By December, bee colonies are fully settled into their winter rhythm. Brood is minimal or absent, the queen reduces laying to nearly zero, and clusters remain tight as temperatures drop even lower. For beekeepers, December is the quietest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean “do nothing.”

Your role now is simple but essential: protect, monitor, and keep conditions stable.

1. Resist All Unnecessary Hive Disturbance

In December, the winter cluster is compact and fragile. Breaking that cluster with inspections can be deadly.

What to do:

  • Do not open the hive unless absolutely necessary.

  • Avoid pulling frames entirely.

  • Use your ears: a soft, steady hum usually indicates a live, healthy cluster.

  • On rare mild days (above 45–50°F), you may lift the lid briefly to check for moisture or emergency feed only.

Why it matters: Any heat loss now forces bees to consume extra stores just to regain temperature, a cost they can’t afford during the coldest month.

2. Check Food Stores Without Opening the Hive

Bees cannot easily move to adjacent frames when clustered. Running out of accessible food is the primary cause of winter losses.

What to do:

  • Use the “heft test”: lift the back of the hive gently to estimate weight.

  • A noticeably light hive may require a quick top-up with fondant, candy boards, or dry sugar.

  • Keep sugar directly above the cluster so bees don’t have to break formation to reach it.

  • Avoid liquid feed. It increases moisture and is too cold for bees to use.

Why it matters: Even colonies with honey can starve if cold weather prevents them from moving to it.

3. Maintain Ventilation and Prevent Moisture Build-Up

Cold doesn’t kill bees. Moisture does. December is peak condensation season inside the hive.

What to do:

  • Ensure upper entrances and ventilation holes remain open, not sealed by propolis.

  • Verify that moisture quilts, burlap, or absorbent materials are dry and functioning.

  • Keep the hive slightly tilted forward to allow condensation to drip out, not onto the cluster.

  • If wrapped, ensure the hive isn't sealed too tight. Airflow is essential.

Why it matters: A damp hive can chill bees and drip cold water onto the cluster, causing fatal losses even in otherwise healthy colonies.

4. Reinforce Hive Protection Against Winter Stressors

Wind, storms, and wildlife become more persistent as temperatures plummet.

What to do:

  • Strap down lids or add weights to prevent wind lift.

  • Confirm mouse guards are still secure.

  • Inspect hive stands after storms for any shifting or leaning.

  • In bear country, keep electric fencing active (even in winter, bears roam during warm spells).

Why it matters: A single windstorm can crack lids, chill clusters, or allow pests inside — problems that are extremely difficult to correct in freezing weather.

5. Observe Entrance Activity on Warmer Days

Even in December, bees take cleansing flights when temperatures spike.

What to do:

  • Look for brief afternoon flights on sunny, above-45°F days.

  • Note the presence of dead bees outside the hive. This is normal housekeeping.

  • Watch for signs of robbing or wasp intrusion (rare now but still possible in warmer regions).

Why it matters: Entrance behavior gives clues about colony strength without the need to open the hive.

6. Monitor for Signs of Excess Moisture, Mold, or Foul Odors

With the hive sealed for winter, subtle issues can escalate quickly.

What to do:

  • Smell near the entrance. A sour or moldy smell may indicate moisture issues.

  • Check insulated covers for dampness after storms.

  • If mold appears on the landing board or around the entrance, improve airflow immediately.

Why it matters: Moisture creates mold, which stresses bees, chills brood (if any), and reduces air quality within the hive.

7. Keep Snow and Debris From Blocking Entrances

Snow accumulation is common in many climates and can suffocate a colony.

What to do:

  • After storms, clear snow away from entrances.

  • Do not scrape aggressively. Gentle brushing is enough.

  • Ensure ventilation holes remain open even when the landing board is buried.

Why it matters: Even a few hours of blocked ventilation can cause CO₂ buildup inside the hive.

8. Use December as Planning and Reflection Month

Beekeepers have more time now than any other month. Use it well.

What to do:

  • Review notes from the past season.

  • Evaluate which colonies entered winter strong or weak.

  • Order new frames, foundation, and replacement parts early.

  • Plan spring splits, queen purchases, or expansion.

Why it matters: Good preparation now eliminates spring’s frantic scramble.

December Wrap-Up: Stillness With Purpose

December asks for discipline. Your bees are deep in their winter cycle, generating heat, conserving energy, and relying entirely on the groundwork you laid all year. Your job is to keep conditions stable — dry, well-ventilated, and protected.

From now until February, the smartest beekeepers practice calm observation, light touch, and trust in the colony’s remarkable winter resilience.