The effect of water dynamics is well known for some aspects of turtle biology, particularly for egg incubation. The role water plays during migration from the nest to the aquatic environment, however, is not well understood. To evaluate water loss and movement patterns of hatchling turtles during migration, we conducted an experimental release of 463 hatchling snapping turtles, Chelydra serpentina, under ecologically relevant field conditions. We recaptured 62.9% of hatchlings released, and 90% of these were caught during the first four days following release. Hatchlings migrating for less time lost more water than those migrating for a longer time; changes in water content ranged from 1.2% to −4.7%. Mean air temperature during the recapture interval was positively correlated with water loss. Furthermore, hatchlings lost significantly more water when recaptured during periods with no rainfall compared to intervals with rainfall (14.5% and 8.3% water loss, respectively). Additionally, more hatchlings were recaptured during precipitation events and intervals with intermediate mean air temperatures. Alternative strategies for migration may exist such that some hatchlings move quickly to the water, minimizing exposure to predators, but increasing water loss and risk of desiccation. Other hatchlings may wait for optimal weather conditions (i.e., moderate air temperatures and precipitation), increasing exposure to predators, but limiting water loss. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relative risks and benefits associated with each strategy.