Honeybees foraging on flowers, illustrating the impact of temperature and humidity on their behavior.

Busy Bees: How Weather Affects Honeybee Foraging

Soraya Malik in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the secrets of honeybee behavior and learn how temperature and humidity influence their crucial work in the fields."

Honeybees, those fuzzy, buzzing creatures, are essential for pollinating our crops and gardens. They flit from flower to flower, gathering nectar and pollen to sustain their colonies. But what happens when the weather turns? Do bees still venture out in the heat, cold, or rain? Understanding the factors that influence honeybee foraging is crucial for beekeepers and anyone interested in these vital pollinators.

Bees aren't just randomly buzzing around. Their foraging activity is carefully tuned to maximize efficiency. They need to collect enough resources to feed their colony, and they want to do it using as little energy as possible. That's where environmental conditions come into play. Temperature, humidity, and even wind speed can significantly impact a bee's ability to fly, find flowers, and collect nectar.

A recent study investigated how abiotic factors (non-living environmental components) affect the foraging activity of Apis mellifera (the common honeybee) on Vernonia polyanthes flowers (a winter-blooming plant also known as Assa-peixe). This research sheds light on the specific conditions that encourage or discourage bee foraging, providing valuable insights for beekeeping and land management.

The Sweet Spot: Ideal Weather for Honeybee Foraging

Honeybees foraging on flowers, illustrating the impact of temperature and humidity on their behavior.

The study, conducted in Valença, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, tracked honeybee visits to V. polyanthes flowers throughout the day. Researchers observed that foraging activity peaked between 11 am and 3 pm. More importantly, they found a strong correlation between foraging activity and two key weather variables: temperature and relative humidity.

Here's the breakdown of how these factors influence honeybee behavior:

Temperature: Bees are more active when it's warmer. As temperature increases, so does their foraging frequency. The study found a positive correlation between temperature and bee abundance.
Humidity: High humidity is a buzzkill for bees. As humidity increases, foraging activity decreases. The study showed a negative correlation between relative humidity and bee abundance.

The ideal conditions for honeybee foraging, according to this study, involve a combination of warmth and dryness. Bees prefer warmer temperatures and lower humidity. When humidity is high, it affects nectar concentration, making resources less attractive. Higher humidity makes it more difficult and energy-intensive for bees to fly.

Boosting Bee Productivity: Practical Takeaways

This research highlights the importance of Vernonia polyanthes as a valuable food source for honeybees, especially during the winter months when other flowers are scarce. By understanding how weather conditions affect bee foraging, beekeepers can make informed decisions to optimize their operations and support bee health. Protecting and promoting plants like V. polyanthes in grasslands and abandoned crop areas can provide essential resources for bees, leading to increased honey production and overall pollinator well-being.

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Everything You Need To Know

How does temperature affect honeybee foraging?

Temperature has a significant impact on the foraging activity of *Apis mellifera*. The study found a positive correlation between temperature and bee abundance, meaning that as the temperature increases, so does the frequency with which bees forage. Warmer temperatures make it easier for bees to fly and they are more active in gathering nectar and pollen. The study observed peak foraging activity between 11 am and 3 pm, aligning with the warmest part of the day.

What role does humidity play in honeybee foraging?

Humidity negatively affects the foraging behavior of honeybees. The research revealed a negative correlation between relative humidity and bee abundance. High humidity levels decrease foraging activity. The higher the humidity, the more challenging it becomes for bees to fly and the nectar concentration decreases, making the resources less attractive to them. Thus, honeybees prefer drier conditions for optimal foraging.

What are the ideal weather conditions for honeybees to forage?

The ideal conditions for *Apis mellifera* foraging involve a combination of warmth and dryness. This means warmer temperatures and lower humidity. This environment allows bees to be more active, fly more efficiently, and access nectar more easily. The study conducted on *Vernonia polyanthes* flowers revealed that these bees are most active in these conditions.

How can beekeepers use this information to help honeybees?

Beekeepers can utilize the study's findings to optimize their operations and support bee health. By understanding that *Apis mellifera* prefers warmer temperatures and lower humidity, beekeepers can position their hives in locations that provide these conditions during peak foraging times. Moreover, promoting the growth of plants like *Vernonia polyanthes*, especially during the winter months, can provide essential food resources for bees when other flowers are scarce, leading to increased honey production and overall pollinator well-being.

Why is Vernonia polyanthes important for honeybees?

*Vernonia polyanthes* is a valuable food source for *Apis mellifera*, particularly during the winter months when other flowers are less available. The study highlighted the importance of this plant for bee foraging activity. It provides essential resources when other sources are limited, and its presence can contribute to increased honey production and overall pollinator well-being. Supporting plants like *Vernonia polyanthes* is a practical step in promoting honeybee health.