Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)

Church Grand domed Roman Catholic cathedral and St. Paul landmark

Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Minnesota presents a large copper dome and classical interiors; tourists visit for city views, organ recitals and its role as the archdiocesan seat.

Main image

The Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and a prominent early 20th-century basilica. Construction was carried out under architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray and completed in 1915.

The building is known for its large dome, classical forms and richly finished interior marble and mosaics, which draw visitors for both worship and architectural interest. Its elevated site makes the dome visible across the downtown and river valley.

Construction took place in the early 1900s and the completed cathedral was dedicated in 1915; it has served as the archdiocesan seat since then. The design and materials reflect Beaux-Arts and classical influences promoted by its architect.

The cathedral stands on Cathedral Hill in the city of St. Paul, overlooking the Mississippi River and close to the downtown area.

  • Viewing point: Best external views are from Cathedral Hill and the nearby Mississippi River bluffs, where the dome dominates the skyline.
Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)
239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, United States
44.9469, -93.1089
Mon-Sat 7:00am-5:00pm, Sun 7:00am-6:00pm (times may vary for services)
Free (donations accepted); guided tours sometimes fee-based

How to Get to Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota) #

The cathedral is on Cathedral Hill at 239 Selby Ave, about a 10-15 minute walk north of downtown Saint Paul and 5 minutes by taxi. From downtown Minneapolis, it’s 10-15 minutes by car across the river; regional buses stop within a short walk.

Tips for Visiting Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota) #

  • Walk the Cathedral Hill steps north of downtown for the best exterior photos at golden hour.
  • Check the cathedral's website for organ concert dates - the pipe organ is a highlight.
  • Arrive early on summer mornings to avoid tour buses and hear the city's cathedral bells uninterrupted.

Best Time to Visit Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota) #

Late spring through early autumn offers pleasant weather and the chance to hear outdoor bell concerts; winter brings snow-dusted romanticism but limited walking comfort.

Summer
June-August · 18-28°C (65-82°F)
Warm weather and long days - an ideal time for walking the Cathedral Hill neighborhood.
Fall
September-October · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
The cathedral's copper dome shows warmer tones against autumn foliage; fewer tourists than summer.

Weather & Climate near Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota) #

Climate

Cathedral of Saint Paul (Minnesota)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (761 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 34 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulySeptemberAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-39°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -5°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 19 mm and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -1°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
13.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
22°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 27°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

81 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.0h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
13.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -3°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

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