide path of totality will cross Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somaliland, Somalia and the Chagos Islands, casting nearly 89 million people under the moon’s umbra.
Here are 10 top tips for planning your total solar eclipse.
1. Expect high temperatures
It’s going to be a very, very hot experience. As the moon’s shadow passes over the earth, temperatures will drop dramatically. Such will be the scorching heat along the path of totality from southern Spain to Arabia, and cold temperatures during totality are likely to be one of the main features of this eclipse. However, bet on dealing with temperatures of around 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). It is no wonder that almost all tour groups planning to visit Luxor, Egypt will watch the eclipse from the grounds of five-star hotels with air conditioning.
2. Guess the weather odds
It is extremely rare for the path of totality to cross regions of the planet where clouds are almost impossible. Yet that’s exactly what will happen on August 2, 2027. If you want a cloud-free experience, head anywhere in inner Egypt (including Siwa Oasis, Luxor, and anywhere else along the Nile within the path) or take on a cruise ship that plans to observe in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya.
But the entire path of totality will not be cloudless. The Atlantic Ocean is likely to have clouds – ruling out a carefree cruise from the Azores or Madeira, Portugal – as might the Straits of Gibraltar and northern Morocco.
3. Consider Egypt
Egypt is set to be the marquee location for this eclipse, and many North American eclipse chasers may not consider traveling there. Yes, Egypt is far away and in an unpredictable region. However, tourism is a booming industry in Egypt, with nearly 12 million visitors in 2022 and an estimated 15 million in 2024.
Most visits are uneventful. However, it is important to note that Americans may want to be cautious as The US State Department sometimes advises against traveling to Egypt. Whether you choose to travel independently or opt for an organized tour, there are plenty of options to make your visit to Egypt enjoyable.
4. Don’t forget Spain
Spain will experience two total solar eclipses within one lunar year, with totality due north on August 12, 2026, and in the southern region of Andalusia on August 2, 2027. The second of these two eclipses will have the longest total eclipse and the best chance of clear skies. Spain is north of the central line for this eclipse, but longer totality will occur the further south in the country you travel. Note these aggregate durations:
- Cadiz (2 minutes, 46 seconds)
- Malaga (1 minute, 56 seconds)
- Rhonda (1 minute, 17 seconds)
- Marbella (3 minutes, 17 seconds)
- Parque Natural Los Alcornocales (3 minutes, 50 seconds)
- Algeciras (4 minutes, 26 seconds)
- Torre de Guadalmesí (4 minutes, 38 seconds)
- Baelo Claudia (4 minutes, 31 seconds)
- Tariff (4 minutes, 39 seconds)
5. You have integrity from Tatooine
In addition to crossing Egypt’s Western Desert, the path of totality will pass through the Tunisian desert, home to several Star Wars film sets. Near Tozer, Tunisia are the sets for Mos Espa (2 minutes, 4 seconds) and Star Wars Canyon; 3 minutes, 9 seconds) in Sidi Bouhlel. The Lars Homestead from the original Star Wars movie is just south of the trail.
6. See the Milky Way
Solar eclipses are the perfect travel event for anyone who loves star gazing and astronomy. By definition, solar eclipses occur during New moon, when the night sky is moonless. If you place yourself in the cloud-free Western Desert in Egypt, you will be granted great views of Milky Way on the nights before and after the August 2nd eclipse.
7. Wait for the Perseids
As a bonus, Perseid meteor shower will last from July 17 to August 24, 2027. It will peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13 during a waxing moon. But since the “shooting stars” of the rain are so bright, it might be worth staying in desert areas for another 10 days after the eclipse. Wadi Rum in Jordan, a relatively easy trip from North Africa, is a popular spot for stargazing in the dark sky.
8. Watch out for clouds in Gibraltar
The British overseas territory of Gibraltar, a short flight from the UK, will appeal to many. It is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot (426-meter) limestone ridge that looks, in theory, like a great place to witness totality. There are even viewing platforms (and Barbary macaques). However, “The Rock” also generates its own clouds and rain. The “Levanter” can appear at any time and brings a decidedly unsummery weather.
9. Get your camera ready
This will be a very popular eclipse to photograph. With so much weather in so many places, few people will be able to resist the urge to capture an eclipsed sun. Many others plan to spend a few minutes photographing the eclipse and enjoying it with their naked eyes.
However, there are some things to think about and take precautions. This will be a very high eclipse, so expect to be lying on the ground if you want to get a close-up with a telephoto lens. (From Luxor, the eclipse will occur at 82 degrees, which is almost directly overhead.)
Remember yours solar observation kit including solar filters designed to make your camera safe for viewing the sun.
Connected: How to observe the sun safely (and what to look for)
Keep your camera in full shade and put it in a camera bag when moving between extreme heat and an air-conditioned hotel room, which can cause condensation on the lens. Use a weatherproof cover to protect against dust and sand. For more tips, see our guides on how to photograph a solar eclipse and how to photograph an eclipse with a smartphone.
10. Don’t neglect the Nile
Many dedicated eclipse chasers will head to Luxor, Egypt via a Nile cruise or to stay at a hotel. After all, this is where the maximum length of totality is and clear skies are almost guaranteed. This is pointless. Or is it? Other places are also attractive and may be less crowded.
For example, the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombowil experienced more than five minutes of totality. Both are a short drive from Aswan, a beautiful destination just beyond the southern border of the totality road.
