The variation of winter temperature in Dalian is analyzed by using the data set of the monthly mean global sea surface temperature (SST), NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and winter temperature data in Dalian from 1960 to 2000. The possible relations between winter temperature anomalies in Dalian and prophase SST over the Indian Ocean are also studied. It is found that waters within 5°S－5 °N, 60°－75°E are the key areas of sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) that affect the winter temperature of these regions from April to July. Through the longterm airsea interactions, the prophase SSTA affected the later general circulation. There are significant differences in the sealevel pressure anomaly (SLPA), height anomaly at 500 hPa and zonal wind anomaly at 300 hPa fields in the warm/cold years in the key areas, especially notably differences in the Siberia high, East Asian trough, polarfront jet and the locations of polar vortices, resulting in winter temperature anomalies in Dalian.