What temperature do bees maintain in their hive during winter?

Bees maintain an internal temperature of approximately 92°F (33°C) within the hive during winter. This specific temperature is crucial for the survival of the colony, as it helps to keep the brood (young bees) warm and ensures a comfortable environment for the queen and the worker bees.

Honey bees have a unique behavior known as "shivering," where they vibrate their wing muscles to generate heat, which helps to raise the internal hive temperature even when external temperatures drop significantly. The optimal temperature allows for proper development of the brood and helps maintain the overall health of the colony.

While the other temperatures are not entirely extreme, they do not reflect the essential thermoregulation that honey bees exhibit during winter. The lower temperatures would not sufficiently support brood development or the colony's overall vitality.