Have seen conflicting advice on minimum temperatures for spring inspections. The BBKA Guide to Beekeeping advises over 14C for first quick inspection and over 17C for first full inspection. The NBU online advice however gives figures of over 10C and over 14C respectively. I've been pragmatic and split the difference, but I'd be grateful for advice from those more experienced (this is my second year). Many thanks
I couldn’t say I work to set known temperatures. If it feels cold I wouldn’t go in unless there was a known issue I had to resolve, in which case I would open, do the one thing and close up. If it feels warm and not too windy, then I would maybe open up for a bit longer. If it’s warm and still, obviously no issue.
Even if the air temp is ok but there is a stiff breeze and the hives are in an exposed location I would not choose to open up unless I had to.
Sorry if a slightly infuriatingly imprecise answer, but just being honest!
If it felt chilly