On 2 August 2027, one of the longest total solar eclipses of the century will sweep its shadow across North Africa — and Morocco sits right in its path. For a few extraordinary minutes, day will turn to night, the temperature will drop, and the Sun’s corona will blaze around a black disc in the sky. If you have ever wanted to witness a total eclipse, this is the one to plan for, and Morocco is one of the best places on Earth to see it.
When and where it happens
The eclipse falls on a Monday afternoon in early August 2027. The path of totality — the narrow band where the Moon completely covers the Sun — crosses the Strait of Gibraltar and moves over northern Morocco, including the Tangier and Tetouan region, before continuing east across Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, where the eclipse reaches its maximum length. Because the Moon is near its closest point to Earth and the Sun is far away, totality lasts unusually long — several minutes, rather than the more typical minute or two.
Elsewhere in the country — Fes, Marrakech, the Atlas and the desert — you will see a deep partial eclipse, with the Sun reduced to a brilliant crescent. It is a beautiful sight, but only inside the path of totality do you get the full drama: the diamond ring, the corona, and a 360-degree sunset around the horizon.
Watch safely: Never look at the partial phases without certified solar-eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2). You can only look with the naked eye during the brief moments of total coverage — the instant the Sun’s disc reappears, glasses go back on.
Why Morocco is a great place to watch
- Reliable August skies. Early August in Morocco is hot and typically very clear — exactly what you want for an eclipse.
- Easy to reach. Tangier has its own airport, a fast train from Casablanca, and the ferry from Spain, so the path of totality is genuinely accessible.
- Somewhere to go afterwards. Few destinations let you pair an eclipse with the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, and cities like Fes and Marrakech in a single trip.
Turn the eclipse into a journey
An eclipse lasts minutes; a great trip lasts days. We suggest arriving in the north a few days early to settle in, scout a clear-horizon viewing spot away from crowds, and enjoy Tangier and the blue city of Chefchaouen. After the eclipse, continue south with us — through the imperial cities to the dunes of Merzouga, where the same clear skies that make the eclipse so sharp also deliver some of the best stargazing in the world.
Because 2 August 2027 will draw eclipse-chasers from around the globe, accommodation and transport in the north will book up early. If this is on your list, it is worth planning well ahead.
Good to know: The 2027 eclipse is already famous among astronomers for its length. Northern Morocco combines a spot in the path of totality with dependable summer weather — a rare and lucky pairing.
Want to see the eclipse and the rest of Morocco? We can build a private itinerary around the big day — a viewing base in the north, then the Sahara and imperial cities on your own schedule.