The verdict
Al Hoceima is a balanced eastern Rif base when you can keep both coastal and inland options. Select a viewpoint for its eastern geometry and safe access, not only for its height or scenery.
The eastern horizon
At maximum the Sun is about 39.9 degrees high, at an azimuth of 95.9 degrees. Bays and headlands can create very different views over short distances, while ridges behind the city may block an apparently elevated terrace. Scout the same bearing in person. A broad coastal view toward the east can be excellent if the foreground and local rules permit gathering.
Weather and alternatives
Mediterranean stratus is a genuine August morning risk around Al Hoceima. Cloud can bank against coastal slopes while clearer air sits inland, or local gaps can open over the sea. Treat general climate averages as background only. The final plan should use high-resolution forecasts, satellite loops and observations from both sides of the coastal relief.
Getting there
Al Hoceima Cherif Al Idrissi Airport and the N16 corridor give the city regional access, though surrounding terrain limits the number of fast routes. Identify fuel and turnaround points before eclipse day. A mountain road is a poor place for a late weather chase, and roadside overlooks may not have safe capacity.
Build a fallback
Prepare a coastal site and an inland alternative toward the Targuist or Midar direction, subject to current road information. If the cloud layer is shallow, gaining distance from the immediate shore may help; if it is widespread, moving without evidence may make things worse. Use a fixed decision time and preserve a large safety margin before totality.
35.2517° N, -3.9372° E. Research contact times are approximate, with around 10 seconds uncertainty reported in the original calculation.
Source and uncertainty notes