This study explored vegetation growth dynamics and their response to hydrothermal changes in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, using GIMMS and MODIS NDVI datasets. The findings reveal: (1) From 2001 to 2019, the MODIS NDVI growth rate (0.0040/a) exceeded the GIMMS NDVI rate (0.0009/a) from 1982 to 2015. (2) The years 1995, 2013, and 1998 are inflection points for GIMMS NDVI, MODIS NDVI, and the annual average temperature, respectively, marking shifts from negative to positive anomalies. (3) Specifically, 56.88% of the area exhibits a significant upward trend for GIMMS NDVI, 69.18% for MODIS NDVI, and 92.5% for the average annual temperature. However, the rainfall trends are inconclusive. (4) Both NDVI datasets show a strong positive correlation with temperature. However, the correlation of MODIS NDVI with temperature was weaker than that of GIMMS NDVI. (5) Broadleaf forests (BDF), coniferous forests (NDF), and tropical monsoon rainforests (TMF) exhibited a significant positive correlation with temperature across both NDVI datasets. In contrast, farmland (FL), grassland (GL), and shrublands(SHR) exhibit varying relationships with temperature. This study enhances our understanding of the interaction between vegetation and climate change on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, providing insights into regional ecological conservation.