A method, a tool, and a system for modeling sediment surface paleo-temperature are provided. The method includes: determining a latitudinal temperature gradient of a location for a time period in the geologic past based on a depositional environment of the location during the time period; determining a surface temperature of the location during the time period using the latitudinal temperature gradient and a latitude of the location during the time period; and modifying the surface temperature at the location during the time period based on an altitude of the location during the time period.