We all know, there is less than a week left until Spain experiences one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in recent decades. Next Wednesday, August 12, the Moon will completely hide the Sun over a narrow strip of the country, offering the first “total eclipse“visible from the peninsula for more than a century. For many motorcyclists it will be the perfect excuse to take a getaway, but choosing the destination well can make the difference between contemplating the phenomenon… Or staring at a sky covered in clouds.
Thus, with that objective, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has prepared a study based on the historical behavior of cloud cover during those dates, identifying the areas that statistically offer greater possibilities of enjoying the eclipse with clear skies.
The interior of northern Spain starts with an advantage
Although the strip of totality will cross the peninsula from Galicia to the Balearic Islands, not all areas have the same probability of having good visibility.
The analysis of the AEMET has studied the cloudiness recorded between August 11 and 13 from the years 2010 to 2025, precisely during the hourly interval in which the «eclipse«. For this, observations from meteorological stations, satellites, ships and the European model have been combined. ERA5later corrected using system images Nowcasting SAF to obtain a map that is as reliable as possible.
The results show a fairly clear pattern. The Cantabrian coast continues to be the area with the highest risk of cloudiness, while a good part of the interior of Castilla y León and the Ebro valley register frequencies of between 50% and 70% of slightly cloudy or clear skies, becoming the best options for those who want to ensure observation.
Three ideal routes to follow the eclipse on two wheels
With these data on the table, there are several especially interesting routes to do on a motorcycle. The first proposal links León, Burgos and Logroño using the A-231 and the N-120. It is a comfortable itinerary, with good asphalt and that crosses some of the areas with the best meteorological statistics of the entire route of the «eclipse«.
For those who prefer more motorcyclist roads and mountain landscapes, an alternative is to travel the N-621 from Riaño to Potes, connect with the N-625 heading towards Cervera de Pisuerga and ending at the CL-626 towards Burgos. The route allows you to enjoy some of the most spectacular ports in northern Spain, also moving away from the coast, where the chances of cloud cover increase considerably.
The third option has Zaragoza as its protagonist. The Aragonese capital is completely within the strip of totality and is easily accessible from Madrid or Barcelona by the A-2. In addition, in its surroundings there are numerous viewpoints and elevated areas with good visibility to the west, an important aspect because the eclipse will take place with the sun very low above the horizon.
The final eclipse forecast is not yet written
own AEMET insists that this study does not constitute a weather prediction for August 12. This is a statistical analysis based on the last 16 years and the actual conditions will depend on the atmospheric evolution during the previous days.
In fact, the organization will begin to publish specific bulletins as the date approaches. The first forecasts point, in general terms, to a stable environment, although some evolving clouds and isolated storms in mountainous areas of the north and east of the peninsula are not ruled out.
Be very careful with the rush… and with the DGT
Administrations expect a huge influx of vehicles towards the strip of totality, especially during the hours before and just after the eclipse. Therefore, it is appropriateplan the route in advance, refuel before reaching the destination and locate an authorized place to park the motorcycleStopping on the shoulder to watch the eclipse not only poses a serious risk to road safety, but can also lead to fines.
It is also not advisable to get carried away by emotion to record the moment while driving. Use the mobile phone driving continues to be one of the most serious offenses and can result in a fine of 200 eurosin addition to the loss of 6 points on the driving license.
Finally, a piece of advice that never hurts: during all partial phases of the eclipse it will be essential to use approved glasses with certification ISO 12312-2.
