UKC

Following on from the recent “Dew point” thread, I’m wondering which matters more for rock climbing: relative humidity or absolute humidity. Any thoughts?

Cheers

Al

Relative. That's the one that determines whether sweat and grease and sea ming can evaporate.

dew point as well, as if the rock face temperature drops below dew point then it will wet out.  

Thanks.  Today we climbed at 9am, at 15C and 60% relative humidity, then at 3pm, 24C and 30% RH. Guess which one felt sweaty! Both in the shade. 
 

I spent a while logging humidity in search of the perfect send conditions.

I found it mattered a bit for DWS and some coastal stuff. And its good to be able to predict when the crag might have condensation. 

For most other stuff, I found the temperature far more important, and windy conditions more useful than low humidity conditions. 

Interesting, thanks.