A method of deriving the sea surface temperature (SST) from space is described by using the infrared channels of NOAA-AVHRR radiometer with reference to a model atmosphere-ocean system. It was found that when free of stratospheric aerosols the combined use of channels 3 (3.7 μm), 4 (11 μm) and 5 (12 μm) is effective for the SST derivation for a moderate amount of precipitable water. However, in the case of a large amount of water vapor, its vertical profile has to be simultaneously determined to correct the water vapor effect. Furthermore, to evaluate the effect of the stratospheric aerosols on SST, the visible channels are also utilized for the atmospheric correction, where the radiation from the atmosphere is affected more by the presence of stratospheric aerosols.