Most activity is crepuscular. Emerges earlier than most bats. Migrates to hibernation site. May make long migratory flights. Though the migratory paths of individual bats are unknown, it is likely that some California silver-haired bats winter in Mexico.
Migration often results in occurrences in habitats or locations out of the normal range.
Abundance is erratic. Mates in autumn, beginning in late August. Sperm is stored over the winter. Lactation lasts about 36 days. The young are mature in their first summer.