Total lunar eclipse coming! Where to see the Blood Moon over Cape Town

The moon will rise, slipping into Earth’s shadow, then glow a dramatic rusty red as night falls for a total lunar eclipse (aka a Blood Moon) on Sunday, 7 September 2025.

Visibility across the city of Cape Town is expected to be optimal, and no glasses or filters are needed. A lunar eclipse is different from a solar eclipse, which you should never stare at directly. So all you'll need is your eyes, some patience, and maybe a flask of something warm and delicious. 

When to look up

• Totality: 7.30 pm – 8.52 pm
• Peak moment: around 8.11 pm

Where to watch the Blood Moon:

Think clear eastern horizons with the following locations setting you up for just the right touch of luna-scape drama:

• Signal Hill: wide-open skies and city lights below.
• Sea Point Promenade: leisurely stroll, great reflections on the water.
• Bloubergstrand: iconic skyline shots with the red Moon over Table Mountain.
• Kloof Corner or Lion’s Head trailhead: if you fancy a short hike for those big views. Don't do this alone! Rally your crew if you are thinking about an evening hike.

Time Out tip: Arrive early with blankets and snacks – parking at the popular spots fills up quickly.

Weather check for evening skies on Sunday, 7 September:

Generally, though, evenings in September can be cool, breezy, and sometimes cloudy but the weather forecasts for Sunday, 7 September, is shaping up to be a beautiful evening in Cape Town.

• Bring layers (even gloves, if you're koue vis (cold fish).
• Double-check the forecast the day before – clouds are the real party pooper here.
• A sheltered spot is your friend if the "Cape Dr" (south-easterly wind) decides to flex.

How to capture the Blood Moon over Cape Town:

• Phone shooters: tripod + night mode + no over-zooming. Crop later.
• Big lens people: 200mm+ is gold. Short exposures while it’s bright, then longer ones as it goes deep red. Bracket a few shots and play.
• Everyone: add some Cape Town flavour – lighthouses, palm trees, or the mountain in silhouette. Wide shots with foreground are often more magical than zooming all the way in.

Cape Town’s lunar eclipse may be over all too quickly but the city’s stargazing and space-curious experiences are still there for the taking: Here are two spots every sky-watcher should have on their radar:

Cape Town Open Nights at SAAO 

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO aka the birthplace of SA astronomy) opens its Observatory HQ twice a month for Cape Town Open Nights. Expect an evening of accessible astronomy talks, a tour of the museum and historic McClean telescope, and — if the skies behave — stargazing through telescopes set up on site.

• Where: Observatory, Cape Town
• When: 2nd & 4th Saturday monthly, 20:00
• Price: R50 (kids under 6 free) | Book & pay in advance
• Bookings: cptbookings@saao.ac.za | +27 21 447 0025

Iziko Planetarium & Digital Dome 

For a trip beyond the Moon, head to Iziko’s Planetarium and Digital Dome - the most advanced digital planetarium on the continent. Think 360° journeys through the universe, immersive animations, and the kind of visual spectacle that blends science, art, and cinema. One show you’ll leave with stars in your eyes.

• Where: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
• When: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays) | Weekend hours: Sat 08:30–16:00, Sun 08:30–16:00
• Local fee: Adults R90 | Kids (2–17) R50 | Students & pensioners R50
• Info: +27 (0) 21 481 3800

Time Out tip: Make a night of it. Start with dinner in the city, then head to Observatory for SAAO, or plan a weekend family outing with a planetarium show. Either way, the cosmos is waiting for you to enjoy.