When I first moved to Springfield, I was most surprised by the summer weather. I thought, it's Virginia, so it can't be that hot since it's in the north.

However, after experiencing a summer here, I realized it wasn't the kind of heat I expected. It's not just hot; it's humid and sweltering. There are many days when just stepping outside for a moment leaves me sweating on my back.

The average high temperature in July is about 87.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is around 69.1 degrees. Looking at the numbers, it doesn't seem as extreme as Texas or Arizona, but the problem is the humidity. On days with high humidity, even the upper 80s can feel much hotter. Especially after attending an outdoor event in the afternoon, I come home feeling so exhausted that I don't want to do anything. So, during the summer, I really can't live without air conditioning.

That said, winter isn't extremely cold either. The average high in January is about 40.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the low is around 27.1 degrees. Compared to a typical winter in Korea, it's bearable, but there's something peculiar about winter here. It's cold, but many days it's hard to tell if it's raining or snowing. The sky is often overcast and windy, and when sleet falls, I find it even less pleasant than heavy snowfall.

It's not a place where it never snows. The average annual snowfall is about 20 inches, but there can be quite a bit of variation from year to year. Some years, it passes without much snow, but when it starts snowing properly, the atmosphere in the neighborhood changes dramatically. Especially on snowy days around the Mixing Bowl, you have to be very careful. It's already a busy area, and when it snows, traffic gets backed up, accidents happen, and it's chaotic. Those who have lived here for a long time have a reason to check the weather forecast for snow.

What I love most about Springfield's weather is the spring and fall. October, in particular, is really beautiful. When all of Northern Virginia starts to turn colorful with fall foliage, just driving through the neighborhood lifts my spirits. Parks in Burke or Annandale are lovely, and places like Lake Accotink Park are perfect for a stroll in the fall.

The annual precipitation is about 45 inches, and there are around 197 clear days each year. So, it's definitely not a place that's cloudy and rainy all year round. In spring, flowers bloom; in summer, it's hot; in fall, the leaves change color; and in winter, it occasionally snows, making it a region with very distinct four seasons.

Overall, temperatures generally range from about 27 degrees to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, and extreme cold or heat is relatively rare. At first, I really disliked the summer humidity, but people adapt. After living here for a year or two, you realize this is how summer is, and that's how winter is. Then, when the cool breeze starts blowing and the leaves begin to change, I think again. Yes, Springfield really shines in the fall.