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Salinity problems are increasing in the semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil. Thus, detailed studies of the region’s cultured crops, primarily salt-tolerant species, are important. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the salt stress tolerance of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) seeds at different temperatures. This study was conducted in the Seed Analysis Laboratory, Agricultural Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba (Areia, PB, Brazil) by using seeds of four lima bean cultivars (Branca, Orelha de Vo, Rosinha, and Roxinha) in a randomized experimental design. Sodium chloride (NaCl) was used as a solute for salt-stress simulation at the following concentrations: 0.0 (control), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 dS m(-1); temperatures were maintained constant at 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 35 degrees C. Germination and vigor tests were performed to evaluate the treatment effects (first count, germination rate index, seedling length, and dry matter). Germination rate of lima bean seeds increased in salt concentrations up to 9 dS m(-1), and seeds of Roxinha cultivar exhibited the highest salinity tolerance. The development of lima bean cultivar seedlings was negatively affected at 35 degrees C under high-salinity conditions.