Abstract The estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is important in hydrology research, irrigation scheduling design and water resources management. This study explored the capability of eight machine learning models, i.e., Artificial Neuron Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Extreme Learning Machine and a novel Kernel-based Nonlinear Extension of Arps Decline (KNEA) Model, for modeling monthly mean daily ET0 using only temperature data from local or cross stations. These machine learning models were also compared with the temperature-based Hargreaves–Samani equation. The results indicated that the estimation accuracy of these machine learning models differed in various scenarios. The tree-based models (RF, GBDT and XGBoost) exhibited higher estimation accuracy than the other models in the local application. When the station has only temperature data, the MARS and SVM models were slightly superior to the other models, while the ANN and HS models performed worse than the others. When there was no temperature data at the target station and the data from adjacent stations were used instead, MARS, SVM and KNEA were the suitable models. The results can provide a solution for ET0 estimation in the absence of complete meteorological data.