Which type of weather should be avoided when opening hives?

Opening hives during windy and rainy weather can be detrimental to both the beekeeper and the bees. Rain can make the bees more agitated, increasing their likelihood of defensive behavior, which poses a risk of stings for the beekeeper. Additionally, wet conditions can disrupt the bees' ability to regulate temperature within the hive, which is essential for the health of the colony, particularly for brood development. Windy conditions can also make it challenging to manage equipment and can lead to increased disturbances within the hive, putting stress on the bees.

In contrast, sunny weather may encourage foraging and make bees less defensive, cold weather can limit bee activity, and overcast conditions generally do not pose the same level of concern as wind and rain.