Based on the observational temperature and precipitation data of 107 stations in the upper Yangtze River basin during 1960-2008, the utilizable precipitation was calculated by Takahashi's evaporation equation and the relationship of water balance.The climatic characteristics of utilizable precipitation in the upper Yangtze River basin were studied by means of mathematical statistics, the analysis of REOF and M-K methods.The results showed that the seasonal variation of utilizable precipitation was obvious in the upper Yangtze River basin.The utilizable precipitation in the upper Yangtze River basin from May to September appeared two or three centers and the centers little moved.From October to April, the utilizable precipitation showed a gradual decrease from south to north.The analysis of REOF showed that the spatial distribution of the utilizable precipitation in the upper Yangtze River basin were abnormal in several types;southeast, northeast, middle part, northwest, north and southwest in summer half year.Precipitation played a crucial role in the utilizable precipitation.When the West Pacific Subtropical High(WPSH) shifted northward and westward(southward and eastward) in summer, the utilizable precipitation in the eastern part of upper Yangtze River basin was less(more).The utilizable precipitation in the eastem(northwestern) upper Yangtze River basin was less(more) while the East(South) Asian summer monsoon was stronger (weaker).