St. Louis Cathedral
Church Historic Catholic cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans
Historic cathedral on Jackson Square in the French Quarter, overlooking the Mississippi. Visitors come for the baroque façade, daily services, and its central role in New Orleans’ public life.
St. Louis Cathedral, officially the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, is the Roman Catholic cathedral located on Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The parish traces its origins to the 18th century and the cathedral is a defining landmark of the city center.
A church at this site dates to the early colonial period with successive buildings on the same footprint; the present exterior appearance dates largely to mid-19th-century reconstruction and remodeling. It has functioned as the seat of the local archdiocese and a central place of Catholic worship throughout New Orleans’ history.
The cathedral sits at the upriver end of Jackson Square in the French Quarter, adjacent to the Mississippi River and flanked by historic buildings such as the Cabildo and Presbytère, in central New Orleans.
- Best viewpoint: Faces Jackson Square in the French Quarter, making the plaza and cathedral facade the primary viewpoints for photography and street activity.
- Ecclesiastical seat: The building serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and traces its parish origins to the early 18th century.
How to Get to St. Louis Cathedral #
Located on the north side of Jackson Square in the French Quarter. From Canal Street, it’s an easy 10-20 minute walk; multiple streetcar lines (St. Charles) stop a short distance away and numerous local buses serve the Quarter.
Tips for Visiting St. Louis Cathedral #
- Go at dawn or late afternoon to catch the light on Jackson Square and avoid the midday crush of street performers.
- Stand on the broad steps and look back toward Jackson Square - the ceremonial choreography of tourists, horse-drawn carriages and street musicians is part of the cathedral's show.
- If interested in sacred music, check local parish notices: the cathedral keeps a strong tradition of choral and organ service music.
Best Time to Visit St. Louis Cathedral #
Visit outside of peak festival days (Mardi Gras parades) to avoid overwhelmed streets and blocked access to the square.
Weather & Climate near St. Louis Cathedral #
St. Louis Cathedral'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 6°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1640 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (168 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
