Congratulations! You’ve checked your local ordinances, cleared it with the neighbors, and you’re ready to become a backyard beekeeper. But there’s one question every beginner asks: "When is the best time to actually start?"

In the beekeeping world, timing isn't just a preference—it’s the difference between a thriving hive and a colony that doesn't survive its first winter.

The Golden Window: April to May

For most of the Northern Hemisphere, April and May are the "magic months." This is known as the Installation Window.

Why this specific timeframe?

1. The "Honey Flow": This is when nature is in full bloom. The abundance of nectar and pollen allows your bees to raise brood (baby bees) and build up their strength rapidly.

2. The 95℉ Rule: Bees must keep their brood nest at a steady 95℉（35℃）. By late spring, daytime temps usually stay above 60℉（15℃）, meaning they won't freeze while foraging for resources.

3. Availability: This is peak "split" season for pro beekeepers. It’s the easiest time to buy a healthy, locally-adapted Nucleus Colony (Nuc).

The "Reverse Countdown": Your 4-Step Launch Plan

If you want bees in your yard by May, you cannot wait until May to start. Here is how to work backward from the big day:

Phase 1: January – February (The "Nuc" Race)

Task: Secure your livestock.

Reputable bee breeders have a finite supply. If you wait until the flowers are blooming to order your bees, you’ll find that every local "Nuc" (a mini-colony with a queen) is already sold out.

Action Item: Search for your local beekeeping association and place a deposit with a breeder now.

Phase 2: March (The Hardware Phase)

Task: Build and paint.

Get your woodenware (hives, bottom boards, and frames) ready. If you are painting your hives, do it at least 3-4 weeks before the bees arrive.

• Pro-Tip: Paint the exterior only. The smell of fresh paint is toxic/repulsive to bees; they need time to let the hive "outgas" so it’s odorless by April.

Phase 3: Early April (Setting the Stage)

Task: Location and Water.

Find a spot that gets morning sun (to wake the bees up) and afternoon shade (to prevent overheating).

Crucial Step: Set up a permanent water station. If your bees don't find water in your yard on Day 1, they will scout the nearest neighbor’s swimming pool or dog bowl. Once they pick a spot, it’s nearly impossible to change their minds!

Phase 4: Mid-April to May (The Big Move)

Task: Hiving the Bees.

Pick a calm, sunny afternoon to install your bees. Since a brand-new colony has zero food stores, you must be ready with 1:1 sugar syrup (equal parts white sugar and water). This stimulates the workers to produce wax and build out the comb quickly.

Final Thoughts

Beekeeping is a marathon, not a sprint. If you miss the April/May window, I strongly suggest waiting until the following spring rather than starting in late summer. Starting late often means the bees won't have enough time to store the 60-80 lbs of honey they need to survive the winter.