Onitsha, Nigeria
Major city · Population 1.6M
Onitsha is the 8th largest city in Nigeria with a population of approximately 1,553,000 people as of 2026. This makes it the 295th largest city in the world, accounting for 0.67% of Nigeria's total population of 232.7M. Onitsha is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Lagos timezone. The average annual temperature is 27.7°C with 1,022 mm of rainfall per year. The city sits at an elevation of 52 meters above sea level.
Population
1,553,000
Global Rank
#295
Country Rank
#8
% of Nigeria
0.67%
Avg Temperature
27.7°C
Annual Rainfall
1,022 mm
Elevation
52 m
Timezone
Africa/Lagos
Onitsha on the Map
Climate in Onitsha
Onitsha's warmest month is Feb and the coldest is Jul. The wettest month is Oct with 221 mm of rainfall.
Average Monthly Temperature
Monthly Rainfall
Nigeria at a Glance
Country Population
232,679,478
Capital
Abuja
Region
Western Africa
Major Cities
107
GDP per Capita
$1,084
Life Expectancy
54.5 years
Urban Population
63.0%
Growth Rate
0.02%
Other Major Cities in Nigeria
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Onitsha with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Nkpor | 103,733 | 5 km |
| Atani | 230,000 | 16 km |
| Nnewi | 193,987 | 21 km |
| Awka | 167,738 | 32 km |
| Okigwe | 115,499 | 72 km |
| Owerri | 545,000 | 79 km |
| Uromi | 108,608 | 79 km |
| Enugu | 950,000 | 85 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Onitsha?
The population of Onitsha, Nigeria is approximately 1,553,000 people, making it the 295th largest city in the world and the 8th largest in Nigeria.
Is Onitsha the capital of Nigeria?
No, the capital of Nigeria is Abuja. Onitsha is the 8th largest city in the country.
What is the climate like in Onitsha?
Onitsha has an average annual temperature of 27.7°C and receives 1,022 mm of rainfall per year. The warmest month is Feb and the coldest is Jul.
What timezone is Onitsha in?
Onitsha is in the Africa/Lagos timezone.