The spatial distribution and variation of xerophytes in the Gurbantunggut Desert were analyzed based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) extracted from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) data from 2000 to 2016 combining MODIS surface temperature and TRMM precipitation data. The results showed that:(1) during 2000-2016, the coverage of xerophytes in the Gurbantunggut Desert fluctuated inter-annually, but steadily increased overall; (2) the spatial distribution of xerophytes in the desert showed obvious regional differences. The coverage was higher in the southern farmland area, lower in the central and eastern part, and lowest in the northwestern part; (3) the NDVI values reflecting the growth of xerophytes in the Gurbantunggut Desert was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation, and the effect of precipitation was greater than that of temperature. An obvious hysteresis effect existed between the NDVI value and temperature or precipitation, and was stronger between the NDVI value and precipitation.