Norfolk and the Virginia Beach area have a humid subtropical climate. Winters (December to February) are mild, with light snowfall averaging around 5.8 inches (147mm) annually; temperatures generally stay between 32°F (0°C) and 52°F (11°C). Summers (June to August) are hot and humid with warm evenings, averaging temperatures between 67°F (19°C) and 87°F (31°C). Spring and summer are the wettest periods, although rainfall is fairly constant all year long. Norfolk is in a fortuitous location in that it is south of major winter storms and north of hurricanes, and thus is at less risk of storms than most cities on the East Coast of the US.