5 Solar Eclipses You Can't Miss Before 2030

If you missed the Great North American Eclipse in April 2024, you are not alone — and you are not out of luck. The next five years bring a lineup of solar eclipses that rival anything in living memory. From a volcanic island to ancient temples to the Sydney Opera House, these five events are worth planning around right now.

Our Solar Eclipse Explorer tracks all upcoming eclipses with countdowns, path details, and fun facts. But here are the five that deserve a spot on your calendar.

1. August 12, 2026 — Total eclipse over Iceland and Spain

The first major total eclipse since the 2024 North American event crosses the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland before making landfall in northern Spain. Reykjavik sits directly in the path of totality — the first time in decades the Icelandic capital has experienced totality.

At 2 minutes and 18 seconds, this is not the longest eclipse on the list. But the setting makes up for it. Imagine the solar corona blazing over volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and glaciers. For those who prefer reliable weather, northern Spain around Oviedo and Gijon offers August sunshine and over 2 minutes of totality.

Planning tip: Reykjavik hotels are already filling up. If you are serious about Iceland, book accommodations now. Spain is the safer weather bet — August in Asturias averages 22 degrees Celsius with mostly clear skies.

2. August 2, 2027 — The monster eclipse over Egypt

This is the one astronomers are already building their lives around. At 6 minutes and 23 seconds of totality near Luxor, Egypt, this is one of the longest total solar eclipses of the entire 21st century. Only four eclipses between 2000 and 2100 will exceed 6 minutes.

The path of totality enters Africa through Morocco, clips southern Spain near Gibraltar, then sweeps across Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and into Egypt. The centerline passes almost directly over Luxor, where the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings will be plunged into darkness for over six minutes. The symbolism of a total eclipse over temples built to worship the Sun god Ra needs no explanation.

Weather prospects are outstanding. August in Egypt and North Africa means virtually guaranteed clear skies. Eclipse tour operators have been advertising this event since 2024, and Luxor is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Planning tip: Eclipse tour packages to Egypt are already on sale and filling fast. Independent travelers should book Luxor hotels at least 18 months in advance. Morocco and Spain are alternatives if Egypt logistics seem daunting.

3. January 26, 2028 — Record-breaking ring of fire

This annular eclipse sets a record: at 10 minutes and 27 seconds of annularity at maximum, it is the longest annular eclipse until 2050. Most people who witness a ring-of-fire eclipse see 3 to 5 minutes. Over ten minutes is extraordinary.

The path makes landfall in Ecuador, crosses the Andes into Peru, sweeps across the Amazon basin in Brazil, then leaps across the Atlantic to make landfall again in Portugal and Spain. This two-continent path gives travelers on both sides of the Atlantic a chance to see it.

Because the Moon appears notably smaller than the Sun during this eclipse (magnitude 0.921), the ring of fire will be especially thick and bright — about 8% of the Sun diameter visible around the Moon.

Planning tip: Coastal Ecuador near Guayaquil and northeast Brazil near Fortaleza are the best South American options. In Europe, Lisbon is in the path. January weather in Ecuador is warm and generally clear; Iberian weather in late January is less reliable.

4. July 22, 2028 — Sydney gets totality after 171 years

Mark this date. July 22, 2028 will almost certainly be the most-watched total solar eclipse in human history. The path of totality passes directly over Sydney, Australia — a city of 5.3 million people who have not seen totality since 1857.

The eclipse path crosses Australia from the Kimberley region in Western Australia, through the interior, and directly over Sydney before continuing to New Zealand. At 5 minutes and 10 seconds of maximum totality, this is a generous eclipse over a city with excellent infrastructure for millions of visitors.

Imagine the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge silhouetted against the solar corona. The moment totality hits and millions of people gasp simultaneously. This eclipse will produce the most iconic eclipse photographs ever taken.

Planning tip: July is winter in Australia, with mild temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius in Sydney. July weather is generally dry with good odds of clear skies. Airlines are reportedly already planning additional capacity. Book early — this will be the most in-demand eclipse destination in history.

5. June 1, 2030 — Ring of fire from Greece to Japan

This annular eclipse traces one of the most culturally rich paths of any eclipse this decade. The ring of fire crosses North Africa, the Mediterranean, Greece, Turkey, Central Asia, China, and Japan. Over 5 minutes of annularity along the entire path.

The most dramatic viewing locations include the Parthenon in Athens, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and temple complexes across Kyoto. For ancient history enthusiasts, this eclipse is the ultimate combination of astronomy and archaeology.

Weather varies dramatically along the path. North Africa and Turkey in June offer near-certain clear skies. Japan in early June is entering rainy season, making it the riskiest major viewing location.

Planning tip: Greece and Turkey are the sweet spot — reliable weather, stunning backdrops, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Japan is a gamble but the cultural payoff is extraordinary if skies cooperate.

Start planning now

Eclipse chasing is not a spontaneous activity. The best viewing locations fill up years in advance, and the difference between a clear sky and clouds often comes down to choosing the right city within the path. Use our Solar Eclipse Explorer to dive into the details for each eclipse — magnitude, duration, Saros cycle, path countries, and countdown timers for every event through 2030.

The next five years are a golden age for eclipse watchers. Do not let them pass by.