Does Roseburg have a better climate than Medford? (tree, areas)

[Ryland Karlovich]

Medford is significantly colder than Roseburg in the winter months. I've studied the climates of Oregon intently for several years, and have determined that Roseburg has the mildest winters in inland Oregon. First of all, it has the warmest winter highs, with its average high in the coldest month at 49 degrees, compared to Medford's 45. Roseburg is wetter, which contributes to its milder climate. At night, Roseburg's average lows are some of the mildest in Oregon, never dipping below freezing. Medford, on the other hand, has its average lows in January and December below freezing. Because of Medford's drier climate, it is prone to more severe cold snaps, usually getting below 20 degrees every winter, and most winters contain several weeks where the lows are in the 20s, which is normal from November through April. Roseburg gets into the 20s only on the occasional cold night, but rarely for more than a few days in a row. Medford also gets inversions in which cold, stale air settles over the city for days, accompanied by heavy fog. The highs during inversions may only be in the 30s, sometimes 40s, while the higher land around town could be as warm as the 60s. Roseburg's geography makes it more difficult for inversions to occur. Summer: Medford is only a couple degrees hotter than Roseburg, and is colder at night. Combining both winter and summer, Roseburg is milder year-round. Based on my research, Roseburg has the most comfortable climate in Oregon. It is the best place in inland Oregon to try to grow tender plants, such as palm trees (notice the big washingtonias around town). Arborday classifies it as USDA zone 9, whereas Medford, and almost all of the rest of inland western Oregon is zone 8. For that to make more sense, zone 9 is the same zone as the central valley of California, the inland empire, and much of Florida. I suggest going to weather.com, looking at Roseburg's averages, and select "compare locations" and then plug in Medford to compare and see for yourself. Definitely go with Roseburg. Here's the link: Climatology Comparison for Ashland, OR (97520) - weather.com

[Ryland Karlovich]

Oops, sorry that link was for Ashland. Here's the Roseburg vs. Medford link.
Climatology Comparison for Ashland, OR (97520) - weather.com

[former Californian]

thanks, Ryland. Your posts are informative and not based on personal opinion. I appreciate that on a forum.

[mdvaden]

We just moved to Medford area (Jacksonville next door) in 2005, and moved back to Beaverton in 2008 (where I've lived for 40 years.

I don't think Medford's winter felt all that much different from the Beaverton area. And I work outdoors regularly.

From reading the the lay of the land from driving through Roseburg during every season, in my opinion, it has a better climate than Medford. It's prettier than Medford.

There are towns near Medford that have varying climates. So I'm just talking about "Medford" central.

It was interesting for that climate link above, to enter the low temp averages for Beaverton and Roseburg and the two are almost spot-on identical in the winter. So I'd say that Roseburg does not have the mildest temps.

Grants Pass is an interesting town to compare too.

[angelbug]

Originally Posted by Ryland Karlovich

Oops, sorry that link was for Ashland. Here's the Roseburg vs. Medford link.
Climatology Comparison for Ashland, OR (97520) - weather.com

What a great tool! I wish I'd known about it sooner; I know many of the places I'm considering moving are wet, but now I know how they compare to each other.

Just for fun, stick Forks, WA as one of the cities and then check the precipitation chart.

[pw72]

Roseburg is really somewhat of a "garden of eden". Green, mild, and rarely too hot or too cold. (although they do get their share of rainfall). A real undiscovered place on the west coast. For it to be an economic player is another story altogether.

[puerco]

Ryland's correct. Roseburg DOES have inland Western Oregon's best climate for growing frost-tender plants. The arborday.org hardiness zone map puts Roseburg in zone 9 - the same zone that dominates the Oregon Coast. You'll find Washingtonia fan palms, Jubaea feather palms, and acacias growing in Roseburg landscapes. Both are soldily zone 9+ plants. Beaverton is zones 8 & 9 but with its wetter winters, those 3 plants would have a hard time growing there. Also, many of Oregon's beautiful broadleaf evergreen natives are found in the hills and forests that surround Roseburg. You'll definitely have better success growing your tender plants in Roseburg than Medford, Dean.

[puerco]

Dean, here are some photos of Roseburg landscapes. They had a colder-than-normal winter up there this year. That's why the Washingtonias are looking pretty stressed.
Spring pics in Roseburg

[mdvaden]

Just finished driving through Roseburg twice the past week, to and from the redwoods.

Should have taken a photo of the nice rolling hill mountains.

The area looked great.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by mdvaden

Just finished driving through Roseburg twice the past week, to and from the redwoods.

Should have taken a photo of the nice rolling hill mountains.

The area looked great.

The landscape in the Roseburg area reminds me too much of California. Yuck.