Although not a large animal, it can put up a vigorous fight in self-defense, biting savagely. Its body temperature fluctuates relative to ambient temperature, tending to increase during warmer parts of the day and after its extensive sessions of sunbasking. It is predominantly diurnal, emerging in cool weather well after sunrise and retiring to its rock shelter before sunset. In warm weather it may remain out if there is a half- to full moon. It is reluctant to emerge if the weather is overcast or cold and does not do so at all during rainy periods, but it will seek shade during very hot weather.
Individuals regularly crowd together in holes to conserve heat.
Procavia may be found feeding at any time of the day, provided it is warm and sunny, with peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon. However, the actual time spent feeding is remarkably short for a vegetarian, amounting to less than an hour per day. Animals tend to stay near shelter but may forage 50-100 meters away. The diet includes a great variety of grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Procavia is predominantly a browser in some areas and a grazer in others.