How Seasonal Changes Affect Bees and Beeswax Production

Ever wondered what bees get up to when the weather turns chilly? Spoiler alert: they’re not sipping nectar cocktails all year round. Just like us, bees are highly attuned to the seasons - and those shifts in weather play a huge role in how they work, rest, and produce that glorious golden wax we all love.

Understanding the link between seasons and beeswax production helps us appreciate the rhythm of nature, the importance of local beekeeping, and why your beeswax candle might look (and smell) slightly different in July than it does in December.

Spring: Nature’s Wake-Up Call

Spring is the season of buzzing beginnings. As flowers bloom and temperatures rise, bees emerge from their winter clusters ready to forage.

• Nectar and pollen availability increases, giving bees the fuel they need to build comb and produce wax.
• Queen bees start laying eggs, leading to a population boom in the hive.
• Bees begin wax secretion from glands on their abdomens, building new honeycomb to store honey and rear brood.

This is the prime time for beeswax production - the hive is growing, and wax is in high demand. Beekeepers may start to collect surplus wax from combs no longer in use or that have become damaged.

Fun fact: It takes around eight ounces of honey for bees to produce just one ounce of beeswax. Talk about working overtime!

Summer: Peak Production Season

Summer is when bees are at their busiest - quite literally “making hay while the sun shines”.

• Bees work long hours collecting nectar from blooming flowers.
• The hive is usually at full strength, with tens of thousands of bees buzzing about.
• Beeswax production remains high as the colony builds more comb to accommodate the influx of honey.

This is also when beeswax takes on its richest golden hue, thanks to the variety of floral sources available. You might notice a stronger honey scent in wax harvested in summer - a natural bonus.

For candle makers, this season yields the most vibrant and aromatic beeswax. A summer candle often smells like sunshine itself.

Autumn: The Slowdown Begins

As temperatures drop and flowers fade, bees start winding down operations.

• The queen slows down egg-laying.
• Worker bees stop producing wax, focusing instead on protecting the hive and stocking up on honey for winter.
• The colony begins to shrink in size, conserving resources.

Beeswax production virtually comes to a halt as the bees prepare for the cold months ahead. For beekeepers, this is the time to remove any excess comb, clean equipment, and harvest what’s left of the summer wax.

Winter: Rest, Resilience, and Reflection

Winter is survival mode for bees.

• Bees cluster in the centre of the hive to maintain warmth, vibrating their wings to keep the core temperature at around 35°C.
• They do not produce beeswax during this time — in fact, they don’t do much at all except eat stored honey and keep the queen warm.

Because there are no fresh floral sources, bees can’t collect nectar or make new comb. This is why you won’t find “winter wax” - it doesn’t exist.

Beekeeper Tip: This is a vital period of rest for the bees. Minimal interference helps them conserve energy and survive until spring.

So, How Does This Affect Beeswax Products?

The seasonal cycle of bees influences the colour, scent, and availability of beeswax. Here's what that means for your favourite candles and melts:

Why Local, Seasonal Beeswax Matters

At Beeswax Bay Farm, we hand-pour our candles using 100% pure beeswax sourced from local beekeepers in England. Because our wax reflects the seasons, every batch is naturally unique - no synthetic dyes or fragrances required.By supporting seasonal, small-batch beeswax production, you help:

• Promote ethical beekeeping practices
• Reduce environmental impact
• Keep local bee populations healthy
• Celebrate nature’s natural rhythms

Final Thoughts: Let Nature Lead

Just like you wouldn’t expect strawberries in December, beeswax is best when we let nature take the lead. Appreciating the work bees do across the seasons deepens our connection to the products we use and the ecosystems we depend on.

Next time you light a beeswax candle, remember — it’s more than just a flame. It’s a gift from the hive, shaped by the seasons and crafted with care.

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Looking for the perfect seasonal gift? Treat yourself or a loved one to a handcrafted beeswax candle from our seasonal collection. Made with love, naturally.