Many Koreans often think when they first move that "it's near Washington D.C., so it might not be as cold as expected."

I also had that image at first. However, living here, I found that winters can be unexpectedly cold.

In my opinion, winter in Fairfax is slightly milder than in Seoul, but it is by no means a warm area. If you move here thinking it's like a southern U.S. city, you might be surprised by the harsh winds and snow.

Fairfax has a distinct four-season climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States.

Spring, summer, fall, and winter are relatively well-defined, and seasonal changes are quite noticeable. This is why many Koreans describe it as "one of the U.S. regions most similar to Korean weather."

Summers are quite hot and humid. The average high temperature in July is around 31-32 degrees Celsius, and the high humidity often makes it feel like it's over 35 degrees.

Especially in July and August, the muggy air can remind many of the summer after the rainy season in Korea. It's not easy to get through summer without air conditioning.

However, the real characteristic of Fairfax is winter. Many people think Washington D.C. is close to the southern U.S., but it is actually significantly influenced by northern climates. The average low temperature in January hovers around -3 degrees Celsius, and on cold days, it can drop below -10 degrees. When the wind blows, the wind chill makes it feel even colder.

Snow falls more often than expected. The average snowfall varies each year, but generally, it records about 15-20 inches during the season. In years with heavy snowfall, it can exceed 30 inches. It's common to see grocery stores suddenly crowded when snow forecasts are announced among Northern Virginia residents.

However, there are differences compared to Seoul. In Seoul, extreme cold below -15 degrees can repeatedly occur in mid-winter, but Fairfax experiences relatively fewer extreme cold snaps. Instead, it tends to have cold air with moisture and frequent snow. Therefore, some residents describe it as "less cold but more damp winters."

Personally, I think the most attractive season is fall.

The fall from late September to early November is the most beautiful time in Northern Virginia. After the humid summer, the temperatures cool down, providing great weather for outdoor activities. In parks around Great Falls or Chantilly, you can easily see the leaves turning red and yellow.

Spring is also quite popular. From late March, temperatures rise quickly, and cherry blossoms begin to bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is one of the most famous spring events in the U.S.

Overall, Fairfax offers a relatively familiar four-season experience for Koreans.

However, if you think, "It's near Washington, so winter will be warm," that might be a misconception. Compared to southern regions like Texas or Florida, winters are definitely cold, and there is a fair amount of snow.

But since it doesn't have the prolonged harsh cold like Seoul, if you prepare appropriate winter clothing, it can be considered a comfortable climate to live in.