Krabi sunset time by month: when the sun sets in Ao Nang and when to board

The table shows the sunset on the 1st and the 15th of each month, plus the end of civil twilight on the 15th. That is the moment the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon: the sky still holds a hint of light, but the brightest stars are already visible. All times are local time (UTC+7) and apply to the year 2026.

For days between the 1st and the 15th you can simply interpolate; values change by only a few minutes over a month.

In our data the sunset is earliest in November (on the 15th at 6:02 pm) and latest in July (on the 15th at 6:47 pm). Over the whole year the difference is only about 45 minutes. By comparison, in central Europe the sunset moves by several hours.

For planning this means: whenever you travel, the sun sets shortly after 6 pm to shortly before 7 pm. From November to January it sits at the lower end (mid-December 6:09 pm, mid-January 6:25 pm), in high summer at the upper end (mid-July 6:47 pm). In March it is 6:36 pm, and in mid-October 6:09 pm.

Twilight gives you extra room: the end of civil twilight falls between 6:24 pm and 7:10 pm over the year. Close to the equator the sun drops steeply, so the transition lasts only about 20 to 25 minutes, much shorter than at northern latitudes.

Golden hour is the time when the sun is low and the light turns warm and soft. As a rule of thumb it begins about an hour before sunset; near the equator it passes faster than elsewhere. If you take photos, the last half hour before sunset gives the best light on the limestone cliffs.

Blue hour follows after sunset. The sky shifts from orange through pink to deep blue, and the water turns smooth and reflective. It ends roughly with the end of civil twilight in the table. For drone shots, the time just before and after sunset is especially rewarding; you will find tips in our guide to photo and drone spots in Krabi.

Clouds are not a problem, they are often a gain: a perfectly clear sky can look flat, while clouds catch and colour the light. Nobody can guarantee that the sun disc stays visible.

Rule of thumb: be at the viewpoint or anchorage about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. That gives you time to arrive, pick up a drink and choose your spot on deck without rushing. Subtract this time from the value in the table.

Example: if the sun sets at 6:02 pm (mid-November), you want to be at your spot from about 5:15 to 5:30 pm. In July (6:47 pm) that shifts back by roughly 45 minutes. Our sunset tours usually start from 3:30 pm, which leaves time for a swim or a stop beforehand; we agree the exact route with you.

For tides and sea conditions the captain decides on the day. How ebb and flood affect the choice of beaches and lagoons is explained in our tides guide. Our article on the private sunset boat describes an evening on board in detail.

Glowing plankton is only visible when it is properly dark, that is after the end of civil twilight in the table (between 6:24 pm and 7:10 pm depending on the month). Moonlight and weather affect how well the glow shows; more in our plankton guide.

If you want both, book the combo: sunset first, then a swim in the glowing sea. You can request all three tours without obligation. Prices are per boat for up to 5 guests.

The sunset time is the same, the mood is not. In the dry season (about November to April) the evening horizon is often clearer, and sunset falls into a narrow range of 6:02 pm to 6:34 pm. In the rainy season (about May to October) clouds and showers are more frequent; the light can be dramatic, but the sun may also vanish behind a wall of cloud.

How this affects boat tours and what to keep in mind in the rainy season is covered in our guide to boat tours in the rainy season. For general timing see our guide to the best time to visit Krabi. We decide together on the day whether and when to set out.