The Perfect Humidity for Cigars: Did you know that each cigar will hold 1.5 grams of humidity?

If you’ve ever invested in a fine cigar or even a box of cigars, whether it’s a single cigar or that rare, prized box that you had to have before they were gone.  you already know that cigars are living, breathing works of art and once they are sold out you can never buy that particular cigar again.

They’re not just rolled leaves; they’re carefully aged, delicately balanced, and incredibly sensitive to their environment. They were alive and breathing plants at one time and need to be curated properly.

One of the biggest factors in maintaining your cigar’s flavor, aroma, and burn quality is humidity.

Too high, and you’re dealing with moldy cigars. Too low, and you’ll end up with dry, flavorless sticks that burn too quickly.

The sweet spot? That’s what we’re here to talk about.

Why Humidity Matters for Cigars.

Cigars are crafted from tobacco leaves that have been aged and cured in controlled environments. Once they leave the kiln rooms after careful drying and fermenting process they are sometimes aged for years in barrels, before they are rolled and boxed you and I to enjoy!

Tobacco naturally absorbs and releases moisture. If the humidity around your cigars drops too low, the oils that give them their aroma and flavor begin to evaporate.

This makes the cigar brittle, harsh, and fast burning. On the other hand, excessive humidity can cause swelling, tight draws, uneven burns, will make your cigar need continuous relighting and even mold growth.

Did you know, humidity is the difference between a luxurious, smooth smoking experience and a disappointing one.

The Dimond Standard: Relative Humidity

Most cigar aficionados will tell you that 65-72% is the best, I have been smoking cigars for two decades and will say that 62-68% is the sweet spot  where cigars stay freshest between 62% and 68% relative humidity (RH).

Within this range, the tobacco retains its essential oils without becoming overly humid period. Stay away from 72% it is too high!

62-65% RH — Preferred by some smokers who enjoy a slightly firmer draw and cooler burn. Great for aging cigars longer.

66-68% RH — The most common “sweet spot” for premium cigars. Keeps them flavorful, easy to light, even burn, not to mention smooth to smoke.

72% RH — to high for most cigars. STAY AWAY<  Produces a richer smoke but will be slow to burn and need continuous relights. Never go above 70%

Anything below 60% starts drying out your cigars, while going above 75% is just laziness on your end!

Temperature Matters Too

Humidity is only half of the equation — temperature plays a huge role in cigar preservation. The recommended temperature is around 21°C (70°F).

Why?

Higher temperatures encourage tobacco beetles (yes, they’re real — and they’re every cigar collector’s nightmare).

Humidity and temperature work together — get them both right, and your cigars will thank you.

How to Maintain the Perfect Humidity

You’ve got your target range,  now how do you keep your cigars there?

1. Invest in a Quality Humidor

A humidor is the best defense against the elements. Quality models, like Cigar Star’s handcrafted humidors, use Spanish cedar interiors to regulate moisture naturally, repel tobacco beetles, and enhance the cigar’s aroma over time.

Spanish cedar is also porous, which means it can absorb and release humidity as needed, acting like a natural humidity buffer.

2. Use Reliable Humidification Systems

Gone are the days of sponges and mystery jars. Today’s humidification devices are precise and low-maintenance:

Boveda Packs — Pre-calibrated packs that both add and absorb moisture as needed. Great peace of mind.

Polymer Crystal Humidifiers — Absorb distilled water and slowly release it over time. Ideal for long-term use. They are also the new standard.

Electronic Humidifiers — Perfect for large humidors or cabinets, these automatically adjust humidity levels.

Pro tip: Cigar Star Polymer Crystal Humidifiers paired with Boveda packs create a stable environment that extends Boveda’s life and keeps your cigars at the perfect RH without constant maintenance.

3. Monitor with a Hygrometer

Even the best humidor can’t protect your cigars if you don’t know your humidity levels.

A digital hygrometer provides accurate readings so you can make adjustments before problems arise.

Make sure you buy one that can be calibrated before first use, and check your humidor at least once a week.

Signs Your Humidity is Off

Knowing the warning signs can save your cigars before it’s too late:

Too Dry (Below 60% RH)

Cigars feel brittle or crack when handled

Burns too fast and hot

Harsh taste, loss of aroma

Too Damp (Above 75% RH)

Spongy feel, swelling, or cracking of the wrapper

Hard to draw smoke through

Mold or musty odor

Have to relight your cigar over and over

If you notice these signs, adjust your humidification system immediately.

Traveling with Cigars?

Humidity control isn’t just for at-home storage. When you take your cigars on the go, they’re just as vulnerable.

Full-grain leather travel cases with built-in Spanish cedar lining, like those from Cigar Star, protect your sticks in style while maintaining a stable environment.

Pair them with a small Boveda pack, and you’ve got fresh cigars wherever you go — whether that’s the golf course, a weekend getaway, or a destination wedding.

Aging Cigars: When Lower Humidity Works

If you plan to age your cigars for years, you might store them slightly drier — around 62–65% RH. This slows the fermentation process, allowing the flavors to blend and mellow without risk of mold.

Many seasoned collectors keep an “aging humidor” separate from their daily smoker stash for this reason. You open it less and the more cigars inside the humidor the easier it is to regulate the humidity at a constant desired level.

Common Humidity Myths

Let’s clear the air on a few misconceptions:

“Higher humidity means better cigars.”

FALSE  too much moisture will ruin them just as quickly as no humidity..

“If a cigar dries out, just rehydrate it.”

Technically possible, but the damage to the oils and flavor is permanent. Rehydration restores moisture, not lost taste.

“Any container will do.”

While Tupperware with Spanish cedar and Boveda packs can work temporarily, a proper humidor is unmatched for long-term storage.

The Bottom Line

If you want to keep your cigars as fresh and flavorful as the day they left the factory, aim for 65–68% humidity at around 20°C (68°F). Use a quality humidor lined with Spanish cedar, pair it with a reliable humidification system, and check your humidity levels regularly.

Your reward? Cigars that light easily, burn evenly, and deliver the rich, complex flavors the blender intended  every single time.