Warm weather and abundant blooms make summer the peak season for many bee species, which increase foraging, pollination and honey production during these months.
Seasonal activity
Bee colonies and solitary bees time reproduction and foraging to coincide with floral abundance in summer, producing large numbers of workers and sending foragers out repeatedly to collect nectar and pollen when flowers are most plentiful.
Weather and behaviour
Temperature and weather strongly influence flight and foraging: warm, calm days raise activity because bee muscles and metabolism work more efficiently, while cold, wet or windy conditions reduce flying and flower visits.
Honey and resource collection
During summer months honeybees concentrate on gathering nectar to convert into honey and store pollen to feed brood, so beekeepers often harvest surplus honey after peak flows while ensuring colonies retain enough stores for later seasons.
Ecological role and benefits
Heightened summer pollination supports fruit set and seed production across wild and cultivated plants, boosting ecosystem function and crop yields, and making summer critical for agricultural pollination services.
Practical notes for people
Gardeners and farmers can support bees by providing diverse, continuous blooms, protecting nesting sites and avoiding pesticide use during peak foraging hours to maximise pollination and safeguard pollinator health.