Take a short course from your local beekeeper's association if you can. They connect you with local bee rearers which is nice. Otherwise plan to put your order in March. You probably won't pick them up til April or May but you get the best pick if you order early.

I would order them ASAP. A lot of bee suppliers run out of bees when the season approaches. I ordered some nucs 2 weeks ago that I will receive in late April.

If you are going the package bee route, Most supply places, at least here in the northeast start taking orders at the beginning of January. If there is a club in your area, you might find a few embers that will offer nucs (an established,usually 5 frame hive) Try to find a club and join. good luck