A 3D model of heat transfer between the circular‐distributed water channel roll (CDWCR) and slab during ultrathick slab continuous casting process is established, considering the structure of water channels inside CDWCR and rotating contact between the roll and slab. The results show that the contribution of conduction heat transfer in the heating process of the roll is greater than that of radiation heat transfer, and maximum surface temperature of the roll is 460 K, located at the place where it is right out of contact with the slab, and the change of internal temperature of the roll lags behind the change of surface temperature. The temperature decreases gradually from the outside to the inside in the radial direction. The temperature of the CDWCR inside the circle of cooling water channels is no more than 325 K. The yield strength of CDWCR is analyzed, showing that the strength of the roll meets the requirements of using it in the process. In addition, the orthogonal method is used to analyze the influence factors on CDWCR temperature. The results indicate that the orders of factors affecting more are the contact angle, the slab temperature, the casting speed, and the inlet speed of cooling water.