The climate of Virginia Beach can be considered humid subtropical, due to the moderating effect of the ocean. However, winters can bring prolonged cold periods, but snow is quite rare. Summers are hot and humid with warm evenings. The mean annual temperature is 60 °F (15 °C), with an average annual snowfall of 7.4 inches and an average annual rainfall of 45 inches. The wettest seasons are the spring and summer, although rainfall is fairly constant all year round.