Kuwait sea surface temperature (SST) is an important water characteristic that affects the productivity of marine organisms and explains part of their behaviors. The spatial and temporal distributions of this important water characteristic should be well understood to obtain a better knowledge about this productive coastal environment. The aim of this project was therefore to study the spatial and temporal distributions of Kuwait SST using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images collected from January 2003 to July 2007. Kuwait SST was modeled based on the linear relationship between level 2 MODIS SST data and in situ SST data that I collected from the study area during July 2007 and those collected by the Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (EPA) between January 2003 and June 2007. MODIS SST images showed a significant relationship with in situ SST data (r 2 = 0.98, n = 118, RMSE = 0.7 o C). Kuwait SST images derived from MODIS data showed that northern Kuwait's waters including Kuwait Bay had lower SSTs compared with southern waters, especially south offshore waters. This spatial arrangement was dominant in the winter, middle and later summer, and fall, whereas in spring, especially in March and April, this spatial arrangement was totally reversed. May and June seemed to be a transition period between the two patterns. The spatial arrangement of Kuwait SST was mainly attributed to the northwestern counterclockwise water circulation of the Arabian Gulf, and wind direction and intensity. Kuwait SST exhibited the highest spatial variability in November and December, while the lowest spatial variability of SST was observed in February and March. The temporal variation of Kuwait SST was greatly influenced by the seasonal variation of solar intensity and air temperatures. Kuwait SST increased from January to August, and then decreased to December. The MODIS data comparing to in situ measurements provided a comprehensive view of Kuwait SST that improved the estimation of overall SST mean within Kuwait waters and provide better understanding of the water circulation on this important water characteristic. Thus, we recommend involving this method in monitoring Kuwait coastal environments.