Utilizing remote sensing technology to investigate the spatiotemporal changes of surface water bodies in the Yellow River Basin over the years holds significant practical significance for the development of ecological civilization and high-quality growth in the basin. This study is based on Google Earth Engine to acquire Landsat-8 satellite imagery and utilizes the random forest classification method for efficient production of quarterly surface water datasets from 2013 to 2022. By dynamically monitoring the seasonal trends and characteristics of surface water area in the Yellow River Basin at both temporal and spatial scales, it also delves into the factors influencing the changes in surface water area. The findings of the research indicate that over the past decade, there has been a gradual upward trend in surface water area in the Yellow River Basin at the temporal scale, accompanied by noticeable seasonal disparities. At the spatial scale, a distinct distribution pattern emerges, characterized by "less in the central region and more in the surrounding areas". The upstream region is influenced by a multitude of factors such as climate conditions and human activities, with surface water area changes showing relatively weak correlation with climate factors. Conversely, in the middle and downstream regions, surface water area exhibits a positive correlation with both precipitation levels and surface temperature.