Mission Concepcion

Church 18th-century Spanish mission in San Antonio

One of San Antonio’s Spanish colonial missions, Mission Concepción features 18th-century stonework and restored interiors; visitors come for guided tours and to study mission-era architecture within the National Historical Park.

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Mission Concepción (Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña) is an 18th-century Spanish mission church in San Antonio, Texas, founded in 1731 and one of the best-preserved stone churches from the colonial period in the United States.

The mission is noted for its intact 18th-century stone church and original interior frescoes that survive from the colonial period. It forms part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and sits on the Mission Trail alongside three other 18th-century missions in the park.

Established by Franciscan missionaries in 1731 to serve local Indigenous communities and Spanish settlers, the present masonry church was completed in the mid-18th century. Over time the mission complex was secularized and later preserved as a historic site; it is now managed as part of the national historical park.

The mission stands within the south side of San Antonio, accessible via the Mission Road corridor about 4-6 miles south of downtown depending on route. It is adjacent to other colonial missions that together form the park.

  • UNESCO designation: Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2015 as part of the San Antonio Missions serial site.
  • Access: There is no admission fee to view the mission exterior and grounds; the site is managed within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Mission Concepcion
29.3919, -98.4920
Park grounds open daily; visitor center hours vary - check NPS website
Free

How to Get to Mission Concepcion #

Mission Concepción is part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park on Mission Road east of downtown San Antonio. By car it is a short drive (about 10-15 minutes, roughly 3-4 miles) southeast of downtown via I‑37 or local streets; access is from Mission Road / South New Braunfels Avenue and there is nearby parking.

The missions area is also served by VIA Metropolitan Transit buses; get off at the nearest mission-area stop and it’s typically a 5-10 minute walk to the church and plaza.

Tips for Visiting Mission Concepcion #

  • Visit Mission Concepción early morning or late afternoon for better light and far fewer visitors; it's one of the four missions inside the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and typically quieter than Mission San José.
  • Check the National Park Service website for ranger program times and closures-parking is roadside along Mission Road and the park runs informative talks and occasional guided tours you can time your visit around.
  • Don't miss the mission's interior-Concepción is notable for its well-preserved 18th-century stone church and historic murals, so allow time inside rather than just photographing the exterior.

Best Time to Visit Mission Concepcion #

Visit in spring or fall for warm, pleasant weather with lower heat and humidity than summer, making outdoor touring most comfortable.

Spring and fall (best)
March-May, September-November · 18 to 30°C
Warm but not oppressively hot-ideal for touring the mission and surrounding San Antonio sights with lower humidity than summer.
Summer (hot and humid)
June-August · 27 to 36°C
High heat and humidity; afternoons can be uncomfortable though mornings and evenings remain usable for visits.
Winter (mild)
December-February · 5 to 20°C
Mild, generally pleasant weather and lower tourist numbers-good for quieter visits.

Weather & Climate near Mission Concepcion #

Climate

Mission Concepcion's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 35°C. Moderate rainfall (772 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 30°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
22° 33°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the hottest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
23° 35°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
23° 35°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
21° 33°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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