The Southwestern speckled rattler is adaptive to rocky terrain and usually found in and near mountainous areas. The Mojave rattler, as with other ectothermic species, is dependent on the temperature of the desert. The desert supplies a comfortable habitat for the Mojave rattlesnakes survival. The temperature of the Mojave Desert fluctuates often making long stable temperatures uncommon. Extreme temperatures above 113F will kill snakes if they are exposed for long periods of time.
Snakes maintain their body temperatures by moving to warmer or cooler areas depending on weather.
If the temperature is cooler than normal they expose themselves to the sun, raising their body temperature. If hotter, then the snake will find cover often enough to cool off. The Mojave rattlesnakes are most active from April to September. During these months they are most visible due to the warm temperatures of the desert. In spring more snakes are seen because the snakes are hungry after winter hibernation and it is the mating season.