By November, bee colonies have officially transitioned into full winter mode. Queens have nearly stopped laying, brood nests are minimal or gone, and clusters are forming tightly as temperatures drop. For beekeepers, this is a quiet but crucial month. Your biggest goal now is stability.

Protect, monitor, and resist the urge to over-manage.

1. Minimize Disturbance

Your bees have formed their winter cluster. Opening the hive now can chill brood or break their heat regulation.

What to do:

  • Avoid unnecessary inspections — observe from the outside instead.

  • Listen for a steady hum on warm days to confirm colony activity.

  • On mild days (above 50°F), you can quickly lift the lid to check moisture control or fondant placement, but keep it brief.

Why it matters: Every unnecessary disturbance costs bees warmth and energy they can’t afford to lose.

2. Monitor Food Supplies from the Outside

Bees rely entirely on stored honey and supplemental feed to make it through the next few months.

What to do:

  • Lift the back of the hive occasionally to gauge weight. A light hive may need emergency feed.

  • If bees are clustered near the top box, it’s a sign they’re consuming stores quickly — add fondant, candy boards, or dry sugar as needed.

  • Keep sugar dry and accessible above the cluster.

Why it matters: Colonies can starve even when surrounded by honey if condensation or cold prevents them from moving to it.

3. Maintain Ventilation and Control Moisture

Condensation remains the greatest winter threat — not cold itself.

What to do:

  • Confirm upper entrances or moisture boards are clear of propolis and debris.

  • Make sure the hive remains slightly tilted forward to let condensation drain out.

  • Avoid wrapping too tightly — hives must breathe.

Why it matters: A cold, dry hive can survive; a damp hive cannot.

4. Secure Hives Against Wind and Wildlife

As temperatures drop, strong winds and hungry animals become more persistent threats.

What to do:

  • Check that lids are weighted or strapped down against winter gusts.

  • Inspect for signs of mice — guards should remain in place.

  • If you live in bear country, keep electric fencing active year-round.

Why it matters: A single windstorm or pest intrusion can undo months of preparation.

5. Record-Keep and Plan

Winter is reflection season. Use this downtime to evaluate the year’s successes and plan for the next.

What to do:

  • Review notes from inspections, treatments, and honey yields.

  • Mark colonies that were strong or weak heading into winter.

  • Order new equipment, foundation, and queens early — spring comes fast.

Why it matters: Good records today make better beekeepers tomorrow.

6. Observe and Learn

Even though the apiary is quiet, there’s still plenty to learn.

What to do:

  • Watch entrance behavior on warm afternoons — you’ll often see cleansing flights.

  • Note which hives remain active and which seem silent.

  • Take a moment to appreciate your bees’ resilience — they’re performing one of nature’s most impressive survival acts.

Why it matters: Observation sharpens instinct — and good instinct makes a great beekeeper.

November Wrap-Up: Quiet Strength

November is about patience. Your bees have done their work, and now it’s your turn to trust them — and your preparation. Keep entrances clear, moisture low, and feed within reach.

From here until early spring, the best care you can offer is calm vigilance.