Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica

Church Catholic cathedral and basilica in Hagatna (Guam)

In Hagatna, Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica serves as Guam’s principal Catholic church; visitors note its Spanish-colonial architecture, parish services and central location in the town.

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The Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica is the cathedral church located in Hagåtña, Guam, and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana. It is the principal Catholic church on the island.

The building functions for regular liturgical services and diocesan events and contains religious art and ecclesiastical furnishings associated with the cathedral role. Its status as a basilica denotes a special canonical designation within the Catholic Church.

The parish traces its origins to the Spanish colonial period on Guam and the church has been reconstructed and repaired through successive eras, including rebuilding after substantial wartime damage in the mid 20th century.

The cathedral stands in central Hagåtña near the municipal plaza and other civic landmarks.

  • Ecclesiastical role: Serves as the cathedral and principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana, making it the seat of the archbishop on Guam.
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica
Hagatna (formerly Agana), Guam
13.4743, 144.7524
Daily (open times vary with services)
Free to visit (Catholic cathedral services open to the public)

How to Get to Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica #

The cathedral is in central Hagatna (Agana), the territorial capital. It is a short drive from the main coastal road (Marine Corps Drive) and easily reached by taxi from Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport.

Tips for Visiting Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica #

  • Check Mass times on the cathedral noticeboard or diocesan website if planning to attend a service.
  • The cathedral is an active parish - respectful dress and quiet are expected during services and prayer times.
  • Combine a visit with a walk through downtown Hagatna to see Spanish‑era plazas and Chamorro cultural markers.

Best Time to Visit Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica #

Dry season (Dec-May) for most comfortable weather and easier travel around the island.

Dry season
December-May · 24-30°C
Lower rainfall and comfortable temperatures for exploring Guam's towns and churches.
Wet season
June-November · 25-31°C
Hotter with occasional tropical showers; still possible to visit but expect brief heavy rain.

Weather & Climate near Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2265 mm/year), wettest in August.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (250 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

250 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (360 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

360 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (318 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

318 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (304 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

304 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (221 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

221 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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