The next 5 total solar eclipses: when and where to see them

If grotty weather ruined your view of the last total solar eclipse – or you're looking for one closer to your home – start planning now to witness this stunning natural event

1. March 8, 2016 – Indonesia

The next total solar eclipse is less than a year away, and the good news is that it will be visible from somewhere warm and exotic: the islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi in Indonesia.

When the sun returns, you can explore the mountainous interior of Sumatra, go in search Dayak tribes in Kalimantan or visit the cliff tombs in Sulawesi, where carved funerary figures are tucked into limestone cliffs.

Effigies in Sulwesi (Shutterstock)

Best places to view the Indonesia eclipse:

Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia

Sofifi, North Maluku, Indonesia

2. August 21, 2017 – USA

While the maximum point of this eclipse will take place near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the total phase of the eclipse will be visible from locations spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast. From Oregon in the Pacific Northwest to Carolina in the south, via the heartlands of Wyoming and Nebraska, your hardest choice will be deciding what kind of American experience you want as you watch the moon block out the sun.

Find your perfect trip to the USA | Take a look at Wanderlust's TripFinder

Western Wyoming

Best places to view the USA eclipse:

Salem, Oregon, U.S.A.

Ontario, Oregon, U.S.A.

Jackson, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Casper, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Grand Island, Nebraska, U.S.A.

Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A.

Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.

Independence, Missouri, U.S.A.

Hopkinsville, Kentucky, U.S.A.

Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.A.

Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.

Toccoa, Georgia, U.S.A.

Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.A.

Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A.

3. July 2, 2019 – Chile and Argentina

Described as ‘the thinking person’s beach resort’, La Serena in Chile offers stunning architecture, a long golden beach, and the best place to see this total solar eclipse in Chile. The eclipse will be visible in Argentina too, offering you the chance to polish your tango skills or tuck into a doorstep-sized steak as you wait for the planets to align in either San Juan or Junín.

The Wanderlust guide to the best of Chile | Our tips for an amazing adventure

Find your perfect trip to Antarctica | Make your dream trip happen

Best place to view the Antarctica eclipse

Orcadas, Antarctica

5. April 20, 2023 – Timor-Leste

Asia’s newest country, Timor-Leste (or East Timor) is also the region's best kept secret, offering untouched reefs to dive, unclimbed mountains to conquer and a colourful heritage to unearth and enjoy. Best of all, when the eclipses passes overhead in 2023, it probably still will be.

Find your perfect trip to East Timor | Get under the skin of East Timor

Fatucama beach, East Timor

Best places to view the East Timor eclipse

Suai, Timor-Leste

Same, Timor-Leste

Baucau, Timor-Leste