Dry vs humid air

[Exeter]

I don't know where my question should be posted. I try here.

Do you think the human body is better adapted to dry or humid air? What do you find more comfortable? Please discuss.

What is atmospheric humidity and how is it measured? ARL Frequently Asked Questions

[Lager]

It depends upon what you consider to be better.

Humid areas have a tendency to be around the equator. How advance are civilizations around the equator?

My assumption is that humans can adapt in humid areas easier as it’s warmer, but that doesn't necessarily make it better. Ancient civilizations who adapted in extremely cold environments probably evolved with more beneficial traits as they were forced to cope with more pressures.

[Menydh]

Neither Ancient nor Classic Civilisations evolved in cold areas (let alone extreme cold), nor in hot (or extreme hot) ones. They evolved in warm areas, with some hints towards civilisation in temperate areas.

As for dry vs humid, being the human body composed of a largely significant percentage of water, moderate humid regions are a better environment.

I feel uncomfortable when I am in dry regions. And even here which is a fairly humid area, I feel it when we have a dry wind blowing. I need a certain moist in the environment to feel comfortable. But I've also felt the strain of extreme humid environments, nearer to the Equator.

I also believe that there is quite a difference between people who are adapted to dry climates, versus people adapted to humid climates.

[Weltschmerz]

I like cold, sunny and dry days in the winter time. Foggy weather is the worst of the cold winter, I think. I freeze more in foggy weather even if the temperature is ten celsius degrees higher.

I like warm and humid days and even rain in the summer. Hot and dry is to me as bad as is winter fog.

I had the same preferences when travelling. Humid and warm I always liked, but hot and dry got me coughing, there was too much dust in the air.

[Arthur Gordon Pym]

I vote for dry, because the humid air makes my breathing a bit difficult.