As a constructive species in arid area,Populus has important significance for maintaining the ecological environment. Under the background of global change,however,the drought variation in distribution area of Populus euphratica is not clear. This study used statistical methods such as Mann - Kenda11 trend test to analyze the characteristics of temporal and spatial changes in the Palmer Drought Index(PDSI) in global distribution area of Populus euphratica during 1960 - 2012. The results show that:(1) In 1960 - 2012,the average PDSI had a significantly(P < 0.01) increasing trend with a rate of 0.259 per decade. Among them,the increasing rate of autumn average PDSI was the largest with the rate of 0.26 per decade while the winter PDSI showed a downward trend with the rate was - 0.18 per decade.(2) Simultaneously,there were obvious differences in the space PDSI index. During 40 °E ~ 50 ° E,2.5 ° S ~ 37.5 ° N,PDSI was on the decline,indicating the climate in this area tended to be dry. The decreasing rate of PDSI in Iran South and other regions(or countries) was minimum with a rate of 0.38 per decade(P < 0.01). However,the decreasing rate of PDSI in Kenya Eastern was the largest and was 0.696 per decade(P < 0.01).(3) During 35 °E ~ 37.5 °E,35 ° N ~ 37.5 ° N and 65 ° E ~ 105 ° E,22.5 ° N ~ 47.5 ° N,PDSI showed a rising trend,which illustrates that the climate had become relatively humid. Xinjiang was the area with the fastest growth rate of PDSI,which was 0.444 per decade(P < 0.01). Followed by Morocco,Syria,Iraq,Turkey and other countries,where the average PDSI growth rate was 0.325 per decade,but the trend was not significant. In Hexi corridor,Inner Mongolia and other regions and countries such as Pakistan,Kazakhstan,PDSI growth rate was low,which was 0.193 per decade and 0.166 per decade.