Based on monthly in situ data collected at six sampling sites in Qiandaohu Lake between 2011 and 2012, the dynamic distributions of dissolved oxygen (DO) were analyzed and the relationships between DO and the environmental factors were investigated. The results showed that there were obviously vertical and temporal variations in the distributions of DO. In winter, the average values of DO were generally higher than those in other seasons, but no significant vertical distribution variation was found except Dabaqian. However, the vertical differences of DO in summer were larger than those in spring and autumn. Moreover, the maximum values of DO found in euphotic zone at the sites of Xiaojinshan, Santandao, Dabaqian in summer were 11.59, 12.52, 10.96 mg x L(-1), respectively. The maximum DO at surface layer was found in spring while the minimum value appeared in autumn. Seasonal differences in relationships between dissolved oxygen and water temperature, pH, and Chla concentration were discussed. In summer, highly significant linear correlation between DO and water temperature was found indicating that the temperature thermal stratification was the key factor to influence the vertical distribution of DO. The relative higher correlation coefficients between DO and pH, Chla concentration in spring and summer were due to the phytoplankton photosynthesis.