How Temperature and Humidity Affect Your Guitar

Written By Caleb Holgerson

Did you know the weather can affect your guitar?

Guitars are made of wood and wood reacts to its environment. That means temperature and humidity changes can affect how your guitar sounds, feels, and even how long it lasts.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your instrument safe and stable.

🌡️ Temperature: Avoid the Extremes

  • Excess heat can cause glue joints to weaken and finishes to soften or crack.

  • Freezing temps can cause wood to shrink or even crack, especially if you bring it inside too quickly.

  • Fast temperature changes are the worst. Don’t leave your guitar in a hot car or cold garage.

Best practice: Keep your guitar in a temperature-controlled room, and let it warm up gradually if it’s been in the cold.

💧 Humidity: Balance Is Everything

  • Too dry? Wood can shrink, crack, or cause fret ends to poke out

  • Too humid? Wood swells and your action goes way off

Acoustic guitars are especially sensitive, but electric guitars aren’t immune.

Ideal humidity range: Around 45%–55%

🎯 Quick Tips to Protect Your Guitar

  • Use a case to buffer against temp and humidity swings

  • Add a humidifier (especially for acoustics) in dry months

  • Avoid storing near heaters, windows, or vents

  • If it feels off, get a setup - guitars can benefit from seasonal adjustments

Caleb Holgerson
Next

Refurbished Guitars Explained: What You Need to Know