This is the first research on the free vibration analysis of functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) viscoelastic annular plate resting on the visco-Pasternak foundation and subjected to the nonlinear temperature gradient and mechanical loading within the framework of higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). Hamilton's principle is employed to establish governing equations within the framework of HSDT. In this paper, viscoelastic properties are modeled according to Kelvin-Voigt viscoelasticity. The deflection as the function of time can be solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical method. Generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is applied to obtain a numerical solution. Numerical results are compared with those published in the literature to examine the accuracy and validity of the applied approach. A comprehensive parametric study is accomplished to reveal the influence of the stiffness of the substrate, patterns of temperature rise, axial load, damper and viscoelasticity coefficient, weight fraction and distribution patterns of GPLs and geometric dimensions of GPLs on the frequency response of the structure. The results revealed that applying sinusoidal temperature rise and locating more square-shaped GPLs in the vicinity of the top and bottom surfaces have important effect of the highest natural frequency and buckling load of the FG-GPLRC viscoelastic structure. •Free vibration analysis of FG-GPLRC viscoelastic annular plate is investigated.•The effects of the nonlinear temperature gradient and mechanical load is considered.•Hamilton's principle is employed to establish governing equations of motion within the framework of HSDT.•Viscoelastic properties are modeled according to Kelvin-Voigt viscoelasticity.•The deflection as the function of time can be solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical method.