This paper describes the heat distribution characteristics of ASTM A131DH36 high tensile steel for ship structures in 5㎾ $CO_2$ laser welding. In general, high energy of laser beam concentrates on the small area of the weldment instantaneously; therefore, this heat transfer mechanism induces the rapid changes of temperature and mechanical characteristics in laser welds this mechanism. So temperature distribution analysis is important to understand mechanical characteristics of laser welds. Authors have conducted finite element simulation to analyze the heat distribution characteristics in laser welds. The result of simulation has been verified by comparing with the metallurgical experiment result. From the result of this study, we can accurately predict the heat distribution characteristics in laser welds by using numerical simulation.