California Bakersfield Mission
The California Bakersfield Mission is one of 134 missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States, centered on Bakersfield. Below you’ll find the mission office address, tips for letters and packages, weather, language and temples.
At a glance
- Organized1 July 2013
- Mission leadersLarry D. and Jennifer Monson began serving around July 2025, according to the Church Newsroom.
- LanguageMissionaries here usually teach in English and Spanish; your call letter tells you your exact language.
- Nearest templeThe nearest operating temple is the Los Angeles California Temple, about 97 mi (156 km) from Bakersfield.
- WeatherNear Bakersfield, the warmest month is usually July (average high about 99°F / 37°C) and the coolest is January (average low about 43°F / 6°C), with roughly 703 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are January, February and March.
- The Church hereCalifornia has about 725,648 Church members.
This is an unofficial family guide, not affiliated with the Church; always follow your call packet and the Missionary Portal.
Mission office
Address & phone
- Office address
- 1-661-589-8900
Source: Unofficial third-party directory (latterdaymissions.com) — may be out of date unofficial — confirm before mailing as of October 8, 2026
We haven’t verified the mission’s phone or email yet — use the contacts in your call packet or the Missionary Portal.
Mission leaders
Who leads the mission
Larry D. and Jennifer Monson
Serving since July 2025 · new leaders expected July 2028
Source: Church Newsroom 2025 · as of October 8, 2026
Letters & packages
How to send letters & packages
Domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx shipping usually works well; many missions prefer packages to the mission office, but ask whether to send to the missionary's apartment instead.
- Your missionary can email weekly on P-day (preparation day: their weekly day for errands, letters and rest); letters and packages are optional extras.
- Confirm the current mailing address with the mission office or the call packet before sending — offices move.
- Small, padded envelopes usually travel faster and cheaper than boxes; declare contents honestly and avoid restricted items.
Weather & climate
Seasons, rain & live weather
Profile: hot-summer · about 703 mm of rain a year · wettest months: Jan, Feb, Mar.
Monthly averages
| Avg high | Avg low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58°F / 15°C | 43°F / 6°C | 85 mm |
| Feb | 61°F / 16°C | 44°F / 7°C | 104 mm |
| Mar | 64°F / 18°C | 47°F / 8°C | 107 mm |
| Apr | 74°F / 23°C | 53°F / 12°C | 43 mm |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 59°F / 15°C | 20 mm |
| Jun | 92°F / 34°C | 69°F / 21°C | 2 mm |
| Jul | 99°F / 37°C | 76°F / 24°C | 0 mm |
| Aug | 97°F / 36°C | 74°F / 24°C | 8 mm |
| Sep | 90°F / 32°C | 68°F / 20°C | 4 mm |
| Oct | 79°F / 26°C | 59°F / 15°C | 17 mm |
| Nov | 66°F / 19°C | 49°F / 10°C | 42 mm |
| Dec | 59°F / 15°C | 44°F / 7°C | 76 mm |
Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo historical weather data (2016–2025, ERA5 reanalysis) for a ~1° grid cell near the mission city. Approximate; local altitude and coast effects vary.
Language
What you’ll speak
English, Spanish
English uses the Latin alphabet; spelling is irregular, so listen a lot. Accents vary widely by region (US South, Caribbean, Scottish, Australian, Nigerian, etc.).
Assignments can include other languages; your call letter states your language.
Nearby temples
Closest temples & distances
- Bakersfield California Temple — Site announced (2 April 2023) · in or near Bakersfield
- Los Angeles California Temple — Operating (March 11, 1956) · about 97 mi (156 km) from Bakersfield
- Fresno California Temple — Operating (April 9, 2000) · about 104 mi (167 km) from Bakersfield
- Yorba Linda California Temple — Operating (7 June 2026) · about 124 mi (199 km) from Bakersfield
The Church in California
Members & congregations
- Church Membership
- 725,648
- Stakes
- 145
- Congregations
- 1,085
- FamilySearch Centers
- 228
- Temples
- 8
- Missions
- 16
Practical
Time zone, currency, calling code
- Time zone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Currency
- USD
- Country code
- +1
- Organized
- 1 July 2013
Culture & food
Customs & local food
- Greet with a handshake and a smile; first names are common.
- Be on time and keep appointments short and friendly.
- Respect "no soliciting" signs and private property.
- Regional cultures differ a lot: rural South, big cities, Mountain West, etc.
Foods: BBQ and regional comfort food, Tex-Mex / Mexican food, Casseroles at ward dinners, Fast food on a budget
Family groups
Connect with other families
- California Bakersfield Missionary Moms Group
- California Bakersfield RMs Group
- Bakersfield California Mission Facebook Group
As listed by latterdaymissions.com (unofficial). Groups may be private, renamed, or inactive.
Common questions
Quick answers
Who is the mission president of the California Bakersfield Mission?
The mission leaders are Larry D. and Jennifer Monson, who began serving around July 2025, as announced by the Church Newsroom. Mission leaders usually serve about three years, so new leaders are expected around July 2028.
What is the California Bakersfield Mission office address?
An unofficial directory lists the office at 1-661-589-8900. Offices move, so confirm the current mailing address in your call packet or with the mission office before sending anything.
How do I send a package to a missionary in the California Bakersfield Mission?
Domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx shipping usually works well; many missions prefer packages to the mission office, but ask whether to send to the missionary's apartment instead. Confirm the current address with the mission office first.
What language do missionaries speak in the California Bakersfield Mission?
Most missionaries here serve in English and Spanish. Your call letter states the language you will teach in.
What is the weather like in the California Bakersfield Mission?
Near Bakersfield, the warmest month is usually July (average high about 99°F / 37°C) and the coolest is January (average low about 43°F / 6°C), with roughly 703 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are January, February and March. Use the packing list from your call packet as the final word.
What temples are near the California Bakersfield Mission?
Operating temples nearby include Los Angeles California Temple (about 156 km), Fresno California Temple (about 167 km) and Yorba Linda California Temple (about 199 km).
When was the California Bakersfield Mission organized?
The mission was organized on 1 July 2013.
Other missions in California
Other missions nearby
- California Anaheim Mission
- California Arcadia Mission
- California Carlsbad Mission
- California Fresno Mission
- California Los Angeles Mission
- California Modesto Mission
- California Newport Beach Mission
- California Oakland/San Francisco Mission
- California Ontario Mission
- California Riverside Mission
- California Roseville Mission
- California Sacramento Mission
- California San Bernardino Mission
- California San Diego Mission
- California San Jose Mission
- California Santa Rosa Mission
- California Ventura Mission
- California Victorville Mission
Next steps
Official: Missionary Portal · Missionary resources