[Objective] To obtain the mechanisms of vegetation coverage variations and its response to the regional air temperature in Niubeiliang Natural Reserve so as to provide the references for eco-construction and management for this region. [Methods] Based on the air temperature data from 1975 to 2013 and NDVI data during 2000-2013 of Qinling Mountains, GIS spatial analysis techniques, relevant test and regression analysis method was utilized. [Results] (1) During the last 40 years, the air temperature increasing rate was 0.30℃/10 a, the warming trend was abrupt in 1999. (2) Vegetation in this region had an insignificant reducing trend from 2000 to 2013, but had relative big seasonal and regional variations. (3) When observed at annual scale, NDVI mainly correlated positively with air temperature; at seasonal scale, spring NDVI showed a significant positive correlation with air temperature; NDVI of summer and air temperature showed an insignificant positive correlation; correlation between NDVI of autumn and the temperature was negative. At monthly scale, vegetation had different responses to NDVI. [Conclusion] NDVI was closely related to the air temperature, and was mostly sensitive to the temperature variation in May. Vegetation at middle and high altitude areas was more sensitive to temperature variation than the one at low altitude.