Outside temperatures may be as important as humidity in understanding 
the thermodynamics of the biological part of a colony and the 
non-living part of the hive.  At tropical or subtropical temperatures, 
the integrity and tightness of the cavity is probably inconsequential.  
Air flow or heat exchange in the open areas surrounding the active part 
of the colony is probably beneficial.  Heat and air exchange possibly 
follows patterns similar to the open nests of the Asian conspecifics.

As one gets into the colder times of higher latitudes then cavity 
integrity, ventilation, insulation become more critical.  Anecdotally, 
I have followed overwintering colonies under two very different 
humidity regimes, but similar winter temperatures.  In northeastern 
Iowa, even with top ventilation openings, condensation and moisture are 
prevalent and perceived as a problem by beekeepers.  In the high desert 
of Colorado (38 N, 7000 feet above sea level) even with no top 
ventilation, I have seen no excess moisture inside hives at any 
temperature.  By the same token, some successful sideliners have fairly 
old boxes, use no insulation and if they control mites have decent 
overwintering survival. 

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