Under the soil, the area is catacombed with many underground rivers and streams, occasionally springing up to the surface. Springfield and the surrounding communities boast the largest and most interesting caves in the world, many of which are open to the public. The James River runs right through town, and within two hours drive of Springfield, lakes, rivers, and waterways provide swimming, boating, skiing, and bass and trout fishing that has attracted sportsmen from all over the world. Springfield's climate is one of sharp contrast, with four well-defined seasons. Rain is prevalent in the spring.
Early planting is possible most years.
Summer begins in late June, and is in full swing by August. It is not uncommon for several August days to exceed 100 degrees, and in some years, this can stretch on for days. Humidity becomes a factor in the summer, as Gulf Coast moisture moves into the region on strong southerly breezes. A lack of rainfall in July and August is not an uncommon problem for agriculturalists, but lengthy droughts are rare. Autumn comes to the Ozarks in late September, and by Halloween, most of the leaves have turned and fallen.