Storing Cigars: Temperature, Humidity and Humidors
65–70% relative humidity at 16–20°C is the golden zone for keeping and ageing cigars.
Published 08/23/2026
Photo: MajestyWoodworks · CC BY 4.0
Cigars are alive: they absorb and release moisture with their environment. Poor storage makes them dry, cracked and fast-burning — or damp, mouldy and prone to beetles.
The golden numbers
| Parameter | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Relative humidity | 65%–70% |
| Temperature | 16°C–20°C |
Above 24°C the eggs of the tobacco beetle (Lasioderma) may hatch, so temperature matters as much as humidity.
The humidor
- A Spanish cedar lining buffers humidity, deters insects and adds aroma
- Season a new humidor first: wipe the interior with distilled water and let a humidifier run for 1–2 days before adding cigars
- Two-way humidity packs (65% or 69%) remove the guesswork
- Calibrate your hygrometer regularly
Ageing
In a stable environment many Habanos age gracefully for years, becoming rounder and more harmonious. When ageing full boxes, keep the original packaging and cedar sheets.
FAQ
- Bloom or mould? Bloom (plume) is fine, even crystals that brush off; mould is fuzzy, coloured and smells musty.
- My cigars are too dry. Rehydrate slowly, raising humidity gradually to avoid cracking the wrapper.