What Is the 135 Rule for Cigars?
The 135 rule states that the ideal temperature and relative humidity for storing premium cigars should add up to no more than 135. The most common combination is 70°F temperature and 65% relative humidity — which equals exactly 135. Another popular pairing is 65°F and 70% RH.
This guideline exists because the relationship between heat and moisture is not linear. As temperature rises, the air's capacity to hold moisture increases, which means your cigars can absorb more water than intended. The result is a cigar that burns unevenly, tastes harsh, or worse — develops mold.
Why the 135 Rule Works
Premium cigars are made from natural tobacco leaf, which is hygroscopic — meaning it constantly exchanges moisture with its environment. The tobacco in a well-made cigar was originally cured and fermented at specific humidity levels, and it performs best when stored close to those conditions.
The 135 rule is a practical shorthand for keeping your cigars in the sweet spot where the tobacco stays supple, the oils are preserved, and the burn is even. Go too high on either number and you risk beetle hatching (above 72°F), mold growth, or wrapper cracking. Go too low and the cigar dries out, loses its oils, and becomes harsh and brittle.
How We Maintain It at Humidor on Austin
Our walk-in humidor at 804 Austin Avenue in Waco, Texas is climate-controlled to maintain a consistent 68–70°F with 65–68% relative humidity year-round. We use calibrated digital hygrometers and a commercial humidification system — not the foam-and-propylene-glycol setups you find in desktop humidors.
Every cigar in our inventory is rotated regularly to ensure even exposure. Cigars stored in our locker membership program are kept in the same controlled environment, so your personal collection ages exactly as it should.
What About Home Storage?
If you're storing cigars at home, the 135 rule is your starting point. A quality desktop humidor with a calibrated digital hygrometer is the minimum. We recommend:
- Temperature: 65–70°F (keep it away from windows and vents)
- Humidity: 65–68% RH (Boveda 65 packs are reliable and easy)
- Seasoning: New humidors must be seasoned before use — never put cigars in a dry cedar box
If you're serious about your collection, consider a locker membership at Humidor on Austin. Your cigars stay in our professional environment, and you have access to them any time we're open.
The Bottom Line
The 135 rule is not a rigid law — it's a practical guideline that has stood the test of time because it reflects how tobacco actually behaves. Keep your temperature and humidity numbers below 135 combined, lean toward the cooler and drier end of the range, and your cigars will reward you with consistent, enjoyable smoke every time.
Have questions about cigar storage? Come by the lounge at 804 Austin Avenue in downtown Waco. Our staff can walk you through everything from basic humidor setup to long-term aging strategies.
