Karbala, Iraq
Major city · Population 1.2M
Karbala is the 7th largest city in Iraq with a population of approximately 1,218,732 people as of 2026. This makes it the 424th largest city in the world, accounting for 2.64% of Iraq's total population of 46.1M. Karbala is classified as a major city and operates in the Asia/Baghdad timezone. The average annual temperature is 25.9°C with 198 mm of rainfall per year. The city sits at an elevation of 29 meters above sea level.
Population
1,218,732
Global Rank
#424
Country Rank
#7
% of Iraq
2.64%
Avg Temperature
25.9°C
Annual Rainfall
198 mm
Elevation
29 m
Timezone
Asia/Baghdad
Karbala on the Map
Climate in Karbala
Karbala's warmest month is Jul and the coldest is Dec. The wettest month is Feb with 59 mm of rainfall.
Average Monthly Temperature
Monthly Rainfall
Iraq at a Glance
Country Population
46,118,793
Capital
Baghdad
Region
Western Asia
Major Cities
40
GDP per Capita
$6,074
Life Expectancy
72.3 years
Urban Population
69.9%
Growth Rate
0.02%
Other Major Cities in Iraq
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Karbala with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Al Hillah | 455,700 | 41 km |
| Nāḩiyat al Iskandarīyah | 100,600 | 43 km |
| Al Maḩmūdīyah | 350,000 | 59 km |
| Najaf | 482,576 | 72 km |
| Kufa | 110,000 | 74 km |
| Abū Ghurayb | 900,000 | 78 km |
| Al Fallūjah | 190,159 | 85 km |
| Baghdad | 7,216,000 | 88 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Karbala?
The population of Karbala, Iraq is approximately 1,218,732 people, making it the 424th largest city in the world and the 7th largest in Iraq.
Is Karbala the capital of Iraq?
No, the capital of Iraq is Baghdad. Karbala is the 7th largest city in the country.
What is the climate like in Karbala?
Karbala has an average annual temperature of 25.9°C and receives 198 mm of rainfall per year. The warmest month is Jul and the coldest is Dec.
What timezone is Karbala in?
Karbala is in the Asia/Baghdad timezone.