Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California)
Church Historic Spanish mission-style cathedral in Monterey
Monterey’s Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (the Royal Presidio Chapel) dates to the Spanish colonial period; visitors come for early Californian history, original stone architecture and proximity to Old Monterey.
How to Get to Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California) #
The cathedral sits in downtown Monterey within easy walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row (roughly a 10-15 minute walk). From Highway 1, take the Del Monte Avenue exit and follow signs to downtown; limited street parking and paid lots are available. Monterey Regional Transit buses serve downtown; the cathedral is a short walk from major stops.
Tips for Visiting Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California) #
- Arrive just before a weekday midday Mass to hear the choir and see the interior without tour groups.
- Stand at the west end during late-afternoon light-the stained glass warms and the wooden pews take on a honeyed glow.
- Check the parish bulletin for organ recitals; the cathedral occasionally hosts early-music ensembles.
Best Time to Visit Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California) #
Monterey's cathedral is best seen in spring or autumn when the town is quieter; late-afternoon light brings out the interior's wood and glass.
Weather & Climate near Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California) #
Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cool winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 6°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (732 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
