Florida's climate is one of its most attractive features and the reason why so many snowbirds call the Sunshine State home during the winter months. But as enticing as the Florida sun can be, the state also experiences some of the most severe weather in the US.

Florida's summers are notoriously hot and humid. Average temperatures are in the 80s (Fahrenheit), but it is not uncommon for Southern Florida to experience 90+-degree days, especially in August. Areas near the coast tend to be a few degrees cooler than inland. Excessive heat is one of the biggest dangers people face in Florida, and each year people die from heat-related illnesses. Small children, elderly people and people with other medical conditions or who are on certain medications are most at-risk of heat stroke, but everyone should take precautions during the summer months. These include staying hydrated; dressing appropriately; wearing sunscreen and a hat; and avoiding midday heat, when the sun is the hottest. All public buildings and businesses are equipped with central air conditioning, as are the majority of private residences, in order to combat the heat.

Thunderstorms occur frequently during the summer. Although thunderstorms can be dangerous (causing lightning, flooding and even tornadoes), they can also offer a nice break from the stifling heat as they often trigger a drop in temperature of between 10 and 20 degrees.

More lightning strikes in Florida than anywhere else in the US, and lightning causes the most weather-related deaths (even more than hurricanes) each year.

Tornadoes are another of Florida's deadly weather-related threats. April, May and June are the most active months for tornadoes, although the Florida Panhandle usually experiences its worst storms in February and March.

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, but the months of August, September and October see the most storm activity. It is rare for Florida to get through a season without at least experiencing a tropical storm. Floridians have growth accustomed to preparing for hurricanes, but tourists and newcomers to Florida should especially be informed about what to do in the event of a hurricane or other weather-related disaster. For more information about hurricane safety, visit the official web site for the National Hurricane Center.

Florida's winters are generally dry and mild, with average temperatures in the 50s in North Florida and the 60s in South Florida, but, on rare occasions, snow has been known to fall even as far south as Miami.

The Florida Keys is Florida's most exotic location, with its own micro-climate that is much more akin to the tropics. Summer temperatures usually do not reach above 90 degrees, while winter temperatures rarely fall below 60 degrees. The Florida Keys is reportedly the only place on mainland USA that has never experienced frost.

The National Weather Service and The Weather Channel are both good sites for obtaining weather forecasts for Florida.