Variation of SST and its time-space distribution in the tropical western Pacific and the Indian Ocean are studied by using the comprehensive ocean-atmosphere data set (COADS). The average distributions of SST in the winter and summer seasons over the ocean domain are given and the relationships between the few areas in which SST anomalies are relatively active and the other areas in the domain are discussed. Based on the analysis of the time-space distribution features of SST anomaly,some space distribution patterns and their evolution with time are obtained.