The Perfect Humidity Level for Cigars: A Complete Guide for Aficionados

If you’re a cigar lover, you know that keeping your cigars fresh is everything. A dry cigar burns too fast and tastes harsh. An over-humidified cigar won’t burn properly and might even develop mold. So, what’s the perfect humidity level for cigars?

In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step, covering:

•  The ideal humidity range for cigars
• How temperature affects humidity
•  Tips for maintaining the perfect cigar environment
•  Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Let’s dive in!

The Perfect Humidity Level for Cigars

Cigars are like fine wine—they need the right conditions to age gracefully. The sweet spot for storing cigars is:

62% to 70% Relative Humidity (RH) at 65°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C)

This range helps maintain the flavor, burn, and overall smoking experience. Here’s why:

✔ Below 62% RH – Cigars dry out, leading to a harsh, bitter taste and uneven burn.
✔ Above 70% RH – Cigars absorb too much moisture, making them difficult to light and prone to mold growth.

Many cigar aficionados aim for 70% RH at 70°F—a classic rule known as the “70/70 Rule”. However, slight variations can be better depending on your location and preference (more on that later).

What Happens If Your Humidity Is Too Low?

Dry cigars = bad smoking experience.

Here’s what happens when your humidity drops below 65% RH:

Wrapper Cracks – The delicate outer layer of your cigar starts to split.
Burns Too Fast – Dry cigars burn hot and fast, ruining the flavors.
Bitter & Harsh Taste – The oils that give cigars their smooth flavor dry out.

How to Fix Low Humidity:

 Add a humidity pack (like Boveda 69% or 72%).
 Place a small dish of distilled water in your humidor.
 Check for leaks in your humidor—it may not be sealing properly.

What Happens If Your Humidity Is Too High?

Too much humidity is just as bad as not enough. When humidity goes over 72%, cigars become damp and unpleasant to smoke.

Difficult to Light – Excess moisture prevents proper combustion.
       Uneven Burn – Your cigar might “canoe” (burn unevenly down one side).
Mold & Beetles – The biggest risk of high humidity is mold or tobacco beetles, which hatch at 75°F+.

How to Fix High Humidity:

✅ Leave your humidor open for 30-60 minutes to let moisture escape.
       Use silica gel beads or a dehumidification pack.
✅ Keep your humidor away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

⏳ Does Climate Affect Humidity?

Absolutely! Where you live impacts how you store your cigars.

Dry Climates (Desert, Winter Areas) – You might need a slightly higher RH (70-72%) to prevent cigars from drying out.

Humid Climates (Tropics, Coastal Areas) – A lower RH (62-68%) prevents cigars from getting too moist.

If your environment naturally fluctuates, consider using electronic humidification systems or monitoring your humidor more frequently.

How to Maintain the Perfect Humidity in Your Humidor

Now that you know the ideal humidity range, here’s how to maintain it like a pro.

1️⃣ Choose the Right Humidor

Furthermore, a good humidor seals properly and is lined with Spanish cedar, which helps regulate humidity. Some of the best brands include:

✅ Daniel Marshal – High-end, well-sealed humidors.
Quality Importers – Affordable and functional. (
✅ Cigar Star – Luxury humidors for serious collectors. (Designed In Canada for over 20 years)

2️⃣ Use a Reliable Humidification Device

There are several ways to keep your cigars at the right humidity:

Boveda Packs – Easiest method; self-regulating.

✅Crystal Gel or Beads – Need to be recharged with distilled water.
Electronic Humidifiers – Best for large humidors or cigar cabinets.

3️⃣ Monitor Humidity with a Hygrometer

A digital hygrometer is more accurate than an analog one. Brands like Xikar or Cigar Star digital monitoring, so you can track humidity from your phone!

4️⃣ Season Your Humidor Properly

Before adding cigars, season your humidor to stabilize its humidity:

1️⃣ Wipe the interior lightly with distilled water.
2️⃣ Place a small dish of distilled water inside.
3️⃣ Let it sit for 24-48 hours before adding cigars.

Boveda Starter sets are a good option, although take 14 days to fully season your new humidor!

This prevents cigars from absorbing moisture too quickly and drying out.

3 Common Cigar Humidity Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

❌ 1. Using Tap Water in Your Humidifier

Why it’s bad – Tap water contains minerals and chlorine, which can damage your cigars and humidifier.

✅ Solution: Always use distilled water or Boveda humidity packs.

❌ 2. Ignoring Temperature Control

Why it’s bad – High temperatures can cause humidity to spike, leading to mold or tobacco beetle infestations.

✅ Solution: Store your humidor in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat sources.

❌ 3. Checking Humidity Too Often

Why it’s bad – Opening your humidor too frequently causes humidity levels to fluctuate.

✅ Solution: Check humidity once a week, not every day. Use a digital hygrometer for accuracy.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Humidity Level for Cigars

So, what’s the magic number?

65-72% RH is the sweet spot, with most smokers preferring 70% RH at 70°F for optimal flavor and burn.

By maintaining the right humidity, you’ll ensure every cigar you smoke is smooth, flavorful, and burns perfectly—just as the master blenders intended.

What Do You Think?

✔ What humidity level do you keep your cigars at?
✔ Have you ever dealt with humidity problems?

Drop a comment below and let’s talk cigars! And if this guide helped you, share it with your fellow cigar lovers!