The Eclipse 2026 UK Time was one of the most searched topics surrounding the spectacular solar eclipse of 12 August 2026. Although the event has now passed, its timings, visibility and location differences remain useful for anyone researching the eclipse or looking back at what happened across Britain.
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, the UK experienced a deep partial solar eclipse. The Moon covered a large part of the Sun, with the exact amount and timing varying depending on where you were in the country.
In London, the eclipse began at 6:17pm BST, reached maximum at 7:13pm, and ended at 8:06pm. In other parts of the UK, the eclipse started earlier or later and reached maximum at slightly different times.
This guide provides the Eclipse 2026 UK time by location, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow and other major areas.
Eclipse 2026 UK Time at a Glance
The August 2026 eclipse was visible as a partial solar eclipse throughout much of the UK.
The overall timing varied from place to place, but the main viewing period was during the evening.
| Location | Eclipse Start | Maximum Eclipse | Eclipse End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 6:08pm | 7:06pm | 8:00pm |
| Edinburgh | Around 6:08pm | Around 7:05–7:06pm | Around 8:00pm |
| Manchester | 6:13pm | 7:10pm | 8:03pm |
| Liverpool | 6:13pm | 7:10pm | 8:04pm |
| Birmingham | 6:15pm | 7:11pm | 8:05pm |
| London | 6:17pm | 7:13pm | 8:06pm |
| Bristol | 6:17pm | 7:13pm | 8:07pm |
| Cardiff | 6:16pm | 7:13pm | 8:07pm |
| Southampton | 6:18pm | 7:14pm | 8:07pm |
All times are British Summer Time (BST). The exact times above are based on location-specific eclipse calculations from Timeanddate; the Royal Observatory Greenwich also confirms that timings varied across the UK and that viewers in the south-west generally saw greater coverage.
What Time Was the Eclipse 2026 in the UK?
The eclipse began during the early evening on 12 August 2026.
Across the UK, the beginning of the partial eclipse occurred at different times. For example, it began at around 6:08pm in Glasgow, while London experienced the beginning at approximately 6:17pm. Parts of southern England started slightly later, with Southampton at about 6:18pm.
The eclipse then progressed gradually as the Moon moved across the Sun.
For most observers, the most impressive part of the event was the period around maximum eclipse.
Eclipse 2026 Maximum Time in the UK
The maximum eclipse was the moment when the greatest portion of the Sun was covered from a particular location.
The maximum occurred at slightly different times across Britain.
Glasgow reached maximum at approximately 7:06pm, Manchester and Liverpool at around 7:10pm, Birmingham at about 7:11pm, and London and Cardiff at approximately 7:13pm. Southampton reached maximum at around 7:14pm.
This difference of several minutes is normal. An eclipse is a moving astronomical event, and observers in different locations see the Moon’s position against the Sun change at slightly different times.
Eclipse 2026 London Time
London was one of the most searched locations for Eclipse 2026 UK Time information.
According to Timeanddate, the partial eclipse in London:
- Began: 6:17pm BST
- Maximum: 7:13pm BST
- Ended: 8:06pm BST
- Duration: approximately 1 hour 49 minutes
At maximum eclipse, approximately 91% of the Sun was obscured in London.
Because the Sun was relatively low in the sky, having a clear view towards the western horizon was particularly important.
Eclipse 2026 Birmingham Time
For viewers in Birmingham, the partial eclipse:
- Started: 6:15pm BST
- Maximum: 7:11pm BST
- Ended: 8:05pm BST
Approximately 91.76% of the Sun was obscured at maximum in Birmingham.
This made Birmingham one of the many UK locations where the eclipse produced a very deep partial phase.
Eclipse 2026 Manchester Time
In Manchester, the eclipse:
- Started: 6:13pm BST
- Maximum: 7:10pm BST
- Ended: 8:03pm BST
Approximately 91.36% of the Sun was obscured at maximum.
The timing was therefore slightly earlier than in London, reflecting the difference in geographical position.
Eclipse 2026 Liverpool Time
Liverpool experienced a very similar schedule to Manchester.
The eclipse:
- Started: 6:13pm BST
- Maximum: 7:10pm BST
- Ended: 8:04pm BST
Around 91.84% of the Sun was obscured at maximum eclipse in Liverpool.
Eclipse 2026 Bristol Time
Bristol experienced a slightly greater level of solar coverage than London.
The eclipse:
- Started: 6:17pm BST
- Maximum: 7:13pm BST
- Ended: 8:07pm BST
Around 92.86% of the Sun was obscured at maximum.
Eclipse 2026 Cardiff Time
For Cardiff, the partial eclipse:
- Started: approximately 6:16pm BST
- Maximum: 7:13pm BST
- Ended: 8:07pm BST
Cardiff experienced approximately 93.21% obscuration, making it one of the locations with a particularly deep partial eclipse.
Eclipse 2026 Glasgow Time
Glasgow experienced the eclipse earlier than London.
The event:
- Started: 6:08pm BST
- Maximum: 7:06pm BST
- Ended: 8:00pm BST
Approximately 91.36% of the Sun was obscured at maximum in Glasgow.
Eclipse 2026 Edinburgh Time
Edinburgh was also among the earlier UK locations to experience the eclipse.
The event began at approximately 6:08pm, reached maximum at around 7:05–7:06pm, and ended at approximately 8:00pm BST.
The exact timing can vary slightly depending on the precise viewing location within the city and surrounding area.
Eclipse 2026 Southampton Time
Southampton experienced one of the later maximum times among the major locations listed here.
The eclipse:
- Started: 6:18pm BST
- Maximum: 7:14pm BST
- Ended: 8:07pm BST
Approximately 92.55% of the Sun was obscured at maximum.
Why Did Eclipse 2026 Times Vary by Location?
It may seem unusual that the same eclipse could begin at different times in different UK cities.
The reason is simple: the Earth is a large, moving sphere, and observers in different locations see the Moon and Sun from slightly different angles.
As a result, the Moon’s apparent path across the Sun changes depending on where the observer is located.
This affects:
- The time the eclipse begins
- The time of maximum eclipse
- The percentage of the Sun covered
- The time the eclipse ends
- The position of the Sun in the sky
That is why using a location-specific eclipse calculator is more accurate than relying on one single UK-wide time.
Where Was Eclipse 2026 Most Visible in the UK?
The eclipse was visible as a partial solar eclipse across the UK, but the amount of coverage was not identical everywhere.
The south-western parts of the UK generally experienced greater coverage.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich reported approximately 90% coverage in London, around 95% in Cornwall, and approximately 94% in Pembrokeshire.
This made areas of south-west England and parts of Wales particularly interesting locations for eclipse observers.
Why Was the Western Horizon Important?
The eclipse occurred during the evening, when the Sun was relatively low in the sky.
This meant that buildings, hills, trees and other obstacles could easily block the view.
For people wanting to observe the later stages of the eclipse, a location with a clear western or north-western horizon was especially useful.
A higher viewpoint could also provide a better line of sight, although safe viewing conditions should always be the priority.
Was Eclipse 2026 a Total Solar Eclipse in the UK?
No.
The global event was a total solar eclipse, but observers in the UK saw only the partial phase.
The path of totality did not cross Britain. Therefore, even though more than 90% of the Sun was covered in many UK locations, a small portion of the Sun remained visible throughout the event.
This distinction is important because a partial eclipse and a total eclipse are very different experiences.
How Much of the Sun Was Covered?
The amount of coverage depended on location.
Some examples include:
- London: approximately 91.38%
- Birmingham: approximately 91.76%
- Manchester: approximately 91.36%
- Liverpool: approximately 91.84%
- Bristol: approximately 92.86%
- Cardiff: approximately 93.21%
- Southampton: approximately 92.55%
These location-specific figures come from Timeanddate’s eclipse calculations.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich gives the broader picture: London saw about 90%, Cornwall roughly 95%, and Pembrokeshire around 94%.
How Long Did Eclipse 2026 Last?
The duration varied slightly depending on location.
In London, the partial eclipse lasted approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes, from 6:17pm until 8:06pm.
In Birmingham, the event lasted approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, from 6:15pm to 8:05pm.
This demonstrates why local eclipse timings are more useful than simply saying that the eclipse happened “around 6pm to 8pm”.
Eclipse 2026 UK Time: Quick Reference
If you are looking for the most important information at a glance, these are the key timings:
Date: 12 August 2026
Time zone: BST
UK event: Partial solar eclipse
Earliest listed start: Around 5:59pm BST in parts of Scotland
London: 6:17pm – 8:06pm
Maximum in London: 7:13pm
Latest listed end: Around 8:10pm in parts of England
Totality in the UK: Not visible
Timeanddate lists the UK-wide partial eclipse window from 5:59pm to 8:10pm BST, with the exact times varying by location.
How to Watch a Solar Eclipse Safely
Even though the August 2026 eclipse has now passed, the safety rules remain important for future solar eclipses.
Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate solar eye protection.
Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient.
You should also never look at the Sun through an unfiltered telescope, binoculars or camera optical system. Direct solar viewing without proper protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage.
For future eclipses, use properly certified solar viewing equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
What Made Eclipse 2026 Special?
The 12 August 2026 eclipse was particularly memorable because the UK experienced a very deep partial eclipse.
With around 90% or more of the Sun covered in many locations, it came remarkably close to totality without actually becoming total in Britain.
The variation in timing and coverage also made the event interesting from a geographical perspective.
Someone watching from Glasgow experienced the maximum earlier than someone in London, while viewers in south-western areas generally saw a larger percentage of the Sun covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eclipse 2026 UK Time
What time was the Eclipse 2026 in the UK?
The partial solar eclipse was visible during the evening of 12 August 2026. Across the UK, the event began between approximately 5:59pm and 6:18pm BST, depending on location.
What time was Eclipse 2026 in London?
In London, the eclipse began at 6:17pm, reached maximum at 7:13pm, and ended at 8:06pm BST.
What time was Eclipse 2026 in Birmingham?
Birmingham experienced the eclipse from 6:15pm to 8:05pm, with maximum eclipse at 7:11pm BST.
What time was Eclipse 2026 in Manchester?
In Manchester, the eclipse began at 6:13pm, reached maximum at 7:10pm, and ended at 8:03pm BST.
What time was Eclipse 2026 in Cardiff?
Cardiff experienced the eclipse from approximately 6:16pm to 8:07pm, with maximum at around 7:13pm BST.
What time was Eclipse 2026 in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, the partial eclipse began at approximately 6:08pm, reached maximum around 7:06pm, and ended around 8:00pm BST.
Was Eclipse 2026 total in the UK?
No. It was a partial solar eclipse in the UK. Totality was not visible from Britain.
Which UK location had the greatest eclipse coverage?
The south-west generally experienced the greatest coverage. The Royal Observatory Greenwich reported roughly 95% coverage in Cornwall and around 94% in Pembrokeshire, compared with about 90% in London.
Final Thoughts
The Eclipse 2026 UK Time story shows why exact location matters when following an astronomical event.
The eclipse did not happen at precisely the same time everywhere in Britain. From Glasgow and Edinburgh to London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Cornwall, the start, maximum and end times varied by several minutes.
The most important reference point for London was 7:13pm BST, when the eclipse reached maximum. Across the wider UK, maximum eclipse occurred at different times, generally between about 7:05pm and 7:16pm depending on location.
For astronomy enthusiasts, the event was a fascinating demonstration of how the positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun create different experiences from different places.
And for anyone researching Eclipse 2026 UK Time, the key lesson is simple: always check the timing for your exact location rather than relying on a single UK-wide time.
Eclipse 2026 UK: Date, Time, Map, Visibility & What Happened
More Eclipse & Astronomy Guides
- Eclipse 2026 UK: Everything You Need to Know
- Eclipse 2026 UK Time: Exact Timings by Location
- Eclipse 2026 London: Where and When to Watch
- Eclipse 2026 Map: UK Visibility Guide
- Solar Eclipse 2026: What Will You See?
- How to Watch Eclipse 2026 Safely: Eye Protection Guide
- Eclipse 2026 Weather: What UK Viewers Should Know
- Best Places to Watch Eclipse 2026 in the UK
- Eclipse 2026 Photography Guide: How to Photograph a Solar Eclipse
- What Is the Next Solar Eclipse After 2026? UK Dates & Times
Suggested
- Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Timeanddate Eclipse Information
- https://www.nasa.gov/
- European solar eclipses
- 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
editor – joge cruch