Quick Answer: Morocco Solar Eclipse 2027
The 2027 total solar eclipse crosses northern Morocco on August 2, 2027, starting at approximately 9:44 AM local time (WEST). The best places to watch are Tangier (4 min 51 sec of totality), Tetouan (4 min 53 sec), and Chefchaouen (approx. 4 min 30 sec). Morocco has a 79% historical clear-sky probability in August, making it one of the most reliable viewing destinations in the eclipse path. Cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech are NOT in the path of totality — only the northern tip of the country enters the shadow zone.
For over two decades now, I have helped tourists explore North Africa, and here is what I can confidently say about this particular date – August 2, 2027. That day will see one of the most amazing mornings in the history of the continent. It will witness an incredible total solar eclipse that will darken the skies of the Moroccan north as soon as the sun rises from the Mediterranean. Not only will this event happen in a country not known for its eclipses but also occur in the early hours of the morning, at 9:44 am, during which the temperature is much cooler than in other eclipses.
If you are unsure whether Morocco is one of those destinations worth including on your eclipse travel list, let me give you the straight answer, which is yes. More detailed information will follow in the next pages.
In the following section, you will find all necessary information related to this eclipse: which towns lie within the totality range, how long the period of darkness lasts in each, August weather in Morocco, safe ways of observing the phenomenon, and a possible eclipse package tour.
What Is the Morocco Solar Eclipse 2027?
A total solar eclipse takes place when the Moon comes between the Earth and Sun, thus eclipsing the sunlight. People viewing the eclipse from inside the “path of totality,” an approximately 250-kilometer wide zone, witness darkness, a rapid temperature drop, and an emergence of corona – the outer layer of the Sun that remains hidden normally.
Eclipses are known to fascinate the scientific community for decades, and the one taking place in 2027 is dubbed as “the eclipse of the century” even at this point. The maximum duration of the phenomenon observed from Egypt totals 6 minutes and 23 seconds and will not be equaled until 2114. In Morocco, people get to witness about 5 minutes of darkness, making their experience unique and unforgettable nonetheless.
The track moves into Morocco just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean around 9:44 AM local time, passing through the peninsula of Tangier towards the Mediterranean. Only the northern parts of the country lie within the path of totality. Hence, should you be viewing the eclipse from places like Marrakech or Casablanca, you will see the partial phenomenon instead.
Path of Totality in Morocco: Which Cities Are Inside It?
The path of totality in Morocco is narrow and concentrated in the north. Here is a clear breakdown:
| City | Inside Path? | Duration of Totality | Local Start Time (WEST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier | YES (centerline) | 4 min 51 sec | ~9:44 AM |
| Tetouan | YES (near centerline) | 4 min 53 sec | ~9:47 AM |
| Chefchaouen | YES (between centerline & limit) | ~4 min 30 sec | ~9:46 AM |
| Tamuda Bay / M’Diq | YES | ~4 min 45 sec | ~9:46 AM |
| Ceuta (Spain) | YES | 4 min 48 sec | ~9:45 AM |
| Nador | YES (near southern limit) | ~4 min 16 sec | ~9:49 AM |
| Oujda | BARELY — near edge | 1 min 4 sec | ~9:52 AM |
| Casablanca | NO — partial eclipse only | Partial | — |
| Rabat | NO — partial eclipse only | Partial | — |
| Marrakech | NO — partial eclipse only | Partial | — |
Important note: Being 10 km outside the path of totality is not the same as being inside it. A 99% partial eclipse still leaves 1% of the Sun visible — enough to prevent seeing the corona, Baily’s beads, or the horizon glow. Position matters enormously.
Best Places to Watch the 2027 Solar Eclipse in Morocco
1- Tangier: Longest Duration, Best Infrastructure
Tangier happens to lie just off the path of maximum eclipse duration for Morocco: 4 minutes 51 seconds. The Sun will stand about 38 degrees from the horizon; a reasonably high position for comfortable viewing while still allowing for fantastic photography shots.
Additionally, Tangier offers the best tourist facilities available in the area; there are many international flights, top-notch hotels like the Fairmont Tazi Palace and the Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort, and a charming old town complete with attractions such as the Kasbah, Dar el Makhzen, Hercules caves, and Cape Spartel.
My practical suggestions are that Tangier’s beaches provide the perfect conditions for the experience, with an open horizon view of the Sun during its disappearance. The beachfront of the Hilton Al Houara, a little distance away from the city, has been booked by many eclipse operators.
2- Tetouan: UNESCO Medina + Maximum Totality
Technically, Tetouan is one of the best cities for total duration, reaching up to four minutes and 53 seconds. The city is situated on the other side of the Tangier Peninsula, south of the center line, occupying an excellent vantage point.
What makes Tetouan even more appealing is that the medina of Tetouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring white-washed buildings, narrow covered souks, and Andalusian-style architecture from the 15th century that were constructed by refugees fleeing Spain at the time. Viewing the eclipse and walking around the medina when everything lights up again would be a memorable experience, indeed.
In terms of tourist development, Tetouan trails behind Tangier, so expect prices to be a little cheaper and crowd sizes to be smaller. Tetouan can be reached via road within a forty-minute ride from the airport in Tangier.
3- Chefchaouen: The Blue City Under the Shadow
Chefchaouen is the most photographic place to experience the eclipse on Earth in 2027. And I can say that without any doubts. The “Blue City,” with all buildings painted in various shades of blue and indigo colors, is located in the Rif Mountains, about 600 meters above sea level. In this case, the absence of clouds and clear skies are assured. Moreover, Chefchaouen is situated somewhere around the middle between the center line and the southern limit of the path, thus having 4 minutes and 30 seconds of totality.
With mountains surrounding the city, light pollution is not an issue. Once the sky turns dark and starts to sparkle with stars during totality, the result will be spectacular indeed. Eclipse specialists have already marked their coordinates in the hills near Chefchaouen (35°10′28.0”N, 5°16′16.9”W) as an ideal spot to witness the phenomenon.
P.S. The Blue City is situated 1.5–2 hours away from Tangier by car. Thus, visiting the city would be an easy addition to the itinerary if you are planning to spend the eclipse in Tangier.
4- Tamuda Bay / M’Diq Beach: Seaside Viewing
Tamuda Bay is a beach resort located between Tetouan and the Mediterranean coastline, situated at a distance of about 10 kilometers from Tetouan towards the east. This site provides a calmer experience than that of Tangier city — with fewer crowds, tranquil beaches, and several good resort hotels (St. Regis La Bahia Blanca stands out here). Totality at this location will last for about 4 minutes and 45 seconds.
The M’Diq beach lies right next to Tamuda Bay and falls within the totality path. This location is undeveloped and will provide you with the wide expanse of the Mediterranean Sea ahead, allowing you to capture photos of the Moon’s shadow moving over the ocean towards the end of totality.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tetouan medina, which lies very close, can be reached in about five minutes.
When Is the Solar Eclipse in Morocco 2027? Exact Timings
All times below are local Morocco time (WEST — Western European Summer Time, UTC+1 in August).
| Eclipse Phase | Tangier | Tetouan | Chefchaouen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | ~8:15 AM | ~8:17 AM | ~8:16 AM |
| Totality begins (C2) | ~9:44 AM | ~9:47 AM | ~9:46 AM |
| Maximum eclipse | ~9:46 AM | ~9:49 AM | ~9:48 AM |
| Totality ends (C3) | ~9:49 AM | ~9:52 AM | ~9:50 AM |
| Partial eclipse ends | ~11:25 AM | ~11:27 AM | ~11:26 AM |
| Duration of totality | 4 min 51 sec | 4 min 53 sec | ~4 min 30 sec |
| Sun altitude at maximum | ~38° | ~38° | ~37° |
Note: Timings above are approximate reference values. For your exact location, use the interactive tool at timeanddate.com or xjubier.free.fr — durations can vary by several seconds even within the same city.
Weather & Sky Conditions: Will It Be Clear on Eclipse Day?
August in northern Morocco is, by most measures, excellent eclipse weather. Historical cloud-cover data gives the Tangier region a 79% clear-sky probability in August — one of the best figures for any major viewing location along the 2027 path.
A few things worth understanding about August weather in the north:
- The coast (Tangier, Tamuda Bay) benefits from Mediterranean breezes that keep temperatures reasonable — typically 24–29°C in August, well below the extreme heat of inland Morocco or Egypt.
- Cloud risk is low but not zero. Sea mist can develop along the coast early in the morning but usually clears by mid-morning — around exactly when the eclipse peaks.
- Inland at elevation (Chefchaouen) tends to be slightly cooler with marginally higher cloud risk from the Rif Mountains. Still historically clear.
- Oujda, near the Algerian border, is at the southern edge of the path and has noticeably higher cloud risk — not recommended as a primary viewing location.
My suggestion: Tangier or Tetouan give the best balance of totality duration and reliable clear skies. If weather forecasts in the final week look uncertain along the coast, Chefchaouen’s higher elevation is a reasonable backup.
How to Watch Safely: Eclipse Glasses and Viewing Tips
This is the one rule I ask every group I guide to repeat before we start: never look at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses, except during the brief window of totality itself. Here is the complete protocol:
- Before totality: wear eclipse glasses rated ISO 12312-2 at all times when looking toward the Sun. Ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe.
- At the moment totality begins (C2): you can remove your glasses and look directly at the corona. This is the only time it is safe.
- During totality: naked-eye viewing is safe. This is when you see the corona, planets, Baily’s beads at the start and end, and the diamond ring effect.
- At the moment totality ends (C3): replace your glasses immediately. Even a sliver of direct sunlight can damage your eyes.
- Photography: use a solar filter on your camera lens during partial phases. Remove it only during totality.
Get your eclipse glasses before you leave for Morocco. They are not always easy to find locally in Morocco, and demand will be high. Buy from certified sellers — look for the ISO 12312-2 label on the packaging.
Eclipse Photography Tips (For Non-Professionals)
I always tell first-time eclipse chasers the same thing: photograph the eclipse, but also just watch it. Five minutes is not a lot of time, and the human eye captures things no camera does.
That said, here are practical tips that actually work:
- Phone cameras: switch to manual mode if available. Turn off HDR. Expose for the corona (it will be very bright — likely overexposed on auto). Landscape mode captures the horizon darkening, which is dramatic.
- DSLR / mirrorless: practice your settings beforehand. During totality, ISO 100–800, f/8, shutter speeds 1/1000s for the corona detail down to 1 second for the outer corona. Use a tripod.
- Telephoto / zoom: a 200–400mm equivalent focal length captures the corona detail. Wider shots (24–35mm) are better for the surrounding sky and horizon effect.
- Video: set your phone to record the full totality period — you will capture the sound of the crowd, the temperature drop, and the birds going quiet, which is genuinely moving.
Morocco Solar Eclipse Tours from EgyVacations
We have put together several Morocco eclipse packages designed for travelers who want more than just a viewing spot. Our tours combine the eclipse with Morocco’s imperial cities, Sahara Desert, and cultural highlights — managed end-to-end so you are not navigating crowds and logistics alone on the most in-demand travel day of the decade.
- 8-Day Imperial Morocco & Solar Eclipse: Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and prime eclipse viewing in northern Morocco. See our
Browse our full Morocco Solar Eclipse 2027 packages — including group tours, private options, and Nile cruise combinations.
Available tours include:
- 8-Day Imperial Morocco & Solar Eclipse Adventure — Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Tangier eclipse viewing
- Solar Eclipse Cruise — watch the eclipse from the water
- Morocco Eclipse 2027 Classic Tour — imperial cities and eclipse in one itinerary
- Total Solar Eclipse in Tangier — Focused Short Tour — for travelers who want the eclipse without the full circuit
Tours fill quickly for eclipse events. We are already fielding enquiries for August 2027 — contact us early if you want to secure your spot.
Morocco vs Egypt for the 2027 Eclipse: Which Should You Choose?
Both Morocco and Egypt sit inside the 2027 path of totality, and we offer tours to both. The right choice depends on what you want from the trip around the eclipse.
| Factor | Morocco (Tangier/Tetouan) | Egypt (Luxor) |
|---|---|---|
| Totality Duration | ~4 min 51 sec | 6 min 23 sec (longest on Earth) |
| Eclipse Time | ~9:44 AM local | ~1:00 PM local |
| Temperature in August | 24–29°C (Mediterranean) | 38–43°C (extreme heat) |
| Clear Sky Probability | ~79% | Near 100% (desert conditions) |
| Cultural Highlights | Imperial cities, medinas, Sahara, Blue City | Valley of the Kings, Nile, Pyramids, temples |
| Crowd Expectations | Significant but manageable | Very high — major international destination |
| Best For | Travelers who want eclipse + comfortable travel | Eclipse maximalists + Egyptophiles |
My honest take: if the eclipse is your primary goal and you want the absolute longest totality, Egypt wins on the numbers. If you want an easier, more comfortable trip where Morocco itself is part of the experience — the souks, the mountains, the food, the medinas — Morocco is the better overall journey.
We offer packages to both destinations. You can also combine them — Morocco imperial cities, then fly to Egypt and finish with a Nile cruise around eclipse time.
What to Pack for the Morocco Solar Eclipse
- Certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses (buy before you travel)
- Light, breathable clothing — August in northern Morocco is warm but not extreme
- Sunscreen and a hat for the hours before and after the eclipse
- Camera or phone with extra battery / power bank
- Small blanket or chair if you are viewing from open ground
- Water — even in pleasant temperatures, the morning will be busy and you may be standing for a while
- Any required medications — pharmacies are available in Tangier and Tetouan but not always stocked with international brands
For more information, check out the Morocco Packing List page.
FAQs: Best Places to Watch the Morocco Solar Eclipse
Where is the best place to see the solar eclipse in Morocco in 2027?
Tangier offers the best combination of eclipse duration (4 minutes 51 seconds), clear-sky probability (79%), tourist infrastructure, and international access. Tetouan is a close second with slightly longer totality. Chefchaouen is the most dramatic setting visually, in the Rif Mountains, with around 4 minutes 30 seconds of totality.
What time is the solar eclipse in Morocco on August 2, 2027?
Totality begins at approximately 9:44 AM local time (WEST) in Tangier and 9:47 AM in Tetouan. The eclipse is fully over (partial phase ends) by around 11:25–11:30 AM.
How long will totality last in Morocco?
In Tangier: 4 minutes and 51 seconds. In Tetouan: approximately 4 minutes and 53 seconds. In Chefchaouen: approximately 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat are outside the path of totality and will only see a partial eclipse.
Is Morocco in the path of totality for the 2027 eclipse?
Only the northern tip of Morocco is inside the path of totality. This includes Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Tamuda Bay, and M’Diq. Southern and central Morocco (including Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech) are outside the path and will experience only a partial eclipse.
Do I need eclipse glasses to watch the solar eclipse in Morocco?
Yes, except during the brief window of totality itself (approximately 4–5 minutes). During totality, when the Moon fully covers the Sun, you can look directly with the naked eye. At all other times — including the partial phases before and after totality — you must use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses.
What is the weather like in Morocco in August?
In northern Morocco (Tangier, Tetouan area), August is warm and dry with temperatures around 24–29°C. Historical cloud-cover data shows a 79% clear-sky probability — one of the best along the entire 2027 eclipse path. Sea mist can occur early morning on the coast but typically clears before 9 AM.
Which is better for the 2027 eclipse: Morocco or Egypt?
Egypt offers longer totality (6 minutes 23 seconds in Luxor vs 4 minutes 51 seconds in Tangier) and near-perfect cloud-free skies. Morocco offers shorter totality but more comfortable temperatures, a richer cultural travel context, and a slightly more manageable tourist environment. Both are outstanding choices.
Can I see the 2027 solar eclipse from Casablanca or Marrakech?
No — not as a total eclipse. Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech are outside the path of totality. You will see a partial eclipse from these cities, which is interesting but not the same experience. To see totality, you need to travel north to Tangier, Tetouan, or Chefchaouen.
