At what temperature do bees visibly cluster?

Bees visibly cluster at a temperature around 57 degrees Fahrenheit. This behavior is primarily a strategy to maintain warmth and conserve energy when external temperatures drop. When the temperature decreases, honey bees gather together to generate heat through muscle movement, specifically by vibrating their flight muscles. This clustering behavior is critical for the survival of the colony during cooler months, especially in regions with fluctuating temperatures.

Clustering helps the bees maintain a suitable internal temperature for the queen and brood, allowing them to remain active and healthy. At temperatures below around 57 degrees, bees begin to exhibit this clustering behavior more prominently, as they require it to sustain their metabolic processes and overall colony health.