As box turtle do require slight moisture, an occasional rain will cause no harm, but the turtle should be protected from freezing and flooding. Box turtle reemerge from March through May depending on the climate. Unlike desert tortoises, box turtles should not be allowed to hibernate in a dry box. They may die from dehydration. Box turtles kept indoors and warm during the winter may not hibernate, but may reduce their food intake for a short period.
Some box turtles insist on hibernating.
These may be given moist sphagnum moss to burrow into and should be moved into a cooler area such as a closet or unheated room for about 6-8 weeks or so, but care should be taken to make sure that the substrate remains moist and does not dry out. As with other turtles, sick and weak box turtles should not be allowed to hibernate. A box turtle that has not stored sufficient fat may not live through hibernation. Exotics Turtles and tortoises from temperate climates such as Europe may hibernate. If this happens, soak the animal in a shallow pool of warm water and increase the humidity by regularly misting or spraying the living area.