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.
Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (Monterey, California) at a Glance#
Address: Monterey, California, United States
Website: https://www.montereycathedral.org/
Hours: Daily (usually open mornings to early evening; Mass times vary)
Admission: Free to enter; donations requested (special concerts or events may have fees)
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |
| February | Good | 7° - 16° | 12° | 127 mm | some cloud | 82% | 3.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.7h |
| March | Very Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 117 mm | some cloud | 83% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 52 mm | some cloud | 83% | 4.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.0h |
| May | Excellent | 9° - 19° | 14° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 82% | 4.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.0h |
| June | Excellent | 10° - 20° | 15° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.5h |
| July | Excellent | 11° - 20° | 15° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 83% | 4.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.2h |
| August | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 83% | 4.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| September | Excellent | 11° - 21° | 16° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 10° - 20° | 15° | 36 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.1h |
| November | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 107 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
| December | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
