Seattle Eclipse 2026: Why It's Not Visible & Where to See It
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Partial solar eclipse progression sequence — the August 12, 2026 eclipse is not visible from Seattle, but travelers can see a partial phase from Alaska, Maine, or Montana

City Eclipse Guide · Seattle · August 12, 2026

Seattle Eclipse 2026: Why It's Not Visible & Where to See It

Here's the honest headline for Seattle on August 12, 2026: the solar eclipse will not be visible from Seattle, or anywhere in Washington state. The path of totality runs through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain — and Washington is not among the US states in the partial-visibility zone. If you want to see a partial eclipse, you'll need to travel north or east. This guide tells you exactly where to go and what to expect.

Visible from Seattle?No — 0%
Best US viewFairbanks, AK ~37%
US totalityNone — Russia → Greenland → Iceland → Spain
Glasses needed?Yes — ISO 12312-2 for any partial view
By Telescope Advisor Editorial Team Published: Updated: Editorial Standards

Correction Notice

An earlier version of this article stated that Seattle would see a 40–45% partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. That information was incorrect. The August 12, 2026 eclipse is not visible from Seattle or anywhere in Washington state, and there are no eclipse times to plan around here. This page has been corrected and updated to reflect the accurate facts — for where to travel to see the eclipse instead, see the sections below.

Eclipse Eye Safety — Glasses Required for Any Partial Viewing

The August 12, 2026 eclipse is not visible from Seattle — but if you travel to Alaska, Maine, Montana, or another state in the partial-visibility zone, never look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun without ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Even a small bite out of the Sun (5% or 95%) is dangerous — the eye-safety rules are identical at every coverage level, and glasses must stay on at all times. Only during the 100% totality phase — which is NOT visible from the US — is naked-eye viewing ever safe. See our eclipse glasses guide for certified products.



Quick Answer: The Eclipse Is Not Visible from Seattle

No — the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse will not be visible from Seattle, or from anywhere in Washington state. Seattle sits outside the eclipse's partial-visibility zone entirely: coverage from Seattle is 0%. No West Coast US city sees the eclipse at all. Washington state is not among the US states where the eclipse is visible.

The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 runs along a path of totality through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. For American viewers, a partial eclipse is only meaningfully visible from Alaska, northern New England, and a handful of mid-Atlantic and Midwest states. The best US coverage is in Alaska — up to roughly 37% at Fairbanks. If you want to see the partial phase, plan a trip to one of these northern states; otherwise, enjoy the many livestreams and online coverage of totality.

From Seattle

Nothing to see — 0% coverage. No first contact, no maximum, no crescent. The Moon's shadow passes nowhere near the Pacific Northwest. Do not expect any darkening of the mid-morning sky.

If you travel north

Alaska is the standout US destination: Fairbanks ~37%, Anchorage ~28%, Juneau ~17%. Northern Maine (Bangor ~24%, Portland ~19%) is the best bet in the continental US. Montana offers a closer western option.

For totality

The only way to see totality is to travel to the path itself — Iceland, northern Spain, or a small sliver of Portugal. No part of the continental US or Washington state is in the totality path.

Is the Solar Eclipse Visible from Seattle?

No. This is the single most important fact for Seattle readers: on August 12, 2026, the Moon's shadow will not touch Washington state at any point. Seattle gets 0% coverage — there is no partial phase to observe, no eclipse times to plan around, and no eclipse-related sky darkening. Any claims you may have seen about "40–45% coverage from Seattle" are incorrect.

This is because the eclipse's visibility zone is anchored far north and east of the Pacific Northwest. The path of totality begins over northern Russia (the Siberian Taymyr Peninsula), then crosses eastern Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain, and a small sliver of Portugal. The partial phase extends outward from that path — but not far enough west to reach Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or any other West Coast US city.

The honest bottom line for Seattle

There is no eclipse to see from Seattle on August 12, 2026. If you want to experience the event, you have two realistic options: travel to a northern US state (Alaska, Maine, Montana) for a partial view, or travel to the path of totality (Iceland, northern Spain, or Portugal) for the full 2-minute+ experience. Otherwise, watch it online — but don't wait outside on August 12 expecting to see anything from Seattle.

US Coverage by City — August 12, 2026

The amount of partial eclipse you see depends on how close you are to the path of totality. On August 12, 2026, the eclipse is only meaningfully visible from Alaska, northern New England, and a handful of mid-Atlantic and Midwest states. The table below shows the maximum coverage at eclipse time for key US cities — note that Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all see 0%.

US City Coverage at Max Context
Fairbanks, AK ~37% Highest coverage of any NASA-listed US city — the place to be
Anchorage, AK ~28% Best-connected Alaska city; solid partial
Juneau, AK ~17% Southeast Alaska — a worthwhile partial
Bangor, ME ~24% Best coverage in the continental US (NASA)
Portland, ME ~19% Strong northern New England partial
Boston, MA ~16% Modest partial in the northeast
New York City, NY ~9% Small bite out of the Sun at maximum
Philadelphia, PA ~7% Modest partial
Washington D.C. ~4% Barely a sliver at maximum
Detroit, MI ~3% Small partial in the Midwest
Los Angeles, CA 0% Not visible
San Francisco, CA 0% Not visible
Seattle, WA 0% Not visible — no partial phase to observe

Coverage values are maximum obscuration of the Sun at the peak of the eclipse, following NASA's published figures for these cities. Exact percentages vary by source and precise geographic coordinates.

What this means

The eclipse is only meaningfully visible in Alaska, northern New England, and a handful of mid-Atlantic/Midwest states. Every city on the West Coast — Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles — sees nothing. If you're in Seattle and want to observe the eclipse, your realistic destinations are Alaska (best coverage), northern Maine, or Montana as the closest western option.

Where to Travel from Seattle to See the Eclipse

Since the eclipse is invisible from Seattle, the decision is really about how far you're willing to go. Your options, from most convenient to most spectacular:

Montana — closest western option

A road trip or short flight from Seattle. Montana's eastern half is in the partial zone with modest coverage — enough to see a clear bite taken out of the Sun with eclipse glasses. It's the closest state to the Pacific Northwest that sees anything at all, and August is dry and sunny across most of the state.

Best for: a manageable trip from Seattle without crossing the continent

Alaska — the best US coverage

If you want the most dramatic partial view in the US, head to Alaska. Anchorage (~28%), Fairbanks (~37%), and Juneau (~17%) all beat anywhere in the lower 48. Fairbanks offers the deepest partial in the US, with a balance of strong coverage and practical travel. August is a good, relatively mild month to visit.

Best for: the deepest partial coverage in the United States

Northern Maine — best continental US view

For the best coverage in the lower 48, target northern Maine: Bangor (~24%) and Portland (~19%). It's a long haul from Seattle, but it's the strongest partial you can see without leaving the contiguous US, and early-afternoon timing gives you a high southern Sun to work with.

Best for: the deepest partial view in the continental United States

Iceland or northern Spain — totality

The only way to see the eclipse's full 2-minute-plus totality is to be in the path: northern Russia, eastern Greenland, Iceland, or northern Spain (with a small sliver of Portugal). Reykjavík is a popular and attainable option from Seattle. Seeing the corona and the sudden darkness of totality is an entirely different experience from any partial.

Best for: the once-in-a-lifetime experience of totality

Planning tip: Wherever you travel, check the local forecast in the days before August 12. A clear sky matters more than a slightly higher coverage percentage — a 28% partial under clear skies is a far better experience than 37% under clouds. Book accommodations early; eclipse-chasing crowds will be heavy in Iceland, northern Spain, and Alaska.

August Weather — the Travel Context

Seattle is famous for rain — but that reputation applies almost entirely to October through May. August is Seattle's driest, sunniest month. The Puget Sound region benefits from a Pacific high-pressure system that suppresses maritime clouds throughout July and August. It's a great month to be outside in Seattle — but since the eclipse isn't visible here, the weather that actually matters is the forecast at your travel destination.

August cloud cover (Seattle)

Historical NWS data for Seattle in August shows average cloud cover of only 30–35% — dramatically lower than the 65–75% typical from October through April. August mornings are particularly clear.

Rain probability (Seattle)

August is Seattle's statistically driest month, averaging just 0.6 inches of rain for the entire month. The chance of rain on any given August day is roughly 10–15%, far lower than the 40–60% common in autumn and spring.

Why it matters

Clear skies in Seattle on August 12 only matter if you're watching a livestream. For the actual event, check the August climatology of your destination: Alaska's interior (Fairbanks) is typically dry and clear in August, while coastal New England can be cloudier.

Destination Aug. Clear-Sky Probability Notes
Fairbanks, AK ~65–70% Interior Alaska is dry and clear in August — good odds with strong coverage
Seattle, WA ~70–75% Best August skies of the group — but no eclipse to see here
Bangor, ME ~55–60% Humid coastal climate; afternoon thunderstorm risk
New York City, NY ~50–55% Heat-driven afternoon convection; highest storm risk
Reykjavík, Iceland ~40–50% Oceanic climate — best odds in the east/northeast of the island

Photographing the Eclipse If You Travel

There's no eclipse to photograph from Seattle on August 12, 2026. But if you travel to Alaska, northern Maine, or the path of totality, you can capture memorable images. Here's what to plan for at each destination:

Partial phase — Alaska & northern Maine

At 17–37% coverage, the Sun shows a clear crescent bite. The key is a solar filter on the lens (never shoot the Sun unfiltered, even at 5% coverage). From Fairbanks or Anchorage the Sun sits at a moderate afternoon altitude; from Maine it's high in the south — a great chance to include a landscape in the frame. Use 1/1000–1/4000s at f/8, ISO 100, and bracket exposures.

Totality — Iceland or northern Spain

Only in the path of totality can you photograph the corona — the Sun's pearly outer atmosphere — and shoot without a filter during the brief totality phase (about 2 minutes). Plan a series of exposures for the corona (fast shutter for inner corona, slower for outer streamers) and rehearse your sequence beforehand. Totality is brief; don't spend it fiddling with gear.

Essential equipment: Any photography of the partially eclipsed Sun through a camera requires a solar filter on the camera lens or telescope — not just eclipse glasses over your eyes. A Baader solar film sheet cut to fit your lens hood, or a dedicated solar filter (the Celestron EclipSmart 70mm filter fits over many 50–75mm objective lenses) is required. ISO 100, f/8, 1/1000–1/4000 second is the starting point for partial phases; bracket from there.

Solar Viewing Gear for Your Eclipse Trip

Top Pick — Best Optical Experience for Deeper Partial Coverage
Celestron EclipSmart 12x50 solar binoculars — ideal for travelers seeing a deeper partial eclipse in Alaska or Maine

Celestron EclipSmart 12×50 Solar Binoculars

If you're traveling to Alaska or northern Maine, a 17–37% partial produces a properly crescent-shaped Sun — and solar binoculars reveal the lunar limb in crisp detail as it crosses the solar disk. The built-in ISO-certified solar filters mean you simply pick them up and look — no separate glasses required. The 12× magnification and 50mm aperture deliver a bright, detailed view of sunspot groups and the crescent edge.

Check Price on Amazon
Helioclipse ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses

Helioclipse Eclipse Glasses — 12 Pack — Essential minimum

ISO 12312-2 certified black polymer filter glasses — the essential minimum for safe viewing. At 12 pairs per pack, ideal for a family, friend group, or workplace eclipse event. The 12-pack ensures enough glasses for everyone without each person needing their own pair.

Check Price on Amazon
Celestron EclipSmart universal solar filter for telescopes

Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter — For telescope owners

Fits most refractors and reflectors up to 150mm aperture. The Baader AstroSolar film inside meets ISO 12312-2 specifications. Whether you're seeing a 28% partial in Alaska or totality in Spain, the Moon's crisp limb crossing any visible sunspot groups is a stunning solar telescope view. The adjustable fit works with most telescope tube ends without adhesive — a smart item to pack for an eclipse trip.

Check Price on Amazon

Seattle Eclipse 2026 — FAQ

Is the solar eclipse visible from Seattle on August 12, 2026?

No. The August 12, 2026 eclipse is not visible from Seattle or anywhere in Washington state. Seattle gets 0% coverage — the Moon's shadow passes nowhere near the Pacific Northwest. There is no partial phase to observe, no eclipse times to plan around, and no sky darkening to expect.

Why isn't the eclipse visible from Seattle?

The eclipse's visibility zone is anchored far north and east of the West Coast. The path of totality begins over northern Russia (the Siberian Taymyr Peninsula), then crosses eastern Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic, northern Spain, and a small sliver of Portugal. The partial phase extends outward from that path — but not far enough to reach any West Coast US city. No West Coast city — Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, or Los Angeles — sees the eclipse at all.

What US cities will see the partial eclipse, and how much coverage will they get?

The eclipse is only meaningfully visible in Alaska, northern New England, and a handful of mid-Atlantic/Midwest states. Approximate maximum coverage (per NASA): Fairbanks, AK ~37%, Anchorage, AK ~28%, Juneau, AK ~17%, Bangor, ME ~24%, Portland, ME ~19%, Boston, MA ~16%, New York City ~9%, Philadelphia ~7%, Washington D.C. ~4%, and Detroit ~3%. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle all see 0%.

Where should I travel from Seattle to see a partial eclipse?

Your realistic options are Alaska (the best US coverage — Fairbanks ~37%, Anchorage ~28%, Juneau ~17%), northern Maine (the best continental-US view — Bangor ~24%, Portland ~19%), or Montana as the closest western state that sees anything at all. For the full experience, travel to the path of totality in Iceland, northern Spain, or Portugal.

Where is the path of totality for the August 12, 2026 eclipse?

The path of totality begins over northern Russia (the Siberian Taymyr Peninsula) — the first landmass in the path — then crosses eastern Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain, and a small sliver of Portugal. No part of the continental US or Washington state is in the totality path, and totality is not visible from anywhere in the US.

Do I still need eclipse glasses if I'm not seeing totality?

Yes — always. Any partial view of the Sun, no matter how small the bite, requires ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Eye safety rules are identical at every coverage level: glasses on at all times. Only during the brief 100% totality phase — which is not visible from the US — is naked-eye viewing ever safe. See our eclipse glasses guide for certified options.

Is August a good month to travel for the eclipse?

August is Seattle's driest, sunniest month — but that only matters for livestreams, since there's no eclipse to see from Seattle. For your actual destination, August is generally a good month to visit Alaska (dry, clear interior skies around Fairbanks), while northern New England can be cloudier. Check the local forecast in the days before August 12 — a clear sky matters more than a slightly higher coverage percentage.

What can I do to watch the eclipse from Seattle on August 12?

Since the eclipse isn't visible from Seattle, the options are to travel (Alaska, northern Maine, Montana, or the totality path) or watch online. Several observatories and broadcasters stream totality live from Iceland and Spain. For eclipse-safe projection methods you can use anywhere — including from your own backyard — see our watch the eclipse safely guide.



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