Beekeeping Calendar: Monthly Tasks for South African Climates
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
A month-by-month beekeeping calendar helps South African beekeepers plan seasonal work across different regions.
Since climates vary from the Western Cape to Limpopo, this guide offers general timing that can be adjusted slightly based on local rainfall and temperature.
January
- Monitor hive ventilation and water supply during heatwaves
- Check for signs of swarming and congestion
- Harvest surplus honey from early bloomers in summer rainfall regions
- Control pests like small hive beetles
February
- Remove supers if honey flow ends
- Extract and store honey
- Inspect brood patterns for queen performance
- Consider requeening weak colonies
March
- Begin autumn feeding if natural forage declines
- Combine weak colonies
- Rotate out old brood combs
- Perform varroa and pest checks
April
- Reduce hive entrances to conserve heat and protect from robbing
- Feed sugar syrup and pollen substitute if needed
- Ensure hives are strong going into winter
- Clean and store unused equipment
May
- Minimal intervention month
- Avoid opening hives in cold, wet weather
- Monitor weight of hives to ensure enough stores
June
- Keep entrances clear of debris
- Inspect from outside for signs of life and moisture problems
- Repair gear and prepare equipment for spring
July
- Plan for spring expansion
- Source new queens or equipment
- Check for hive losses
- Begin gentle inspections in warmer areas
August
- First signs of brood rearing in warmer regions
- Feed pollen and syrup if bees are active but no forage available
- Set swarm traps in areas with early flowering
- Inspect brood for disease
September
- Swarm season begins in many provinces
- Add space or split hives to prevent swarming
- Requeen colonies if needed
- Prepare for main honey flow in spring bloom areas
October
- Peak nectar flow in the Western Cape and coastal regions
- Add supers and extract honey as needed
- Monitor varroa and hive health
- Ensure clean water source is available
November
- Continue harvesting and adding supers
- Manage strong colonies with splitting or brood manipulation
- Check for absconding in hot, dry areas
December
- Maintain ventilation and shade
- Monitor for pests and queen failure
- Harvest summer flows in Gauteng, Limpopo and KZN
- Plan pollination contracts for the new year
Final Thoughts
A monthly beekeeping routine keeps your colonies healthy, productive and ready for any season.
South Africa’s diverse climates require observation and flexibility, but most key tasks follow a national rhythm that aligns with bloom cycles, temperature and rainfall.