The potential distribution and harm risk of golden apple snail, Pomacea canalicultata, on rice in Guangdong were identified and predicted based on GIS technology according to the temperature which was suitable for survival development of golden apple snails, and distribution in rice planting areas. The suitable habitat was widespread in summer and shrunk in winter, and it extended northward in summer and narrowed southward in winter. Golden apple snails could not survive in some north mountain areas of Guangdong during winter time, but both snails and their eggs could develop everywhere from May to October. As for the potential distribution, high and moderate occurrence region occupied 16.68% and 54.25% of the total area of Guangdong, respectively. Take the harm of the snails on rice as an example, potential risk level of golden apple snail was evaluated in paddy fields in Guangdong. The results showed that regions with serious damage risk accounted for 21.75% of the total area and mainly covered Zhanjiang, Maoming, Yangjiang areas. Moderate risky region which was mainly in paddy fields in central part of Guangdong occupied 63.16%, slight risky region occupied 14.47% of the paddy fields.