One month from now, on Aug. 12, 2026, the moon's shadow will tear across the globe, briefly turning day into an unforgettable twilight for those lucky enough to stand in its path.

If you've been putting off your plans, consider this your final call. With under 30 days to go, you can still make it happen.

This eclipse is a big deal, especially for European skywatchers. It marks the continent's first total solar eclipse since 1999, sweeping across Greenland, Iceland and Spain along a path of totality just 183 miles wide.

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After this one, the next total solar eclipse opportunity will occur on Aug. 2, 2027. That one will be visible in southern Spain, North Africa (including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt), Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Where to go

Spain is shaping up to be the star destination, thanks to its favorable weather odds and easy accessibility.

Mid-August is peak summer here, with northern cities like Burgos and Palencia seeing warm, dry days. Averages sit in the low-to-mid 80s Fahrenheit, but afternoon peaks regularly climb into the high 80s and low 90s under famously clear skies. But there's a catch.

Across much of the country, the eclipsed sun will hang very low in the sky, so you'll need a clear view of the western horizon. Cities like Gijón, Burgos and Palencia offer totality lasting well over a minute and a half. (One note: coastal Gijón is prone to morning marine layers and unpredictable clouds off the Atlantic, so inland spots like Burgos are the safer bet.)

For something truly unforgettable, head to the Balearic Islands.

August here is hot and reliably sunny, with afternoon highs often near 90 to 94 Fahrenheit, high humidity and very little rainfall, giving you some of the best cloud-free odds on the entire path.

From Mallorca's northwest coast, observers will witness a rare sunset eclipse. At maximum totality, around 8:31 p.m. local time, the sun sits just 1 to 3 degrees above the horizon before setting around 8:49 p.m.

Because it hangs so incredibly low, an entirely unobstructed western sea horizon is essential. Even a small hill, hotel or distant headland will block the view completely.

As eclipse expert Dr. Tyler Nordgren suggests, the moment totality ends, turn around. You may catch the moon's shadow lifting off the planet itself, since the Balearics sit at the very end of the eclipse path.

Prefer dramatic scenery? Iceland offers up to 2 minutes and 10 seconds of totality in spots like Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Just temper your weather expectations: Mid-August brings mild temperatures in the mid-50s Fahrenheit, but Iceland is notoriously cloudy and rainy, so a clear sky is far from guaranteed.

Adventurous travelers can also chase the shadow in remote Greenland, where August temperatures hover around the 40s Fahrenheit and coastal fog is a real risk, though inland areas near Scoresby Sund can offer better viewing conditions.

Not in the path? You can still watch

Even outside totality, much of Europe will enjoy a striking partial eclipse. More than 90% of the sun will be covered from London (91%), Paris (92%) and Dublin (94%).

Madrid comes tantalizingly close at 99.96%, but don't be fooled: the southern edge of the path cuts just north of the city, and even a 99.9% partial eclipse still looks like ordinary daylight. To witness the corona, you'll need to drive about an hour north to get inside the true path of totality.

A word to the wise

Eclipse chasing rewards patience, precision and a bit of luck.

A cloudy horizon is always the wildcard. Since the eclipse happens late in the evening across Spain, any trees or buildings to your west-northwest will ruin the show.

Book flexible accommodations, scout your viewing spot in advance, and don't forget certified eclipse glasses for the partial phases.

Lead editor Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.