Here we analyzed the influence of climate warming on serious low temperature and cold damage and cultivation patterns of spring maize in the northeast provinces, based on 47a (1961～2007) data from 78 meteorological stations, in combination with temperature anomaly index of maize in growing season. Our results indicated that: (1) from the 1960s to the early 21st century, serious low temperature and cold damage in spring maize growing season decreased gradually. However, the frequencies of serious low temperature and cold damage were still high in some regions, because the fluctuation of air temperature varied from place to place. Average frequencies of serious low temperature and cold damage were higher in the northeast than those of the southwest from 1961 to 2007. The maximum appeared in the northern part of Heilongjiang Province (38%), while the minimum value was found in southern Liaoning Province (4%). (2) The potential cultivation boundaries of several maize varieties extended northward and eastward, likely due to the climatic warming. The early-maturing varieties were gradually replaced by late-maturing varieties, and the potential cultivation areas of late-maturing variety were expanded gradually. (3) However, with the northward and eastward expanding of maize cultivation area, the frequencies of serious cold damage and the agricultural risks were greatly increased.