The best time to buy bees in California is generally early spring, when temperatures are warming, flowers are blooming, and colonies have several months ahead to grow before winter.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, beekeepers typically start installing new colonies in March and April, although the exact timing depends on weather conditions and the availability of bees.
Because demand for bees is high in spring, it is a good idea to reserve your bees several weeks or even months in advance.
When Should You Order Bees in California?
You should usually order bees before you actually need them.
Many beekeepers reserve their spring bees during winter because nucs and packages can sell out before the beginning of the season.
Ordering early also gives you time to prepare your hive equipment and choose a suitable location for your colony.
Should You Buy a Nuc or a Package of Bees?
There are two common ways to start a new honey bee colony: a package of bees or a nucleus colony, commonly called a nuc.
A nuc is a small established colony that normally includes:
- a laying queen;
- worker bees;
- brood at different stages;
- stored pollen and honey;
- drawn comb.
Because the colony already has brood and drawn comb, a nuc generally develops faster than a package and can be easier for a new beekeeper to establish.
When Can You Install a Bee Nuc?
The best installation date depends on local weather and forage.
In the Bay Area, late March through April is generally an excellent period because spring flowers provide pollen and nectar while temperatures become increasingly favorable for colony development.
However, beekeeping is agricultural: weather varies from year to year, so installation dates should always be adjusted to actual conditions.
Where Can You Buy Bees in the San Francisco Bay Area?
Buying bees locally has several advantages. Local colonies are already being raised under similar climatic conditions, and you can usually pick them up rather than having live bees shipped long distances.
At Beeopic California, I raise 5-frame nucs locally in the San Francisco Bay Area. My colonies use Italian VSH queens, with Varroa Sensitive Hygiene as an important part of my breeding strategy.
Spring nuc availability is limited, so ordering in advance is recommended.
See our live bees and nucs available in the San Francisco Bay Area.