Abstract This study determined the seasonal population fluctuation of Myzus cerasi (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in cherry orchards and the effect of different temperatures on the life-history parameters of these aphids under laboratory conditions. Our field results showed that the population fluctuations and densities of M. cerasi on cherry trees were positively affected by the temperature increase between seasons. Also, our laboratory results showed that M. cerasi survived and reproduced at all temperatures tested under laboratory conditions. Female longevity was observed as 19.00 ± 2.38, 18.72 ± 0.49, and 12.59 ± 0.74 days, and fecundity was 10.14 ± 2.26, 9.36 ± 0.59, and 7.27 ± 0.84 offspring/female at 20, 25, and 30 °C, respectively. Although the highest net reproductive rate (R0) was observed numerically at 25 °C (7.80 offspring/female), there was no significant difference compared to 20 °C (7.10 offspring/female). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the highest finite rate of increase (λ) were calculated at 30 °C (0.15 ± 0.01 and 1.16 ± 0.01 day−1, respectively), and there was no significant difference compared to 25 °C. The mean generation time (T) of M. cerasi showed a significant difference at all temperatures tested and decreased from 22.59 ± 0.33 days at 20 °C to 12.78 ± 0.37 days at 30 °C. Consequently, our results revealed that the seasonal population fluctuation and the life history of M. cerasi in the field and laboratory conditions were affected significantly by different temperatures. Our data obtained in the field and the laboratory will contribute to the understanding of M. cerasi biology and to the management of the pest.