The evolution of the thermal field around a rotating/spinning sphere interacting with an advecting vortex is investigated using numerical methods in the Reynolds number range 20 less than or equal to Re less than or equal to 300 for particle angular velocities of 0 less than or equal to Omega less than or equal to 0. 5. It is found that particle rotation and the presence of the vortex significantly influence the heat transfer distribution locally but the time-averaged values are less affected as compared to classical laminar flow over a solid sphere. Computations in combination with surface blowing indicate that blowing significantly reduces overall heat transfer rates but has a very limited influence in damping out the transients caused by an advecting vortex. A heat transfer correlation for the vortex interaction is also provided. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.