This species can be found in dry steppes, semi-deserts, and cultivated fields during the breeding season in Central Asia. During migration and in winter, it favors grasslands, semi-deserts, coastal mudflats, and saltpans in East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent.

Observe Caspian Plovers by scanning open, flat areas where they forage with characteristic short runs and sudden stops, followed by head-down pecking. They are generally active during the day. Their call is a sharp, often trilling 'chip' or 'churr', which can help in identification. While generally wary, their open habitat preference often allows for good viewing with optics.

Caspian Plovers are present on their breeding grounds from late April to early September, with breeding activity peaking from May to July. They undertake a significant southward migration to their wintering grounds, arriving from September onwards and remaining until March or April before returning north. Migration periods offer opportunities to see them at stopover sites.