Bengkalis (Kota Bengkalis) was the seat (capital) of Bengkalis Regency in the Riau province of Indonesia until 8 July 2013, when it became an independent city. It is located on Bengkalis Island. The city had a population of 66,211. Bengkalis has a hot and humid equatorial/tropical climate. The city is humid throughout the year with daily temperature range 26 to 32 degrees Celsius.