The heat budget of the atmosphere-ocean-land system in the Indian Ocean region (30°N–30°S, 30–120°E) is studied on the basis of ocean surface heat flux calculations from long-term ship observations and satellite-derived estimates of net radiation at the top of the atmosphere. The hydrosphere to the north of the equator exports heat at rates of 5 × 1014 W for the year as a whole, and more than 8 × 1014 W during the northern summer (May–October) half-year, respectively. In contrast, the heat budget of the Southern Hemisphere water is dominated by the seasonal storage/depletion of heat transferred through the ocean surface. Oceanic heat export/import is small for this region during both the November–April and May–October half-years, and near zero for the year as a whole. The mean annual net meridional oceanic heat transport is directed southward throughout the study area, reaching a maximum of 8 × 1014 W at 10–15°S. From heat balance considerations, the annual average upwelling north of the equator ... Abstract The heat budget of the atmosphere-ocean-land system in the Indian Ocean region (30°N–30°S, 30–120°E) is studied on the basis of ocean surface heat flux calculations from long-term ship observations and satellite-derived estimates of net radiation at the top of the atmosphere. The hydrosphere to the north of the equator exports heat at rates of 5 × 1014 W for the year as a whole, and more than 8 × 1014 W during the northern summer (May–October) half-year, respectively. In contrast, the heat budget of the Southern Hemisphere water is dominated by the seasonal storage/depletion of heat transferred through the ocean surface. Oceanic heat export/import is small for this region during both the November–April and May–October half-years, and near zero for the year as a whole. The mean annual net meridional oceanic heat transport is directed southward throughout the study area, reaching a maximum of 8 × 1014 W at 10–15°S. From heat balance considerations, the annual average upwelling north of the equator ...