When it comes to cigar storage, one number matters more than almost anything else: relative humidity, often shown as RH.
If your humidor is too dry, your cigars can become brittle, harsh, and difficult to enjoy. If it is too humid, they may feel soft, burn unevenly, or become harder to draw. That is why many cigar owners ask the same question:
Should cigars be stored at 65%, 69%, or 72% RH?
The simple answer is that there is no single perfect number for every cigar, every smoker, and every climate. However, most premium cigars are best stored somewhere between 65% and 72% RH. The right point within that range depends on your smoking preference, your environm
What Does RH Mean?
RH stands for relative humidity. It tells you how much moisture is in the air compared with the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.
For cigar storage, RH is important because cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves. These leaves constantly absorb and release moisture. A good humidor creates a stable environment so your cigars stay balanced instead of drying out or becoming too damp.
In most cases, cigar collectors aim for a humidity range between 65% and 72% RH. This range helps preserve the cigar’s structure, aroma, and smoking quality.
ent, and the type of humidor you use.
Why There Is No “One Perfect RH”
Many people hear the old rule: 70% RH and 70°F.
This is a useful starting point, but it is not a strict rule for every situation. Some cigar smokers prefer a slightly drier setup because it can improve the burn and draw. Others prefer a slightly higher humidity level, especially if they live in a dry climate or store cigars for a longer period.
The best humidity level depends on several factors:
Your local climate
Your humidor size
The type of cigars you store
How often you open the humidor
Whether you prefer a drier or softer smoking experience
Whether you are storing cigars short-term or long-term
That is why 65%, 69%, and 72% RH can all be correct in different situations.
65% RH: A Drier, Cleaner Smoking Experience
65% RH is often preferred by cigar smokers who like a cleaner draw and more consistent burn.
At this humidity level, cigars usually feel slightly firmer. They may burn more evenly and produce fewer issues with tight draws or excess moisture. Many experienced smokers prefer this range, especially for cigars they plan to smoke soon.
Best for:
Cigars you plan to smoke regularly
People who prefer an easier draw
Warm or humid climates
Cigars that tend to feel too soft at higher humidity
Reducing the risk of over-humidification
Possible downside:
If your environment is already very dry, 65% RH may feel too low for long-term storage. Cigars may lose moisture faster if the humidor is opened often or not properly sealed.
69% RH: The Balanced Middle Ground
For many cigar owners, 69% RH is the best everyday storage range.
It sits comfortably between dry and humid. Cigars stored around 68% to 70% RH usually maintain a good balance of firmness, aroma, and burn performance. This is why many humidity packs are designed around this range.
If you are new to cigar storage and unsure where to start, 69% RH is a safe and practical target.
Best for:
Most everyday cigar storage
Beginner cigar collectors
Mixed cigar collections
Tabletop humidors
Cabinet humidors
People who want balance between flavor, texture, and burn
Possible downside:
Some cigars may still feel slightly dry or slightly damp depending on the tobacco blend, ring gauge, and your local climate. Fine-tuning may still be needed.
72% RH: Extra Moisture for Dry Conditions
72% RH is useful when your environment is dry, your humidor is large, or your cigars need a little extra moisture support.
This range can help prevent cigars from drying out in desert climates, during winter, or in rooms with strong heating or air conditioning. It may also be helpful when seasoning a new humidor or stabilizing a cabinet with a lot of Spanish cedar.
Best for:
Dry climates
Winter storage
Large humidors or cigar cabinets
New humidors after seasoning
Cigars stored for longer periods
Humidors that lose humidity quickly
Possible downside:
For some cigars, 72% RH can be too high. Cigars may feel soft, burn unevenly, or have a tighter draw. If your cigars are consistently hard to light or keep going out, your humidity may be too high.
How to Choose the Right RH for Your Cigars
The best way to choose your RH is to start with your environment and smoking style.
Choose 65% RH if:
You smoke your cigars often.
Your cigars feel too soft.
Your draw feels too tight.
Your cigars burn unevenly or go out often.
You live in a warm or humid area.
Choose 69% RH if:
You want a reliable everyday setting.
You are new to using a humidor.
You store different cigar brands and sizes together.
You want a balanced starting point.
Choose 72% RH if:
You live in a dry climate.
Your indoor air is very dry during winter.
Your humidor struggles to maintain humidity.
You are using a larger cabinet-style humidor.
Your cigars feel too dry or brittle.
Temperature Matters Too
Humidity is important, but temperature also affects cigar storage.
A humidor placed in direct sunlight, near a heater, or beside an air conditioner may experience humidity swings. Even if the hygrometer shows the right RH, unstable temperature can still affect your cigars.
For best results, keep your humidor in a cool, stable indoor location. Avoid windows, direct sunlight, heating vents, and rooms with extreme temperature changes.
Signs Your Humidity Is Too Low
Your humidor may be too dry if:
The cigar wrapper looks cracked.
The cigar feels brittle.
The cigar burns too hot or too fast.
The flavor feels sharp or harsh.
The humidity reading keeps dropping.
If this happens, check your hygrometer, inspect the seal, and consider adding a higher RH humidity pack or reconditioning the humidor.
Signs Your Humidity Is Too High
Your humidor may be too humid if:
Cigars feel soft or spongy.
The draw feels too tight.
The cigar keeps going out.
The burn line is uneven.
The wrapper feels overly moist.
If this happens, reduce the humidity level, open the humidor briefly to allow air exchange, and make sure the humidification source is not too strong for the size of the humidor.
Should You Store All Cigars at the Same RH?
Most casual cigar owners can store their cigars together in one humidor around 68% to 70% RH.
However, if you have a large collection, you may prefer to separate cigars by strength, brand, wrapper type, or smoking preference. Some cigar lovers keep one humidor slightly drier for cigars they plan to smoke soon and another slightly more humid for longer-term storage.
For larger collections, a cabinet humidor with multiple drawers or trays can make organization easier. It also allows better airflow and cleaner separation between different cigar types.
Best RH for a New Humidor
If your humidor is brand new, do not add cigars immediately.
A new humidor should be seasoned first so the Spanish cedar interior can absorb moisture and stabilize. During the seasoning process, humidity may rise and fall as the wood adjusts. This is normal.
Once the humidor can hold a stable reading for at least 24 hours, you can add cigars gradually.
For most new humidors, starting around 69% to 72% RH is practical. After the humidor becomes stable, you can adjust based on how your cigars feel and smoke.
Best RH for Marvero Humidors
For most Marvero cigar humidors, a good starting point is:
69% RH for everyday storage
65%–67% RH for cigars you smoke frequently
70%–72% RH for dry climates or larger storage cabinets
If your Marvero humidor has multiple trays, drawers, or a larger cedar interior, give it enough time to stabilize after seasoning. Larger humidors naturally take longer to balance because there is more wood and more interior space.
The key is not to chase the number every hour. Instead, watch the overall trend. A stable humidor is more important than a perfect number that constantly changes.
Final Recommendation
So, should you choose 65%, 69%, or 72% RH?
For most cigar owners, the best answer is:
Start at 69% RH.
Move closer to 65% RH if your cigars feel too soft, draw too tightly, or burn unevenly.
Move closer to 72% RH if your cigars feel dry, your climate is very dry, or your humidor struggles to hold moisture.
Cigar storage is about balance. Once you understand how humidity affects your cigars, you can fine-tune your humidor to match your collection, your climate, and your personal smoking preference.
A well-maintained humidor does more than store cigars. It helps protect the flavor, aroma, and experience you expect from every smoke.
