The current local time in Kiribati is shown above. Because Kiribati is spread across a wide area of the Pacific Ocean, the country uses three different time zones.
The capital city South Tarawa follows Gilbert Islands Time (UTC+12).
Other island groups use different time zones:
- Phoenix Islands Time: UTC+13
- Line Islands Time: UTC+14
The Line Islands include Kiritimati, which is one of the first places in the world to see the new day.
Kiribati spans three time zones ranging from UTC+12 to UTC+14 and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Quick Facts
- Capital: South Tarawa
- Region: Oceania / Central Pacific
- Time Zones: UTC+12, UTC+13, UTC+14
- Daylight Saving Time: No
- Population: About 130,000
- Languages: English and Gilbertese
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) and Kiribati Dollar
Time Difference from Major Cities
(Using South Tarawa – UTC+12 for comparison)
- Kiribati ↔ Sydney: Sydney is usually 1–2 hours behind Kiribati.
- Kiribati ↔ New York: New York is usually 17 hours behind Kiribati.
- Kiribati ↔ London: London is usually 12 hours behind Kiribati.
- Kiribati ↔ Dubai: Dubai is usually 8 hours behind Kiribati.
- Kiribati ↔ Tokyo: Tokyo is usually 3 hours behind Kiribati.
Time differences may vary slightly during Daylight Saving Time transition weeks in other countries.
Daylight Saving Time
Kiribati does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The country remains on its respective time zones throughout the year.
Best Time to Call Kiribati from Abroad
If you are calling Kiribati from:
- Australia (Sydney): Best time is 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sydney time, corresponding to normal business hours in Kiribati.
- United Kingdom: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM UK time reaches Kiribati during the morning.
- United States (New York): 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST corresponds to morning in Kiribati.
Typical business hours in Kiribati are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Kiribati in?
Kiribati uses three time zones: UTC+12, UTC+13, and UTC+14.
Does Kiribati observe Daylight Saving Time?
No. Kiribati keeps the same time throughout the year.
Is Kiribati the first country to see the new day?
Yes. The Line Islands (UTC+14) are among the first places on Earth to enter a new day.
Where is Kiribati Located?
Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator and the International Date Line. The country consists of 33 coral atolls and islands spread across a vast ocean area.
What is Kiribati Famous For?
Kiribati is known for its remote island landscapes, coral atolls, and unique geographic position across the International Date Line.
Kiribati is famous for:
- Kiritimati (Christmas Island), one of the largest coral atolls in the world
- Being one of the first places to celebrate New Year
- Beautiful coral reefs and marine life
- Traditional Pacific island culture and fishing communities
- Remote tropical islands and lagoons
- Unique geography spread across the equator
Because of its remote location and ocean environment, Kiribati is one of the most unique island nations in the Pacific.
Additional Note
Since Kiribati spans multiple time zones and does not observe Daylight Saving Time, international time differences may vary depending on which island group is used as reference.
