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Medford

Medford travel guide

City and county seat in Oregon, United States

Best time to visitMay to June
Nearest airportMFR · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−7
Population85,824

About Medford

Medford is a city in and the county seat of Jackson County, Oregon, in the United States. As of the 2020 United States census the city had a total population of 85,824, making it the eighth-most populous city in Oregon, and a metropolitan area population of 223,259, making the Medford Metropolitan Statistical Area the fifth largest metro area in Oregon. The city was named in 1883 by David Loring, civil engineer and right-of-way agent for the Oregon and California Railroad, after Medford, Massachusetts, which was near Loring's hometown of Concord, Massachusetts. Medford is near the middle fork of Bear Creek.

Places to visit in Medford

  1. Jacksonville

    Jacksonville

    Historic · 6 mi from centre

    A preserved gold rush town just west of Medford with historic brick buildings, shops, wineries and a summer music festival. A charming place for a stroll.

  2. Oregon Shakespeare Festival

    Oregon Shakespeare Festival

    Entertainment · 12 mi from centre

    In nearby Ashland, this well-known repertory theater stages Shakespeare alongside classic and new plays in indoor theaters and an outdoor Elizabethan-style stage. A cultural highlight of southern Oregon worth planning a trip around.

  3. Lithia Park

    Lithia Park

    Park · 12 mi from centre

    A wooded park in Ashland along Ashland Creek, with gardens, ponds, trails and a Japanese garden. It is a relaxing spot before or after a play.

  4. Table Rocks

    Table Rocks

    Nature · 10 mi from centre

    Two flat-topped volcanic mesas north of Medford, with trails climbing to spring wildflower displays and expansive views over the Rogue Valley. A rewarding short hike, best in spring before summer heat.

  5. Rogue River

    Rogue River

    Nature · 80 mi from centre

    A scenic river flowing through the valley near Medford, popular for rafting, jet boat trips, fishing and riverside picnics. Parks along its banks in towns like Gold Hill and Rogue River offer easy access to the water.

  6. Roxy Ann Peak

    Viewpoint

    A hill rising above east Medford within Prescott Park, with hiking trails and a road leading to wide views over the Rogue Valley and surrounding mountains. A quick outdoor outing close to town.

Where to stay in Medford

Popular hotels in Medford, out of 72 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Medford

Best time to visit Medford

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Medford is May to June, when average daytime highs are around 73–84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 35° – 50° 15
Feb 33° – 50° 17
Mar 36° – 55° 19
Apr 41° – 64° 10
May 47° – 73° 4
Jun 55° – 84° 3
Jul 63° – 96° 0
Aug 61° – 91° 3
Sep 56° – 84° 4
Oct 45° – 67° 10
Nov 39° – 53° 15
Dec 36° – 49° 14

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Medford weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 82° 53° 3%
  • Thu 22 Oct 68° 49° 10%
  • Fri 23 Oct 62° 46° 13%
  • Sat 24 Oct 69° 43° 42%
  • Sun 25 Oct 69° 49° 40%
  • Mon 26 Oct 67° 49° 12%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Medford

These are the airports closest to central Medford. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • MFR Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
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Medford travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Medford?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Medford is May to June, when average daytime highs are around 73–84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.

What is the weather like in Medford?

July is usually the warmest month in Medford, with average highs of 96°F (35°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 36°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 215 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Medford?

Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Medford.

What time zone is Medford in?

Medford uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Medford?

Top sights in Medford include Jacksonville, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park and Table Rocks. A preserved gold rush town just west of Medford with historic brick buildings, shops, wineries and a summer music festival. A charming place for a stroll.

Where should I stay in Medford?

Popular areas for hotels in Medford include Medford. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Express Suites Medford-Central Point and Homewood Suites by Hilton Medford.

How many hotels can I book in Medford?

Destina Holidays currently lists 72 properties in and around Medford, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.