If you're new to the world of cigar storage, you've likely seen a small gizmo in a humidor with a percentage. That piece of equipment is called a cigar hygrometer and if you use it, your cigars will be fresher, tastier and ready for smoking.

The relative humidity (RH) of your humidor is measured by a hygrometer. Humidity is important to cigars because they are sensitive to humidity changes: keeping an eye on this level can help you detect problems before your cigars are too dry or too moist.

But what should the reading of a cigar hygrometer be? Which type of model do you require, a digital or analog type? Where should this be put? And how does it work with a humidifier?

This easy-to-understand guide covers everything you need to know about cigar hygrometers and how they are part of a full cigar storage system.

What Is a Cigar Hygrometer?

A cigar hygrometer is a device that measures the relative humidity inside your humidor.

Relative humidity is a percentage and is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air relative to how much moisture the air can hold at a specific temperature.

This measurement is relevant when storing cigars as tobacco requires a controlled environment. Cigars can get very dry and brittle if they get too dry. Cigars can face moisture issues and be harder to light as well as draw when humidity levels are too high.

Think of a hygrometer as the monitor for your humidor. Your humidifier adds or maintains moisture, while the hygrometer tells you what is actually happening inside the storage environment.

Why Do You Need a Hygrometer for Cigars?

A humidor can look perfectly fine from the outside while the conditions inside are changing.

Without a hygrometer, you have no reliable way to know whether your cigars are being stored at the humidity level you want.

A hygrometer helps you:

  • Monitor relative humidity inside your humidor

  • Identify humidity changes early

  • Check whether your humidification system is working properly

  • Protect cigars from becoming excessively dry or moist

  • Maintain more consistent conditions for long-term storage

  • Make informed adjustments to your humidifier

For cigar enthusiasts, this makes a hygrometer one of the most useful cigar accessories to keep inside a humidor.

What Humidity Should a Cigar Hygrometer Read?

There is no single humidity percentage that every cigar smoker must use. However, many cigar storage setups are maintained somewhere around 65%–72% RH, with approximately 68%–70% RH being a common target range.

The ideal setting can depend on your cigars, humidor, personal smoking preference, and storage environment.

As a general Cigar Humidification Guide:

Below 65% RH:
Cigars may gradually lose moisture and become dry, potentially affecting their texture, burn, and flavor.

Around 65%–70% RH:
This is a commonly preferred range for balanced cigar storage.

Around 70%–72% RH:
Some cigar smokers prefer slightly higher humidity, but the environment should still be monitored consistently.

Above 72% RH:
Consistently high humidity deserves attention because excessive moisture can create storage and smoking problems.

The most important factor is not chasing one exact number every minute. Consistency is key.

Digital vs. Analog Cigar Hygrometers

When shopping for a cigar hygrometer, you will generally come across two main types: digital and analog.

Digital Hygrometers

Digital hygrometers display humidity as a numerical percentage, often alongside temperature.

They are popular because the reading is easy to see and understand. Some models are compact enough to fit neatly inside desktop and travel humidors.

A digital hygrometer can be a great choice for beginners who want a straightforward way to monitor their humidor.

Analog Hygrometers

Analog hygrometers use a traditional dial and needle to display humidity.

They can complement the classic appearance of a wooden humidor and do not require a digital display or battery in some designs. However, analog models may require more attention to accuracy and calibration.

Which One Should You Choose?

For many beginners, a digital hygrometer is an easy choice because the percentage is simple to read.

However, the best option depends on your humidor, preferences, and how closely you want to monitor your cigars.

Whichever type you choose, accuracy matters more than appearance.

Where Should You Put a Hygrometer in a Humidor?

Reading can be influenced by placement.

Do not set the hygrometer next to your humidification source. The moisture level of the immediate area surrounding a humidifier may vary from that of the rest of the humidor.

Rather, the hygrometer is placed into the humidor in a location that will give a representative reading of the overall environment in the humidor. A central or prominent spot is a good choice for many humidors.

Multiple monitoring points can also be helpful if you have a large cabinet humidor as the humidity in other areas of the cabinet can differ.

Does a Hygrometer Need to Be Calibrated?

Yes, calibration is important if you want to trust your humidity readings.

Even a quality hygrometer can develop measurement differences over time. Calibration allows you to check the device against a known humidity reference and make adjustments when necessary.

Some cigar enthusiasts use dedicated calibration kits, while other methods are available. Always follow the calibration instructions provided for your particular hygrometer.

A simple rule is:

Don't assume a hygrometer is accurate just because it is new.

Checking its accuracy gives you greater confidence that the humidity percentage you're seeing reflects the actual conditions inside your humidor.

Hygrometer vs. Humidifier: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most important distinctions for beginners.

A hygrometer measures humidity.

A humidifier manages humidity.

They perform different jobs but work together.

For example, imagine your humidor starts becoming too dry. Your hygrometer detects the change and shows a lower RH reading. You can then check your humidification system and take the appropriate action.

This is why a complete humidor setup often includes both Humidifiers & Hygrometers.

A hygrometer tells you what is happening. A humidifier helps you control the environment.

What Are Cigar Oasis Humidifiers?

For cigar collectors who want more automated humidity management, Cigar Oasis Humidifiers offer an electronic approach to humidification.

Cigar Oasis systems use sensors to monitor humidity and activate the humidification system when the environment moves below the selected set point. Certain newer models also provide temperature and smart monitoring features.

This type of active humidification can be particularly useful for larger humidors and cigar collectors who want a more automated approach to humidity management.

However, an independent hygrometer can still be useful because it gives you another way to monitor the conditions inside your humidor.

How to Build a Better Cigar Storage Setup

If you're setting up your first humidor, don't think of the hygrometer as an isolated accessory. Think about the entire storage environment.

A basic setup can include:

  1. A quality humidor - Provides an enclosed environment for cigar storage.

  2. A reliable hygrometer - Lets you monitor relative humidity.

  3. A suitable humidifier - Helps maintain the desired humidity level.

  4. Properly stored cigars - Avoid overcrowding and allow suitable airflow.

  5. Regular monitoring - Check your readings and address unusual changes early.

For larger collections, an electronic system such as a Cigar Oasis humidifier can provide additional control and convenience.

Choose the Right Humidity Accessories for Your Humidor

Small, but mighty, a cigar hygrometer serves a big purpose: it helps you determine if your cigar room is under control.

A hygrometer provides a real reading of humidity; a guess at whether your cigars are getting adequate moisture.

The most effective way to achieve these results is to use a good hygrometer in conjunction with the correct humidification system and monitor the readings regularly. When it time for an upgrade, check out our Humidifiers & Hygrometers and other cigar accessories to make cigar care easy.

Looking for a more automated solution? To discover an active humidification system that is appropriate for your humidor, explore Cigar Oasis Humidifiers.

Ready to Protect Your Cigar Collection?

The right hygrometer helps you monitor humidity, while a quality humidifier helps keep conditions stable. Upgrade your humidor with trusted Humidifiers & Hygrometers and Cigar Oasis Humidifiers.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a cigar hygrometer do?
A cigar hygrometer measures the relative humidity inside a humidor. It helps cigar smokers monitor whether their storage environment is maintaining an appropriate and consistent humidity level.
2. What humidity should a cigar humidor be kept at?
Many cigar smokers maintain their humidors around 65%–72% RH, with approximately 68%–70% being a common target. The ideal level can vary depending on the cigars, humidor, and personal preference.
3. Is a digital or analog cigar hygrometer better?
Digital hygrometers are generally easier to read and are a popular choice for beginners. Analog hygrometers offer a traditional appearance but may require more frequent accuracy checks or calibration.
4. Do I need both a hygrometer and a humidifier?
Yes, they serve different purposes. A hygrometer measures humidity, while a humidifier helps maintain or adjust humidity. Using both gives you better control over your cigar storage environment.
5. How often should I check my cigar hygrometer?
Check your hygrometer regularly, especially when you first set up a humidor or make changes to your humidification system. Consistent monitoring helps you spot unusual humidity changes before they affect your cigars.