How Weather Can Affect Your Vape: Heat, Cold, and Everything in Between
As British Summer is now officially over, I thought it would be a good time to talk about coil life and device behaviour.
Vaping is all about enjoying smooth flavour, consistent vapour, and a hassle-free experience. But just like your smartphone or car, your vape isn’t immune to the effects of weather. Whether you’re basking in the summer sun or braving winter winds, temperature and humidity can have a big impact on your device and e-liquid.
One of the most common issues? Hotter temperatures can cause your e-liquid to thin and leak. Let’s break down why that happens—and how you can prevent it—along with other weather-related vaping challenges.
Why Hotter Weather Can Cause E-Liquid to Thin and Leak
Your vape juice is a mix of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine. These ingredients react to heat just like many other liquids—they become less viscous. In other words: the hotter it gets, the thinner your e-liquid becomes.
Here’s why that matters:
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Thinner liquid flows faster through your wick and into your coil.
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If it flows too quickly, your tank can flood.
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Extra liquid in the coil chamber often escapes through airflow holes, causing leaks.
Example: If you leave your vape in a hot car, the tank’s metal parts (including your battery) can expand slightly, and air pressure changes can push liquid out. Combine that with thinner juice and you’ve got a recipe for a messy pocket.
How to prevent heat-related leaks:
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Store your vape in a cool, shaded place—never in direct sunlight or a hot vehicle. Not only can it cause leaking problems, but extreme heat can also cause damage to your battery unit.
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Keep your tank upright to reduce the chance of juice seeping out.
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Use higher VG liquids in summer—VG is thicker and less prone to heat-thinning.
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Don’t overfill your tank—leave a little space for liquid expansion.
Cold Weather and Your Vape
While heat makes juice thinner, cold weather does the opposite—it thickens e-liquid. This can cause wicking problems, where the liquid doesn’t absorb into the coil quickly enough, leading to dry hits.
In freezing conditions, battery efficiency also drops, meaning shorter vaping time between charges.
Tips for vaping in cold weather:
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Keep your vape close to your body to keep it warm.
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Use a slightly higher PG liquid for thinner consistency in the cold.
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Make sure batteries are fully charged before heading out.
Humidity and Rain
High humidity can make condensation form inside the drip tip and airflow channels, while rain or water exposure can damage internal electronics. Always keep your vape in a waterproof pouch or case during wet conditions.
Final Thoughts
Weather might seem harmless, but it can directly affect the performance, flavour, and lifespan of your vape. By understanding how heat, cold, and humidity change your e-liquid and device, you can adapt your habits to keep vaping smooth year-round.
So next time the temperature climbs, remember: hotter weather means thinner liquid—and more risk of leaks. A little prevention goes a long way toward keeping your vape in top shape.
Do you change your flavour based on weather?
