Kigali, Rwanda
Capital city · Population 1.1M
Kigali is the capital and the largest city in Rwanda with a population of approximately 1,132,686 people as of 2026. This makes it the 467th largest city in the world, accounting for 8.03% of Rwanda's total population of 14.1M. Kigali is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Kigali timezone. The average annual temperature is 20.7°C with 893 mm of rainfall per year. The city sits at an elevation of 1,538 meters above sea level.
Population
1,132,686
Global Rank
#467
Country Rank
#1
% of Rwanda
8.03%
Avg Temperature
20.7°C
Annual Rainfall
893 mm
Elevation
1,538 m
Timezone
Africa/Kigali
Kigali on the Map
Climate in Kigali
Kigali's warmest month is Jul and the coldest is Dec. The wettest month is Nov with 198 mm of rainfall.
Average Monthly Temperature
Monthly Rainfall
Rwanda at a Glance
Country Population
14,104,969
Capital
Kigali
Region
Eastern Africa
Major Cities
3
GDP per Capita
$1,000
Life Expectancy
67.8 years
Urban Population
29.9%
Growth Rate
0.02%
Other Major Cities in Rwanda
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Kigali with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Musanze | 153,368 | 69 km |
| Gisenyi | 172,357 | 93 km |
| Goma | 432,587 | 97 km |
| Bukavu | 816,811 | 148 km |
| Mbarara | 221,300 | 163 km |
| Bujumbura | 769,317 | 177 km |
| Uvira | 407,092 | 191 km |
| Bukoba | 144,938 | 207 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kigali?
The population of Kigali, Rwanda is approximately 1,132,686 people, making it the 467th largest city in the world and the 1st largest in Rwanda.
Is Kigali the capital of Rwanda?
Yes, Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.
What is the climate like in Kigali?
Kigali has an average annual temperature of 20.7°C and receives 893 mm of rainfall per year. The warmest month is Jul and the coldest is Dec.
What timezone is Kigali in?
Kigali is in the Africa/Kigali timezone.