To investigate the spatio_temporal evolution characteristics of land surface temperature (LST) in Hunan Province, this study utilizes MODIS LST data and the methods including Sen,s slope analysis, Mann_Kendall test, Hurst index and spatial autocorrelation analysis to analyze the daytime LST variation from 2003 to 2024. The results indicate that: (1) From 2003 to 2024, the annual average daytime LST in Hunan Province is 22. 50 ℃, with a linear decreasing trend of - 0. 025 1 ℃ per year. Except in summer, the area proportion showing an increasing trend in daytime LST is lower than that showing a decreasing trend. Over 85. 89% of the regions exhibit statistically insignificant trends in annual and seasonal daytime LST variations. (2) Future projections indicate anti_persistent trends in daytime LST across most regions of Hunan Province. This is reflected by the area proportions on an annual scale varying from increasing to decreasing, decreasing to increasing, persistent decreasing, and persistent increasing at 22. 72%, 69. 12%, 5. 80%, and 2. 37%, respectively. (3) Annual daytime LST in Hunan Province ranges between 14. 19 ℃ and 32. 05 ℃. The area proportions of extreme high temperature, high temperature, extreme low temperature, and low temperature are 6. 58%, 26. 89%, 6. 68%, and 26. 33%, respectively. The spatial distribution patterns of different LST levels at annual and seasonal scales remain consistent in daytime, with extreme high temperature and high temperature zones mainly distributed in the southeast of Hunan and extreme low temperature and low temperature zones in the Greater Western Hunan region. (4) Daytime LST in Hunan Province demonstrates significant spatial autocorrelation with distinct clustering phenomena. The southern Hunan basin is the core hotspot area, whereas the hilly and mountainous areas of Greater Western Hunan serve as concentrated cold island regions. This study provides references for monitoring the spatiotemporal variations of LST in Hunan Province, developing and utilizing eco_meteorological resources, and safeguarding regional ecological environment security.